Fixation (Part 2) Flashcards
Fixatives that do not bind or do not become part of the tissue
Non-additive fixatives
Examples of Non-additive fixative
Acetone and Alcohol
Fixatives that bind or become part of the tissue
Additive fixatives
All fixatives are additives EXCEPT for
Acetone and Alcohol
Types of fixatives as to ACTION
- Microanatomical fixatives
- Cytological fixatives
- Histochemical fixatives
Used to preserve parts of the cell such as nucleus and cytoplasm
Cytological
Used to preserve nuclear chromatin or parts of the nucleus
Nuclear fixatives
Examples of Nuclear fixatives (5)
Carnoy’s, Bouin’s, Newcomer’s, Heidenhain’s Susa, Flemmings with HAc
Used to preserve cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria, golgi apparatus, etc.
Cytoplasmic Fixatives
Examples of Cytoplasmic fixatives (4)
Regaud’s/Moller’s, Orth’s, Formalin with post chroming, Flemming’s without HAc
Used to preserve the chemical components of tissues
Histochemical Fixatives
Example of histochemical fixatives
Acetone (used for preserving enzymes)
How to prepare 1 liter of 10% formalin
Combine 100mL of 37-40% formalin to 900mL of distilled water
Disadvantage of formalin
Long time storage > has a tendency to precipitate
This will prevent the precipitation of formaldehyde to white paraformaldehyde for prolong storage
10% methanol
Mercuric chloride, chromate and lead fixatives are all under
Metallic fixatives
Most common __ fixative that is excellent for trichrome staining and tissue photography. Contains mercuric chloride as the basic ingredient
Mercuric chloride fixatives
Proposed as mercuric chloride substitute; also toxic to man
Zinc sulfate
preserves liver, spleen, connective tissue, and nuclei
Zenker’s fluid
preserves bone marrow
B5
for tumor skin biopsies preservation
Heidenhain’s Susa
preserves pituitary gland, bone marrow, spleen and liver
Helly’s fluid (Zenker formol or formol Zenker)
All chromate fixatives contain
Potassium Dichromate
preserves carbohydrate
1-2% chromic acid