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Storage, Retention, and Use of Leftover Pathology Specimens: The Underestimated Treasures
N Fazulunnisa Begum1, Karthikeyan Ramalingam1, Pratibha Ramani1
1Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, IND.
Abstract:
The proper regulations for storage, retention, and use of archived specimens in pathology laboratories and academic institutions are yet to be established. These specimens could be used appropriately for research purposes. Ideal storage and retention in a controlled environment is necessary, and there is a lack of established rules regarding the ownership of the tissue specimens, paraffin blocks, and slides. Though there are numerous uses of formalin-fixed tissue specimens, blocks, and slides, there are also problems in archiving them that hinder their use. This review article addresses the above issues and proposes simple guidelines for the effective use of archived specimens.
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01:02Sample Handling
Samples should be transported carefully from collection points to the laboratory. They should be properly sealed and clearly labeled to prevent cross-contamination. To preserve the sample integrity, optimal temperature conditions during transport are essential. This could involve using...
01:03Fixation and Sectioning
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...