Histopathology Artifacts Quiz
ANSWER CASE 21
Polystyrene based mountants are made from a plastic dissolved in
xylene to which a plasticiser is usually added. It is important that
the correct plastic is chosen and an appropriate amount of
plasticiser is added and that the mountant has been tested for its
ageing qualities. If the mountant is not of satisfactory quality it
may break down in time. This effect is usually evident after about
six months. This has occurred with the mountant on this section
which has crystallised. The answer therefore is crystallisation of
the mounting medium.

© Roy C. Ellis 2004