What is the consequence of incomplete dehydration during tissue processing?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: The clearing agent cannot penetrate the tissue
Wax is not miscible with water. If dehydration is incomplete, the clearing agent (like xylene) and the subsequent paraffin wax cannot properly penetrate the tissue, leading to soft, mushy centers that are impossible to section.
Keep practicing
More Tissue Processing questions
- Which chemical is commonly used as a 'mordant' in the context of some fixatives?
- What is 'Autolysis'?
- Which of the following fixatives is best suited for preserving lipids?
- What is the primary hazard associated with the use of Xylene in the lab?
- What is the recommended ratio of fixative volume to tissue volume for effective fixation?
- Which processing step is specifically required for specimens like bone or teeth before routine processing?