A rapid method for obtaining high quality paraffin sections is described. This method enables preparation of paraffin blocks in about 20 minutes and is based on mlcrowave stimulated tissue fixation and processing. A total of 200 tissues were processed, Tissue blocks of size IxtxO.5 were found ideal for processing. Three protocols were evaluated for tissue processing using different timings of exposure to graded alcohols, chloroform and wax. It was observed that utilizing an additional step of exposure to 70 per cent alcohol during tissue dehydration resulted in preparation of paraffin blocks which were light microscopically excellent and highly comparable to conventional methods. MJAFI ]9%; 52 : 157-160