FFPE sectioning (with Fisherbrands superfrost plus slide)

Introduction:

FFPE processing involves fixing the tissue in formalin to preserve its cellular details and embedding it in paraffin wax. The embedded tissue is then sectioned thinly using a microtome and mounted on slides for staining. This method is widely used for diagnostic purposes, including cancer diagnosis. 

Advantages

• Excellent Morphology: FFPE preserves cellular and tissue architecture exceptionally well, facilitating detailed histopathological analysis.

• Long-term Storage: Tissue samples can be stored for extended periods without significant degradation, making them valuable for retrospective studies.

• Versatility: Compatible with a wide range of staining techniques, including immunohistochemistry (IHC) after antigen retrieval procedures.

Disadvantages

• Time-Consuming: The process is lengthy, requiring days to complete due to the fixation, dehydration, clearing, and embedding steps.

• Chemical Alteration: Formalin fixation can mask antigens and affect nucleic acids, potentially complicating molecular analyses.