S10 Technique

Question 1

What is the S10 solution derived from?

Answer 1

S10 solution is a derived form of silicone polymer

Question 2

What is the S10 technique and what is it suitable for?

Answer 2

 S10 technique is the most commonly utilized plastination technique and standard plastination technique

 Suitable for most specimen (dissected or un-dissected, whole or sliced) including the brain

Question 3

How does a specimen look after it is impregnated with S10?

Answer 3

Specimen impregnated with S10 result in opaque, more or less flexible and natural looking specimen

Question 4

How is fixation achieved?

Answer 4

Fixation is achieved is achieved by all standard fixatives

Question 5

Composition of the S10 solution:

Answer 5

 S10 (SILICONE POLYMER)

 S3 HARDENER

Question 6

DEHYDRATION PROCESS

Step 1:

Answer 6

Dehydration occurs in a -20˚C freezer to avoid shrinkage of specimen

Question 7

DEHYDRATION PROCESS

Step 2:

Answer 7

To start the dehydration process the specimen is immersed in 20% acetone.

The concentration of acetone is then gradually increased in units of 10% until 100% is reached

Question 8

DEHYDRATION PROCESS

Step 3:

Answer 8

The acetone concentration is monitored by use of an acetonometer

Question 9

DEHYDRATION PROCESS

Step 4:

Answer 9

Dehydration may take 4 – 12 weeks depending on the size of specimen

Question 10

DEHYDRATION PROCESS

Step 5:

Answer 10

Should it be necessary to remove fat from the tissue the specimen is removed from the cold and placed in a warm area

Question 11

FORCED IMPREGNATION

Steps 1 & 2:

Answer 11

 The S10 solution is prepared with 3% hardener

 S10 solution is placed in a container (size depends on size of specimen)

Question 12

FORCED IMPREGNATION

Steps 3 & 4:

Answer 12

 Immerse the specimen in the solution-filled container

 Place the container is a vacuum chamber with a negative pressure of 1.5KPL

Question 13

FORCED IMPREGNATION

Step 5:

Answer 13

The presence of the bubble inside the container is indicative of acetone being replaced by S10 solution.
Vacuum should continue until all bubbles have completely disappeared

Question 14

FORCED IMPREGNATION

Steps 6 & 7:

Answer 14

 Forced impregnation takes between 24 - 72 hrs

 The prepared specimen is removed from the solution and manually wiped to remove the excess S10

Question 15

CURING PHASE

Step 1:

Answer 15

The specimen is placed inside a closed curing chamber

Question 16

CURING PHASE

Step 2:

Answer 16

Inside the chamber are crucibles of S6 curing fluid. Inside the chamber a fan is built to circulate the S6 saturated air to encourage proper curing

Question 17

CURING PHASE

Step 3:

Answer 17

Alternatively a pipe blowing in fumes of S6 may be used

Question 18

CURING PHASE

Step 4:

Answer 18

Copper sulphate (anhydrous) kept in crucibles inside the chamber absorbs and removes moisture from within the container

Question 19

CURING PHASE

Step 5:

Answer 19

Curing takes between 12 – 24 hrs

Question 20

CURING PHASE

Step 6:

Answer 20

For specimens that need to be presented in a particular position e.g. on a dissected shoulder if the pectoralis major or minor needs to the splayed out then this is the stage for that to be done, pins, ties and other supports may be used to position the desired followed by curing