The document discusses various types of fixatives used in histopathology, including simple, compound, and special fixatives. Simple fixatives like formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde are used to preserve tissue structure, while compound fixatives such as Bouin's and Zenker's solutions are mixtures that enhance preservation. Special fixatives, designed for specific tissue elements, include osmium tetroxide for electron microscopy and Zamboni's fixative for immunohistochemistry.

1. Various Types of Fixatives Used in a
Routine Histopathology Laboratory
Simple fixatives, Compound fixatives,
Special fixatives for demonstration of
various tissue elements
Dr. Jagroop Singh
PhD Biochemistry
Government Medical College Amritsar

2. Introduction
• Fixatives are chemicals used to preserve
biological tissues from decay. They help
maintain the tissue's structure and
composition, making them crucial for
histopathological examination.

3. Simple Fixatives
• Simple fixatives consist of a single substance that
fixes tissues. Common simple fixatives include:
• - Formaldehyde: Widely used, penetrates quickly,
preserves tissue morphology.
• - Glutaraldehyde: Fixes quickly, used for electron
microscopy.
• - Acetic Acid: Often used in combination, penetrates
rapidly, preserves nucleic acids.
• - Ethanol and Methanol: Dehydrating agents, used for
cytological preparations.

4. Compound Fixatives
• Compound fixatives are mixtures of two or more
simple fixatives. Common compound fixatives include:
• - Bouin's Solution: Contains picric acid, formaldehyde,
and acetic acid; good for soft and delicate tissues.
• - Zenker's Solution: Contains mercuric chloride,
potassium dichromate, acetic acid; excellent for nuclear
preservation.
• - Carnoy's Solution: Contains ethanol, chloroform,
acetic acid; rapid fixation and dehydration.
• - Helly's Fluid: Contains mercuric chloride, potassium
dichromate, formaldehyde; good for hematopoietic
tissues.

5. Special Fixatives
• Special fixatives are designed for specific tissue
elements or staining techniques. Examples include:
• - Osmium Tetroxide: Used for electron microscopy,
excellent for lipid preservation.
• - Zamboni's Fixative: Combination of
paraformaldehyde and picric acid; used for
immunohistochemistry.
• - Hollande's Fixative: Modified Bouin's solution;
used for gastrointestinal tract biopsies.
• - Clarke's Fixative: Ethanol and acetic acid; used for
chromosomal studies.

6. THANK YOU