Publication: Bee Honey as a Safer Alternative for Routine Formalin Fixation
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Formaldehyde (10% buffered formalin) is still in use as the gold standard fixative
in the field of biology however, as reported by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) the use of formalin causes health hazards due to its toxicity.
Hence, we considered to substitute formalin with natural Bee-Honey to achieve a
formalin free laboratory for preservation of the biological specimens.
Objective
To assess the efficacy of honey as a fixative agent for the preservation of the tissue
specimens and to study their cellular and structural characteristics by using routine
stains, special stains and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and compare its effectiveness
with the currently, universally accepted formalin fixation.
Method
Our study contained sample size of 10 tissue specimens. All samples were fixed in two
different solutions one in honey and other in conventionally used formalin solution
for 24 hrs in room temperature and then were routinely processed, sectioned and
stained using routine, special stains and with immuno-histochemical markers. The
slides were viewed by two independent examiners and the entire procedure was
blind folded.
Result
We obtained good comparable results with bee honey for Hematoxylin and Eosin,
special stains including immunohistochemistry when compared to formalin fixed
tissues.
Conclusion
Based on the observations of this study, it can be suggested that natural bee honey
could be a safer alternative to formalin as a fixative, considering the health hazards
of formalin.
KEY WORDS
Fixation, Formalin, Honey
Description
Srii R,1 Peter CD,2 Haragannavar VC,3 Shashidara R,4 Sridhara SU,4 Srivatsava S5
1Department Oral Pathology and Microbiology,
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.
2Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology,
Educare Institute of Dental Sciences,
Malappuram, Kerala, India.
3Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology,
M S Ramaiah Dental college,
Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
4Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology,
Coorg Institute of Dental Sciences,
Virajpet, Karnataka, India.
5Department of Public Health Dentistry
MGM Dental College and Hospital,
Mumbai, India
Keywords
Fixation, Formalin, Honey