SEM SAMPLE PREPARATION

Wash tissue to remove any mucus, blood or any other contaminant. The washing medium must be physiological.

Fix tissue with 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer pH 7.2 -7.4 for 24-48 hours.

Wash tissue with 0.1M phosphate buffer 4 X 15 minutes

Rinse tissue with distilled water 3 X 5 minutes

Dehydrate tissue with ethanol.

NOTE :Times dependant on specimen size and density

50% ethanol 20 minutes
70% ethanol 20 minutes - Can store tissue in 70% ethanol
80% ethanol 20 minutes
90% ethanol 20 minutes
95% ethanol 20 minutes
100% ethanol 3 X 20 minutes

Samples then ready for Critical Point Drying

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