Paraffinpräparation

Paraffinpräparation, also known as paraffin embedding, is a standard histological technique used to prepare biological tissue samples for microscopic examination. The process involves infiltrating the tissue with molten paraffin wax, which then solidifies to form a supportive block. This block can be easily sectioned into very thin slices using a microtome.

The primary goal of paraffin embedding is to provide structural support to the tissue, preventing distortion and allowing for the preservation of cellular morphology. Before embedding, tissue samples are typically fixed in a chemical solution, such as formalin, to preserve their structure and prevent degradation. Following fixation, the tissue undergoes a dehydration process, usually by passing it through a series of increasing alcohol concentrations, to remove all water. This is followed by clearing with an organic solvent, such as xylene, which is miscible with both alcohol and paraffin. Finally, the tissue is infiltrated with molten paraffin wax.

Once embedded and solidified, the paraffin block containing the tissue can be sectioned. These thin sections, typically only a few micrometers thick, are then mounted onto glass slides. Further processing, such as staining with various dyes (e.g., Hematoxylin and Eosin), is then performed to visualize cellular components under a microscope. Paraffin-embedded tissues are stable and can be stored for long periods, making this technique invaluable for diagnostic pathology, research, and teaching.