Basic Quality Control

The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Basic Tissue Orientation and Paraffin Embedding Technique. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Basic Quality Control

  • Histologists must practice rapidly identifying and orienting specimens during paraffin embedding. Taking too long to manipulate and position the specimen may cause more than one layer of solidified paraffin to form when molten paraffin is added to paraffin that has solidified in the bottom of the base mold. These separate layers may pull apart during microtomy or storage.
  • Pieces of all types should be placed intentionally in one plane, not just randomly in the block face. Careless positioning will make it very unlikely that a single representative section can be easily obtained.
  • Correct by re-embedding any gross defects such as cracks or air bubbles.
  • Observe the specimen for processing issues, such as poor fixation, dehydration, or infiltration.
  • A "white-ish" appearing or "mushy" texture due to inadequate dehydration in a processed tissue block is most likely necessary for reprocessing. Submit this block for reprocessing prior to embedding; it is much easier to reprocess a block prior to embedding than to reprocess from the final cut block.
  • Document and correct labeling discrepancies, illegible blocks, or incomplete cases during embedding rather than "passing" these problems on to the microtomy step.

Paraffin block (top view) showing inadequate paraffin level.
Paraffin block with a large defect due to air being
trapped inside by failure to add adequate paraffin.