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Does delay in fixation affect the number of mitotic figures in processed tissue?
S S Cross1, R D Start, J H Smith
1Department of Histopathology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Delayed tissue fixation significantly reduces observable mitotic figures. A two-hour delay decreased counts by 30%, and a six-hour delay by 50%, impacting surgical specimen analysis.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- The impact of delayed fixation on mitotic figure counts in surgical specimens is poorly understood.
- Existing research presents conflicting conclusions regarding this issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effect of varying fixation delays on mitotic figure counts in normal colonic mucosa.
- To provide data to inform best practices for handling surgical specimens.
Main Methods:
- Six colectomy specimens were used, with normal mucosa sampled.
- Samples were subjected to fixation delays of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 hours.
- Mitotic figures in 50 whole crypts per specimen were counted by two independent observers, including all phases of mitosis.
Main Results:
- A delay of two hours in fixation resulted in an approximate 30% reduction in observable mitotic figures.
- A six-hour delay led to a 50% decrease in the number of mitotic figures.
- A clear trend of declining mitotic figures with increased fixation delay was observed.
Conclusions:
- Delayed fixation significantly diminishes the number of detectable mitotic figures in colonic mucosal tissue.
- These findings highlight the critical importance of prompt fixation for accurate histological assessment of surgical specimens.
- Adherence to timely fixation protocols is essential to avoid underestimation of cellular proliferation.