Histo-architechtural Evaluation of Conventional Versus Two Rapid Microwave Processing Techniques

Abstract

Aims: This work aims to reduce the time of tissue processing, exclude xylene from tissue processing as well as to reduce the total quantity of reagents used per cycle of paraffin wax processing technique. Study Design: Harvesting and fixation of tissues. Grossing into triplicates, processing using three different techniques. Staining and grading of sections. Place and Duration of Study: Apparently healthy rabbits from the animal house, National Veterinary research Institute, Vom, Jos, Nigeria, between August and December, 2014. Methodology: Two apparently healthy rabbits were sacrificed and the Trachea, Lungs, Heart, Liver, Kidney, Stomach, Skin, Brain, and the Spleen were harvested and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for three days. They were grossed into triplicates, labeled and processed using the conventional, microwave without vacuum and microwave with vacuum respectively. They were sectioned and stained simultaneously using the haematoxylin and eosin staining technique as well as the Gordon and Sweet’s method. They were graded as excellent if they permitted microscopy, fair if not very good but can permit microscopy and poor if they cannot permit microscopy at all. Results: There is a drastic reduction in the duration of processing as well as the quantity of reagents used in the microwave techniques as compared to the conventional method. Xylene was completely eliminated in the microwave techniques. Tissue histo-architechture, special features as well as silver impregnation were clearly demonstrated without significant differences. Dye uptake as well as section thickness were comparable among the three techniques. Conclusion: Same-day turn-around is possible in histology, with reduced reagent consumption and elimination of xylene, without compromising section quality, dye uptake or ability to reduce silver to its metallic form. This will result to quick diagnosis hence quick intervention at a cheaper rate to both laboratories and clients. It is a good innovation in forensic and diagnostic histopathology and should be encouraged. Its compatibility with histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular techniques should be evaluated to give a wider application.