What is the reagent order for processing?

Study for the CAMLPR Histology Practice Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Processing tissue in histology follows a clear sequence: fix the tissue to preserve structure, remove water through a graded ethanol series, clear the tissue with xylene to make it compatible with paraffin, and then infiltrate with paraffin to support sectioning. The fixative step uses 10% neutral buffered formalin, typically in two changes, then dehydration proceeds from 70% ethanol to higher concentrations, with multiple changes at the higher grades to ensure all water is removed. Specifically, 70% ethanol is followed by 95% ethanol with two changes and then 100% ethanol with three changes. After dehydration, two changes of xylene replace ethanol, and finally two changes of paraffin embed the tissue for cutting thin sections. This arrangement ensures complete dehydration and clearing prior to embedding; skipping changes or altering the order can leave residual water or incompletely infiltrate with wax, compromising tissue preservation and section quality.