Histological Solvent

Histological solvents are chemicals used in the field of histology, which is the study of the microscopic structure of tissues. These solvents are used to prepare tissue samples for microscopic examination. They help in the removal of water and lipids from the tissue, allowing for better visualization of cellular structures.

Histological solvents can include various chemicals such as xylene, toluene, ethanol, and isopropanol. These solvents are typically used in a series of steps called tissue processing, which involves dehydration, clearing, and infiltration of the tissue with a medium that can be easily embedded in a solid block for sectioning.

Xylene and toluene are commonly used as clearing agents in histology. They help to remove water from the tissue and make it transparent, allowing for better penetration of embedding media. Ethanol and isopropanol are used for dehydration, which involves removing water from the tissue.

Histological solvents are essential in histology laboratories for the preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. They are classified under the supply class Miscellaneous Chemical Specialties in the supply group Chemicals And Chemical Products.