Evaluation of histomorphometric changes in tissue architecture due to fixation delay

INTRODUCTION All good tissue specimen preparations require complete fixation. The process of tissue handling and processing from patient to paraffin block is too frequently invisible to the pathologists. Many times due to certain emergencies or unavailability of a proper fixative, tissues are kept in different carrying media such as normal saline (NS) or local anesthetic till the availability of a proper fixative solution. This fixation delay can lead to various tissue architectural changes which can affect its diagnostic value. AIMS The aim of this study was to assess sectioning ability, staining intensity and microscopic details of tissues kept in different carrying media at different time intervals followed by standard fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fresh tissue specimen, i.e., goat tongue was collected and its middle portion was retained and was used for study purpose. The tissue was grossed and kept in various carrying media for five different time intervals. Standard formaldehyde fixation was then carried out followed by sectioning and staining. The sections were evaluated histologically under light microscope. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS For sectioning parameter, Fisher's exact test and for staining and microscopic details, Mann-Whitney U-test was used. RESULTS According to the study, NS is considered as a best carrying media followed by 10% honey and local anesthetic. Two percent hydrogen peroxide cannot be used as a carrying media. CONCLUSION It was concluded that NS should be given first preference as a carrying media till the availability of a suitable fixative. Clinicians and Pathologists should have to familiarize themselves with the advantages and disadvantages of using various carrying media and the histomorphometric changes associated with delayed fixation which may lead to incorrect diagnosis.