Get UNMC Paraffin Embedded Tissue Request Form 2018-2024

Paraffin embedding is a standard technique used in clinical and research laboratories to create a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block of tissue. Formalin-fixed tissue undergoes tissue processing and then is embedded in paraffin (wax) to create a FFPE block or paraffin block.

Paraffin wax is a suitable embedding medium for most tissues, combining adequacy of tissue support with ease of sectioning on a standard microtome. Section thicknesses of 4–6 μm are satisfactory for most diagnostic purposes, although with skill and experience thinner sections may be produced.

Thus, hard paraffin at room temperature melts at higher temperatures, whereas soft paraffin melts at lower temperatures. Tough samples are recommended to be embedded in hard paraffin. Most used paraffin has a melting point close to 60 °C.

Formalin fixation followed by paraffin embedding (FFPE) of tumor specimens has an advantage in that it can be stored at room temperature for extended periods while stably preserving the (intra)cellular histology of the tumor.

Clamp the paraffin-embedded specimen on a rotary microtome and place the blade in a blade holder. Turn the handwheel and section the specimen. Transfer the paraffin sectioned ribbon to the 38.5 °C warm water bath. Pick up the sections onto the microscope slide from the water surface after unfolding.

Large size: Our tissue blocks are mainly made for our tissue array production. As a result, they are generally large in volume (most of them are >1.5cm X 1cm X 0.3cm).

Method Cut tissue into small blocks about 1–1.5 cm2 × 0.4 cm. Fix the tissue blocks overnight in 10% buffered neutral formalin solution. Follow standard paraffin-embedding procedures. Cut paraffin blocks into 4 μm-thick sections and collect onto silane-coated glass slides. Heat the sections at 37°C overnight.

The test is performed on tissue samples that are usually obtained through a biopsy. The tissue is embedded in paraffin blocks, sectioned, and then treated with fluorescent probes that bind specifically to the HER2/neu gene. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

Dehydrate Tissues. Because paraffin is immiscible with water, tissue must be dehydrated before adding molten paraffin wax. Immerse the tissue in 70% ethanol three times for 30 minutes each at room temperature. Immerse the tissue in 90% ethanol two times for 30 minutes each at room temperature.

The processed tissue is orientated within a metal mould which is then filled with molten paraffin wax. A labelled cassette is then placed on top and also filled with wax. The mould is then transferred to a cold plate to set before it can be removed to expose the final paraffin embedded tissue block.

Paraffin embedding is a standard technique used in clinical and research laboratories to create a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) block of tissue. Formalin-fixed tissue undergoes tissue processing and then is embedded in paraffin (wax) to create a FFPE block or paraffin block.

Paraffin wax is a suitable embedding medium for most tissues, combining adequacy of tissue support with ease of sectioning on a standard microtome. Section thicknesses of 4–6 μm are satisfactory for most diagnostic purposes, although with skill and experience thinner sections may be produced.

Thus, hard paraffin at room temperature melts at higher temperatures, whereas soft paraffin melts at lower temperatures. Tough samples are recommended to be embedded in hard paraffin. Most used paraffin has a melting point close to 60 °C.

Formalin fixation followed by paraffin embedding (FFPE) of tumor specimens has an advantage in that it can be stored at room temperature for extended periods while stably preserving the (intra)cellular histology of the tumor.

Clamp the paraffin-embedded specimen on a rotary microtome and place the blade in a blade holder. Turn the handwheel and section the specimen. Transfer the paraffin sectioned ribbon to the 38.5 °C warm water bath. Pick up the sections onto the microscope slide from the water surface after unfolding.

Large size: Our tissue blocks are mainly made for our tissue array production. As a result, they are generally large in volume (most of them are >1.5cm X 1cm X 0.3cm).

Method Cut tissue into small blocks about 1–1.5 cm2 × 0.4 cm. Fix the tissue blocks overnight in 10% buffered neutral formalin solution. Follow standard paraffin-embedding procedures. Cut paraffin blocks into 4 μm-thick sections and collect onto silane-coated glass slides. Heat the sections at 37°C overnight.

The test is performed on tissue samples that are usually obtained through a biopsy. The tissue is embedded in paraffin blocks, sectioned, and then treated with fluorescent probes that bind specifically to the HER2/neu gene. The tissue is then examined under a microscope.

Dehydrate Tissues. Because paraffin is immiscible with water, tissue must be dehydrated before adding molten paraffin wax. Immerse the tissue in 70% ethanol three times for 30 minutes each at room temperature. Immerse the tissue in 90% ethanol two times for 30 minutes each at room temperature.

The processed tissue is orientated within a metal mould which is then filled with molten paraffin wax. A labelled cassette is then placed on top and also filled with wax. The mould is then transferred to a cold plate to set before it can be removed to expose the final paraffin embedded tissue block.

Dehydrate Tissues. Because paraffin is immiscible with water, tissue must be dehydrated before adding molten paraffin wax. Immerse the tissue in 70% ethanol three times for 30 minutes each at room temperature. Immerse the tissue in 90% ethanol two times for 30 minutes each at room temperature.

The processed tissue is orientated within a metal mould which is then filled with molten paraffin wax. A labelled cassette is then placed on top and also filled with wax. The mould is then transferred to a cold plate to set before it can be removed to expose the final paraffin embedded tissue block.