Fatty Tissue/Brain Tissue Processing

This version of the course is no longer available.
Need multiple seats for your university or lab? Get a quote
The page below is a sample from the LabCE course . Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

Learn more about (online CE course)
Fatty Tissue/Brain Tissue Processing

This is an example of a fatty/brain processing protocol with a closed-system processor, using standard processing reagents and also using pressure/vacuum. The tissue has been mostly fixed prior to processing. Notice how much more time fatty tissue and brain tissue requires in each reagent. Typically, fatty tissue and brain tissue requires approximately 4 or 5 hours MORE processing time than routine surgicals largely due to the inreased water content of these tissue types. Fatty tissue that is processed on a routine processing protocol may need to be reprocessed if the tissue is found to be mushy or greasy. Brain tissue that is processed on a routine processing protocol may not section properly and might have sections that explode on the waterbath.
ReagentTime (minutes)
10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF)90
10% NBF90
70% alcohol60
95% alcohol90
95% alcohol90
100% alcohol100
100% alcohol100
100% alcohol 120
Xylene100
Xylene120
Paraffin90
Paraffin90
Paraffin90
Paraffin90