Phenoxetol as a formaldehyde-removing agent for long-term preservation: our experience

On 10 June 2011, the US National Toxicology Program described formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen". However, formaldehyde is not just a human carcinogen but the cause of other many hazards; respiratory distress, red eyes, etc. Occupational health authorities throughout the world are therefore likely to increase the strictness of regulations for the use of formaldehyde within anatomical disciplines. This study evaluates an alternative for formaldehyde as a preservative for cadavers and human tissues. Tissue samples preserved in 4% formaldehyde were compared with those in 1% Phenoxetol (prefixed in formaldehyde) over a year. Histology slides prepared using Phenoxetol as a preservative were also compared with the conventional ones. The soft consistency, color and flexibility, especially at joints of specimens preserved in Phenoxetol, were found to be suitable for dissection, demonstration and display purposes. Culture of the eleven tissue samples showed no growth after seventy-two h. Microscopic structure of the tissues remained satisfactory when processed with 1% Phenoxetol. Students also found experience with cadavers preserved in phenoxetol very pleasant as it has a fruity smell as compared to the offensive odor of formaldehyde. Phenoxetol is a suitable alternative for the preservation of specimens. However efforts have to be made to reduce or replace the use of formaldehyde as a primary fixative.