4% Formaldehyde solution - 1609

4% Formaldehyde buffered solution (usually named 10% buffered formalin) is the most commonly used fixative in histopathology routine for the preparation of cyto-histological samples.

Fixation consists in the deactivation of autolyzing enzymes and bacteria that cause tissue rotting and provide a structural stability to the protoplasm chemical constituents.

4% Formaldehyde is one of the non-coagulating primary fixatives; it hardens protein gels without separating water from proteins and fixes protoplasm without causing the formation of a microscopic spongy grid.

It has also a very low oxidation potential, quickly penetrates and gradually hardens tissues.

The volumetric ratio between tissue and fixative must be about 1:20.

The fixing time must be evaluated by the operator, depending on the volume and type of the sample to be fixed.