Problems and Solutions in Histological Technique

Problems in Histopathological Technique

Prepared by

ROY ELLIS

IMVS Division of Pathology

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Woodville Road, Woodville, South Australia 5011

Did you know that when solutions are heated in a microwave for fixation or staining there can be marked differences in temperature between the top and bottom layers of the solution?

That difference can be as much as 15°C.

So take care when using microwave techniques that the recommended temperature is the one that you are using. A microwave that has a means for inserting a temperature probe which can be placed in the solution at the level of the section is the best insurance. Otherwise a frequent check of the temperature after stirring the solution should do the trick.

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