Abstract
To develop and validate improved processing methods for producing diagnostic-quality, whole-mount serial sections for 3-dimensional imaging of whole-breast histopathologic studies, we subjected 4-mm-thick whole-specimen slices to a 38-hour microwave-assisted protocol. Morphologic features, antigenicity, and tissue shrinkage were evaluated. A schedule using the tissue processor was optimized by evaluating the serial section yield for 3 schedules. The microwave-based processing schedule is adequate for producing diagnostic-quality whole-mount breast serial sections of an area up to 6,000 mm(2) and is compatible with a variety of immunohistochemical stains. A mean +/- SE total tissue shrinkage of 8.4% +/- 0.2% resulted. For the tissue processor, optimal results are obtained using a 59-hour schedule. Total fixation and processing time for whole-mount serial breast sections has been reduced from 21 days to 38 hours, with microwave assistance, and to 59 hours without. No adverse effects of microwaves on morphologic features, antigenicity, or gross tissue dimensions were observed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
