Paraffinization

Paraffinization is a laboratory technique used to preserve biological samples, such as tissues, cells, and microorganisms, by embedding them in a wax-like substance called paraffin. This process involves several steps: fixation, dehydration, infiltration, embedding, and sectioning. Fixation stabilizes the sample by preserving its structure and preventing decay. Dehydration removes water from the sample, typically using a series of ethanol solutions. Infiltration involves replacing the ethanol with a wax solution, which penetrates the sample. Embedding then involves pouring the sample into a mold filled with molten paraffin, which solidifies around the sample. Finally, sectioning involves cutting the paraffin block into thin slices using a microtome, which are then mounted on slides for further analysis.

Paraffinization is widely used in histology and pathology for the study of tissue structure and function. It allows for the creation of permanent, stable samples that can be stored for long periods and analyzed using various staining techniques. The use of paraffin wax as an embedding medium provides several advantages, including ease of handling, compatibility with staining techniques, and the ability to create thin, uniform sections. However, paraffinization can also introduce artifacts, such as shrinkage and distortion of the sample, which can affect the accuracy of the analysis. Therefore, it is important to carefully control the conditions during the paraffinization process to minimize these artifacts and ensure the integrity of the sample.