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. 2018 Sep-Dec;22(3):443.
doi: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_228_17.

Rapid tissue processing technique: A novel method using methyl salicylate

Shyamala Karnam  1 , H C Girish  1 , Sanjay Murgod  1 , Vaidhehi Narayan Nayak  1 , V K Varsha  1 , Sarita Yanduri  2
Affiliations

Rapid tissue processing technique: A novel method using methyl salicylate

Shyamala Karnam et al. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2018 Sep-Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Tissue processing involves transition of the biopsy tissue in graded concentration of various chemicals to make the tissue amiable for sectioning. The entire process takes 2-3 working days before a microscopic slide is ready for diagnosis. In order to shorten the turnaround time, rapid tissue processing method using methyl salicylate was developed.

Aim: The aim of this study is to develop a rapid tissue processing technique using methyl salicylate as a clearing agent and to compare it with routine tissue processing technique.

Materials and methods: A total of 70 tissue specimens were cut into two equal halves. One each was processed by routine processing technique (RoPT) and rapid processing technique (RaPT). Tissue specimens were measured before and after processing. Quality of staining and cellular-level shrinkage were observed and scored for specimens. Statistical analysis using Welch's unequal variances t-test was performed. Costs of chemicals in both the techniques were compared to see the cost-effectiveness of RaPT.

Results and conclusion: Outcomes of both the processing techniques were comparable with statistically not significant P values for all the parameters. Hence, the results of RaPT technique are satisfactory, and the use of this technique may prove beneficial to pathology laboratories.

Keywords: Methyl salicylate; rapid; routine; tissue processing; xylene.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
(a) The measurement of the tissue after processing with rapid processing technique. (b) The measurement of tissue before subjecting to rapid processing technique
Figure 2
Figure 2
(a) The measurement of tissue before subjecting to routine processing technique. (b) The measurement of tissue after processing with routine processing technique
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Staining quality of tissue processed with routine processing technique. (b) Staining quality of tissue processed with rapid processing technique
Figure 4
Figure 4
The marking and measuring using the software
Figure 5
Figure 5
The cellular and nuclear measurement markings
Graph 1
Graph 1
Cost (in Indian rupees) comparison between rapid and routine tissue processing (for 60 samples)
Figure 6
Figure 6
(a) Photomicrograph of stained specimen with rapid processing (immediately staining). (b) Photomicrograph of specimen in (a) after period of 1 year to show stability of staining
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