Evaluation of Formalin Substitution Fixative Effects on H E Staining Results

Background and Objectives: These days, Formalin is considered as a good and cheap fixative, but very harmful for human health. It is one of chemical components which has traditionally been used as a routine fixative in anatomy and pathology laboratories; however, their personnel are still under its harmful effects. In this study, effects of formalin substitution fixatives on H&E staining results were investigated.Methods: Three kinds of formalin substitution beside 10% buffered formalin were used in this study. They were named and recognized as B, K, M. Pieces of rabbit liver were placed in dishes which contained each kind of above mentioned fixatives. After 24 hours, tissues were processed and embedded by paraffin followed by sectioning, staining by hematoxylin and eosin. Then, they were studied under light microscope.Results: Overall, preserving of tissue structures and staining results with M fixative were more desirable.Conclusion: In general, two out of the three fixatives, with some advantages and disadvantages rather than formalin, made tissues fixed desirably, and had acceptable results in staining. Thus, they can be known as suitable substitution for formalin.