Paraffin-embedded tissue block usually refers to formalin-fixed paraffin tissue samples (FFPE) which have been utilized in several applications and therapeutic studies for decades. It is a method of preservation and preparation of bioassays for use in investigation, diagnosis, experimental study, and therapeutic progress.
The tissue sample is first processed by fixation with formalin or formaldehyde to make sure that the vital structures and proteins in the tissue remain as close as possible to the state in which they were still part of the host.
Once fixed, it is fixed in a waxed paraffin block to facilitate the separation and attachment of the microscope slide for research purposes. However, there are so many research departments of paraffin-embedded tissue such as https://www.geneticistinc.com/blog/paraffin-embedded-tissue-what-is-it and test them for further developments in this field.
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Some of the therapeutic areas where tissue samples are commonly used are:
Immunology:
The reaction of the immune system is analyzed in both diseased and healthy states. Examining tissue samples from patients with autoimmune diseases helps determine the cause and treatment for those affected.
Hematology:
The tissue blocks embedded in paraffin are very important in studying various blood and related diseases. Hematology is an important field that has helped in the discovery of many treatments for diseases related to blood and its components. Some of the research in this area includes bone marrow research, which can include genetics, toxicology, and tissue regeneration.
Oncology:
Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks are important in oncology because the preserved tumor tissue has characteristic morphology not found in other tissues. Research teams often use these samples to look for proteins that can help diagnose and evaluate disease. Paraffin tumor tissue (FFPE) embedded in formalin usually has a tumor content of 60%.