formalin-fixed tissue

Formalin-fixed tissue refers to body tissues preserved using a solution called formalin, which is a mixture of formaldehyde and water. This process halts decay and stabilizes the tissue's structure by cross-linking proteins, allowing for detailed examination under a microscope later. It’s commonly used in medical and research laboratories to preserve tissue samples from surgeries or biopsies. By fixing tissues with formalin, pathologists can accurately analyze tissue morphology and identify abnormal cells or disease without the tissue deteriorating over time. This preservation technique is essential for accurate diagnosis and research.