Discussion on formalin Re: [Histonet] Rate of formalin penetration in human brain sections

[Gayle Callis]

One of the best discussions on formalin and how fast it fixes/penetrates can 
be found on Histonet with Bryan Hewlett.  Go back in the archives, as this 
subject has been visited before.  Look for what Bryan has to say about 
formalin fixation.  His talk at NSH convention last year (IHC forum) was one 
of the most enlightening I have ever heard - even after over 40 years in 
this business.  He emphasized how long it takes to achieve total fixation of 
a tissue submitted for processing in terms of days and hours.  Hopefully he 
is looking in on this discussion.  There are also journal publications on 
the subject, Biotechnics and Histochemistry, Journal of Histotechnology - 
try Google Scholar, Biosis, Scientific Citations.

I wish I still had the Baker book, but alas, gave it to a histobook 
collector.

Gayle M. Callis
HTL/HT/MT(ASCP)
Bozeman MT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Marshall Terry Dr,Consultant Histopathologist" 
<Terry.Marshall <@t> rothgen.nhs.uk>
To: "Geoff McAuliffe" <mcauliff <@t> umdnj.edu>; <Karen_Skish <@t> rush.edu>
Cc: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 9:31 AM
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Rate of formalin penetration in human brain sections


Agree with Geoff entirely.

In particular you will not find it possible to define an end-point for
formalin fixation.

Terry

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Geoff
McAuliffe
Sent: 28 May 2008 15:19
To: Karen_Skish <@t> rush.edu
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Rate of formalin penetration in human brain
sections

Hi Karen:

    Formalin fixes tissue slowly, even very thin slices. This has been
known for many, many years. The work of Medwar and of John R. Baker
(Principles of Biological Technique, John Wiley and Sons, 1958) comes to
mind. Perhaps there are slight differences between kidney and brain but
my guess is that if there is a difference it is insignificant. Before
trying to design (how are you going to define fixation?) and perform
such investigations I suggest a trip to the library. I doubt if the
information you seek is on line, it is too old. However, do not confuse
"old" with "out dated" or "bad". Good luck.

Geoff


Karen_Skish <@t> rush.edu wrote:
> Hi--
> One of our investigators is interested in the approximate rate of
> fixation of human brain tissue, independent of any formaldehyde
diffusion effects.
> In other words, in a very small or very thin piece of human brain
> tissue, what is the fixation rate? He found published data for rat
> kidney, but would like to try to at least determine if the fixation
> rate should be higher or lower in human brain tissue. He is looking
> for data for room temperature, but any information would be greatly
appreciated.
> Thanks!
> Karen M Skish, MS, PA(ASCP)MT
> Pathologists' Assistant & Manager, Neuropathology Lab Rush Alzheimer's

> Disease Center Cohn Research Building, Lab 441
> 1735 West Harrison Street
> Chicago IL 60612
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
>
>


-- 
--
**********************************************
Geoff McAuliffe, Ph.D.
Neuroscience and Cell Biology
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854
voice: (732)-235-4583
mcauliff <@t> umdnj.edu
**********************************************



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