Preservation of Histology by Phenol-Based Fixative: Mini Review of Recent Findings

Abstract

In surgical and anatomical training, use of cadaver remains the most ideal technique. Standard formaldehyde solution preserves cadaveric tissues for an extended period comparing to the unfixed tissues. However, it fails to retain the n atural texture, color, and biomechanical features. Phenol based soft embalming methods were developed to maintain these properties, wh ile simultaneously decreasing the biohazard risk. Soft embalming techniques have made the bodies more ‘lifelike’ and wellfitted for training. Though phenol fixation displays rewarding morphological maintenance, we have scanty evidences on the histological preservation. This mini review primarily discussed the latest reports regarding the effect of phenol-based fixation on the tissue histology. Publi shed literatures revealed phenol-based fixation displayed comparable histological preservation to that ofgold standard paraformaldehyde-based so lution. It was concluded that phenol-based solution is an excellent fixative used to preserve tissues for microscopic analysis.