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Problems and artifacts of microwave accelerated procedures in neurohistotechnology and resolutions
1Department of Biomedical Science, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, England, S10 2TN, United Kingdom. 101370.2617@CompuServe.com
Abstract:
Microwaving artifacts in histoprocessing and staining arise from the acceleration of diffusional and reactive processes. Because such accelerations provide the advantages of microwaving, and because microwave ovens cannot distinguish desirable from undesirable accelerations, artifacts are inevitable. Such microwaving problems can be categorized as follows: histoprocessing and staining reagents may be lost or altered; staining targets may move away from their in vivo sites, may be totally lost from the specimen, or may be altered; physical characteristics such as permeability of specimens or embedding resins may be changed; and staining processes themselves are sometimes different at elevated temperatures. The most general tips for detecting and/or avoiding such problems are to monitor and control the temperature of the reagents and the specimen, to standardize the procedures, and to observe the specimen and reagents carefully during microwaving when a new procedure is being introduced to the laboratory.
Insights
Microwave-assisted histoprocessing and staining can cause artifacts due to accelerated processes. Careful temperature monitoring, procedural standardization, and observation are key to avoiding these inevitable microwaving issues.
Area of Science:
- Histology
- Biotechnology
- Laboratory Science
Background:
- Microwaving accelerates diffusional and reactive processes in histoprocessing and staining.
- These accelerations, while advantageous, inevitably lead to artifacts because microwave ovens cannot differentiate between desired and undesired effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize the types of artifacts that occur during microwave-assisted histoprocessing and staining.
- To provide general tips for detecting and avoiding these artifacts in laboratory settings.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of microwaving-induced artifacts based on their effects on reagents, staining targets, and specimen characteristics.
- Identification of general strategies for artifact mitigation.
Main Results:
- Artifacts manifest as reagent loss or alteration, displacement or loss of staining targets, altered specimen permeability, and modified staining processes at elevated temperatures.
- Key strategies for artifact control include temperature monitoring and control, procedural standardization, and careful observation during new procedure implementation.
Conclusions:
- Artifacts are an inherent consequence of microwave acceleration in histology.
- Implementing standardized protocols with vigilant monitoring of temperature and specimen is crucial for reliable results in microwave-assisted histoprocessing and staining.