The Effect of Rapid Tissue Processing on Fixation Time Using Microwave Techniques

Abstract

The quest for a faster means of tissue processing has been on the increase to accomplish the needs of medical scientists, especially for treating patients with critical health conditions. Specimens were processed using different schedules at different temperatures to ascertain the effect of rapid tissue processing on fixation time. A domestic microwave model of MW007GA-MG823 (W)/MW- MB0823MP, rated voltage: 230V5 0HZ was used for the study. A total of four (4) organs were used, each divided into two, one part processed with the microwave and the other processed with the conventional method. The rapid technique started without prior routine fixation, except a schedule that was fixed for nine (9) hours before the rapid process started at a temperature of 42°C following dehydration, clearing of tissues was carried out with isopropanol. Fixation times for the rapid schedules are 30 and 20 minutes. An independent t-test conducted between the rapid and conventional techniques showed Mean±SD = 30±2.00 mins, Mean±SD = 20±2.00 mins, and Mean±SD = 2880±2.00 mins respectively at p = 0.00 depicting statistical significance. The rapid technique produced sections of good quality without compromising the tissue architecture. Isopropanol could be used as a clearing agent instead of xylene as it is inflammable in the microwave.