COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN OPTIMAL AND REDUCED FORMALIN-BASED FIXATIVE FOR NORMAL AND PATHOLOGICAL TISSUES

Objectives: This study aims to use an alternative fixative compound with reduced concentration of formalin to minimize the exposure and related side effects. Methods: Human normal and pathological tissue samples of different organs were immediately immersed in a modified fixative containing formalin, glycerin, ethanol, and hypotonic saline with pH around 7. Two time schedules were used at 8 and 12 h. Tissue samples were undergone routine processing procedure used in histopathological laboratories, scoring of samples was done, tissue sections of new compound fixative were examined for cytoplasmic, nuclear, and architectural properties and compared with 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF). Results: Tissue samples treated with modified fixative showed good and acceptable preservation of structural, cellular details with less harmful effects when compared with those preserved with routine 10% (NBF). Conclusion: The suitability and effectiveness of reduced formalin-based fixative in histological and histopathological routine examination with minimal harmful effects for laboratory worker were clearly indicated in this study.