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General Guidelines

Histopathology is the microscopic study of diseased tissue which is commonly performed by examining cells and tissues under a light microscope. Formalin-fixed tissues are sectioned (cut into a thin cross section that is only 3–5 µm thick with a microtome), stained and mounted on microscope slides. Certain tissues, such as bone and eye, require special processing techniques for optimal slide quality.

The standard solution for tissue preservation is 10% neutral buffered formalin. A buffer prevents acidity of the solution which can promote autolysis and cause precipitation of pigments in the tissues. Formalin penetrates tissues well, but the rate of penetration is relatively slow; therefore, tissue wedges no larger than 1.0 cm3 to 1.5 cm3 are recommended for ideal fixation. Formalin-fixation ensures the architecture and cellular characteristics of tissues are permanently preserved from further autolysis following sample collection. Tissue specimens should be fixed with formalin as soon after collection (for surgical biopsies) or as soon after the death of an animal (from necropsy) as possible. The minimum ratio of tissue to formalin is 1:20.

Please contact the Histopathology Laboratory if you have special test requests or if you have any questions about current test offerings.

Contact info:

• Angela Pillatzki – Pathologist, Histology Section Leader
• Amanda Brock – Histology technician
• Scott Goodpaster – Histology technician

Phone: 605-688-5171