PLASTIC-EMBEDDED HUMAN MARROW BIOPSY SPECIMENS - IMPROVED HISTOCHEMICAL METHODS

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 105  (5) , 269-273
Abstract
Improved methods for processing, sectioning and staining plastic (glycol methacrylate)-embedded human marrow biopsy specimens were studied. Special stains, including naphthol AS-D-chloroacetate esterase, PAS [periodic acid-Schiff], reticulin and Fe, were modified so that they were suitable for undecalcified, 2-.mu.m-thick, plastic-embedded human marrow biopsy specimens. These adaptations permitted plastic-embedded marrow specimens to be used for clinical diagnosis. Marrow biopsy specimens embedded in plastic were compared with biopsy specimens preserved by the conventional paraffin method. The plastic-embedded marrows provide better results from morphologic examination (enhancing diagnostic accuracy), permit assessment of bone and of marrow and allow histochemical analysis to be performed.