Abstract

Before a routine histological or cytological examination, tissues are fixed, maintained, and guarded against putrefaction and autolysis. The fixative is most frequently used to fix tissues in formalin. Because of its toxicity using formalin poses health risks, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) we want to use a natural alternative such as honey in a formalin-free laboratory for the preservation of clinical specimens. Honey is a naturally occurring substance with antibacterial, acidic and dehydrating qualities that make it a fixative. This study compares the effectiveness of formalin and honey as fixative agents. A rat liver tissue sample, formalin, honey, alcohol, xylene, cassette, mold, paraffin wax, rotary microtome, floating bath, slides, rack, and hematoxylin and eosin for staining are all required for this study. A liver tissue biopsy will be fixed with formalin and honey respectively for 24 hours while being grossed and recorded every four hours. It will go through dehydration, clearing, grossing, paraffin wax, hematoxylin, eosin staining and microscopic examination. The anticipated outcomes will demonstrate statistically significant changes in nuclear specificity and cytoplasmic staining between honey and formalin samples. A a substitute for formalin and as a tissue fixative honey is readily available has no known toxicity, and can be employed. However research should be done to identify ways to get rid of the drawbacks, including homogenization, seen with connective tissue.

Keywords: Formalin; Fixation; Honey; Tissue fixative; Tissue processing; H and E staining