How should tissues fixed in formalin be stored?

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Multiple Choice

How should tissues fixed in formalin be stored?

Formalin-fixed tissues should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container. This keeps the fixative from evaporating and maintains stable chemical conditions so the cross-links formed by formaldehyde stay intact, preserving tissue morphology for later processing. Storing in ice water or freezing would damage tissue structure and disrupt the fixative balance, while 70% ethanol would dehydrate or otherwise alter the fixed tissue and is not appropriate for maintaining formalin-fixed specimens.

Formalin-fixed tissues should be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed container. This keeps the fixative from evaporating and maintains stable chemical conditions so the cross-links formed by formaldehyde stay intact, preserving tissue morphology for later processing.

Storing in ice water or freezing would damage tissue structure and disrupt the fixative balance, while 70% ethanol would dehydrate or otherwise alter the fixed tissue and is not appropriate for maintaining formalin-fixed specimens.

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