INSTAPRESERVETM: AN ALTERNATIVE FIXATIVE TO FORMALIN AND SUITABLE FOR HISTOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of InstaPRESERVETM for replacing formalin in histopathology. Methods: Tissue from seven organs from a pig was fixed with InstaPRESERVETM and formalin for 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h. Microtome sections at three time points were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and evaluated for intactness, and nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. Scoring was done based on their quality. Results: Gross findings were well appreciated for the tissue specimens fixed with InstaPRESERVETM compared to formalin. Unlike formalin, discoloration was lesser and the rigidity was mild to firm with InstaPRESERVETM fixation. The penetration rate of InstaPRESERVETM was equivalent to formalin and the morphology and intactness were well preserved. The nuclear and cytoplasmic H and E staining intensity of InstaPRESERVETM fixed tissues was comparable to formalin fixation. Conclusion: The promising results from InstaPRESERVETM fixed tissues of pig organs are encouraging. This preliminary study is positive on replacing formalin in routine histopathology thus preventing the pathology laboratory personnel from occupational hazards. Further studies with human specimens are required to escalate InstaPRESERVETM to medical histopathology.