Paraffin Sections
Predominant Technique for light
microscopy
blocks support the tissue structure and enable very thin sections to be cut and mounted onto microscope slides for analysis.
Plastic Section
Are used for the evaluation of non-decalcified bone, devices such as stents or bone pins, and implanted material such as a suture. Get a clearer view of tissue than the paraffin section. expansive.
Frozen Sections
Refers to the process where there is a rapid tissue section cooled with a cryostat to provide an immediate report of the tissue sample. expansive.
Flat Mounts
Skin is a highly heterogeneous tissue. Intra-dermal structures include hair follicles, arrector pili muscles, epidermal specializations
Scanning Electron Microscopy
(SEM)
You can see the external section of the structure.
Transmission Electron
Microscopy (TEM)
Able to see the secretion and organs.
Paraffin Sections: Stains / Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E)
It is the most widely used stain in medical diagnosis and is often the gold standard
Common Problems: Folds
Common Problems: Folds and Tears
Common Problems: Fold, tear and uneven
For Frozen Sections: Stains many IHC’s don’t work on paraffin sections
Oil Red O-a lipid stain
Common problems: Inadequate Fixation
Inadequate Fixation