American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnician Certification Practice Exam 2025 - Free Histotechnician Certification Practice Questions and Study Guide

Paraffin embedding is the most commonly used method for embedding tissue samples in histology. This technique involves infiltrating tissue specimens with molten paraffin wax after they have been properly fixed and dehydrated. The primary advantage of paraffin embedding is that it provides excellent support for thin tissue sections, which are then cut using a microtome. Paraffin wax creates a solid block that maintains the structural integrity of the tissue during slicing, allowing for detailed examination under a microscope.

Paraffin embedding also has the benefit of allowing for long-term storage of tissue samples, as the wax acts as a barrier to moisture and contaminants. This method enhances the clarity of staining, making it easier to visualize cellular and tissue architecture. Additionally, paraffin blocks can be easily handled, facilitating the preparation of numerous sections for analysis.

Other embedding methods, such as gelatin, vacuum, and resin embedding, serve specific purposes or are used for particular types of specimens, but they are not as universally applied in routine histology as paraffin embedding. For example, resin embedding is more commonly used for electron microscopy due to the need for higher resolution and the ability to preserve ultra-thin sections, while gelatin embedding is less common and might not provide the same degree of structural support as para