Histology Redefined: Traditional Graduated Alcohols Outperform Recent Absolute Alcohol Methods

24-04-2024 - BIO-OPTICA PRODUCTS

A fundamental shift is taking place in the world of histology, with researchers rediscovering the value of traditional methods for superior tissue processing. While some recent approaches rely solely on absolute alcohol for dehydration, a more controlled and effective approach utilizes a graduated series of alcohols. 

This established technique, championed by automatic tissue processors like B-PRO450, offers significant advantages for achieving consistent and high-quality histological results.

For decades, histologists have employed a graded scale of alcohols with increasing concentrations for tissue dehydration during processing. This meticulous approach ensures a gentle and controlled removal of water, preserving the delicate structure and morphology of tissues. In contrast, the recent trend of using only absolute alcohol can lead to rapid dehydration, causing tissue shrinkage, distortion, and loss of crucial cellular components.

"Absolute alcohol dehydration, while seemingly faster, can introduce artifacts and inconsistencies into the final tissue sample," explains Mr Francesco Spinelli, R&D Manager. "By returning to the well-established method of graduated alcohols, we achieve a more reliable and accurate representation of the tissue under study."

The resurgence of this traditional approach coincides with the growing importance of standardized protocols in histology. The use of IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation) certified protocols, a core feature of automatic tissue processors like B-PRO450, ensures laboratories adhere to rigorous quality standards.

"IVDR certification guarantees standardized procedures and results," says Ms. Ilaria Priori, Regulatory Specialist & Quality Assurance. "This not only minimizes errors and inconsistencies but also facilitates the sharing and comparison of data between research groups, ultimately accelerating scientific progress."

Bio-Optica automatic tissue processor B-PRO450 incorporates the time-tested method of graduated alcohol dehydration within its IVDR certified protocols. This combination empowers researchers and technicians to achieve superior tissue quality, streamline workflows, and ensure the reliability of their histological results.


Key benefits

Enhanced Tissue Quality: The gradual dehydration allows for better preservation of tissue morphology, leading to more accurate and reliable results.
Versatility for Different Tissues: A single protocol with a graded alcohol scale can effectively process a wider variety of tissues, eliminating the need for constant adjustments.
Streamlined Workflow: The standardized protocol simplifies the processing workflow, saving researchers valuable time and resources.
Improved Reverse Processing: The controlled dehydration also facilitates a more efficient reverse processing technique, crucial for immunohistochemistry and other downstream applications.

 


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