What is fixative used for?
Consequently, what is the purpose of fixation?
The aim of fixation The aim of fixation is to preserve cells or tissues in as near a life like condition as possible, prevent autolysis and putrefaction, and protect the tissue from subsequent processing. Fixatives have different actions e.g. crosslinking, precipitative, coagulative etc.
- Phosphate buffered formalin.
- Formal calcium.
- Formal saline.
- Zinc formalin (unbuffered)
- Zenker's fixative.
- Helly's fixative.
- B-5 fixative.
- Bouin's solution.
Consequently, what is a fixative solution?
Fixative: A medium such as a solution or spray that preserves specimens of tissues or cells. Most biopsies and specimens removed at surgery are fixed in a solution such as formalin (dilute formaldehyde) before further processing takes place.
An ideal fixative should: Preserve the tissue and cells as life-like as possible, without any shrinking or swelling and without distorting or dissolving cellular constituents. Prevent putrefaction by bacteria and prevent autolysis by cathepsin-containing cells.