Fixation and different types of fixatives: Their role and functions: A review

Abstract

Fixation is a complete and complex physiochemical process wherein cells and tissues are chemically fixed for further analyses. Fixatives are used for Solidification, Hardening, Optical differentiation, prevention of autolysis and tissue putrefaction. Various Types of fixatives (Simple, Compound, Microanatomical, Histochemical and Cytological) are used in Histology and Histopathology which includes Mercuric Chloride, Osmic Acid, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide, glyoxal, picric acid, Zenker’s fluid and so on. Due to limited availability of the material related to the topic a need was felt to write a review article so as to make the Researchers, Students. pathologists and laboratory technicians familiar with the basic Concept of fixation and fixatives.