A comparison of routine and rapid microwave tissue processing in a surgical pathology laboratory. Quality of histologic sections and advantages of microwave processing.
Author(s): Rohr LR, Layfield LJ, Wallin D, Hardy D
Publication: Am J Clin Pathol, 2001, Vol. 115, Page 703-8
PubMed ID: 11345834 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
Conclusion of Paper
Studies
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of microwave versus conventional tissue processing schedules for small and large specimens from several different tissues on morphology. Small specimens were processed using shortened microwave and vacuum tissue processing schedules.
Summary of Findings:
There were no significant differences in morphology between microwave processed and conventionally processed specimens. The microwave processor significantly decreased the amount of time required for processing and eliminated the need for a clearing step with xylene by boiling out residual isopropanol through the use of a higher paraffin impregnation temperature. Of the 158 paired specimens processed by both a microwave processor and a vacuum tissue processor, 6 microwave processed specimens were deemed suboptimal but satisfactory for diagnosis and 1 was deemed unsatisfactory for diagnosis by two independent, blinded pathologists. The majority of these specimens showed inadequate fixation. On the other hand, 8 specimens processed in the vacuum tissue processor were deemed suboptimal but satisfactory for diagnosis. The problems encountered with these specimens included lack of cellular detail and sections that were too thick.
Biospecimens
- Tissue - Colorectal
- Tissue - Gall Bladder
- Tissue - Uterus
- Tissue - Small Bowel
- Tissue - Cervix
- Tissue - Prostate
- Tissue - Lymph Node
- Tissue - Liver
- Tissue - Endometrium
- Tissue - Breast
Preservative Types
- Formalin
Diagnoses:
- Not specified
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Morphology H-and-E microscopy Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Biospecimen Preservation Clearing agent None
Xylene
Biospecimen Preservation Dehydration reagent Graded alcohols
Isopropanol
Absolute alcohol
Biospecimen Preservation Embedding duration/condition 60 degrees C
75-80 degrees C
Biospecimen Preservation Duration of tissue/ specimen processing 15 min (microwave)
60 min (microwave)
90 min (microwave)
8 h (vacuum processor)
12 h (vacuum processor)
Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Aliquot size/volume Small specimen (<2 mM thick and <10 mM diameter)
Large specimen (>2 mM thick or with abundant blood/mucus/fat)