Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Tissue processing
Tissue swelling or overhydration
Also known as: tissue overhydration, tissue swelling
Tissues appear swollen and may show loss of structural integrity. Edema can obscure cellular details on slides.
Where it usually appears: Commonly observed during the processing of delicate tissues or when excessive hydration occurs during fixation or embedding.
- Prolonged fixation in aqueous solutions
- Inadequate dehydration steps
- Excessive time in clearing agents
- Improper embedding temperature
- Verify the duration of fixation
- Check dehydration step times
- Inspect the clearing agent used
- Adjust fixation time
- Increase dehydration duration
- Ensure proper embedding temperature
- Standardize fixation protocols
- Monitor dehydration steps closely
- Use appropriate clearing agents
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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