Simplest, most common and best embedding medium .Very rapid

Melting point

If the lab temp is between 20-24

If the lab temp is between 15-18

Wax with melting point = 56 C is normally used for routine work

This method makes use of an automatic tissue processing machine (Autotechnicon).Usually only 2-3 changes of wax are required to remove the clearing agent

involves the wax impregnation under negative atmospheric pressure inside an embedding oven. Provides more rapid wax penetration of tissue

mixture of highly purified paraffin and synthetic plastic polymers. for large dense tissue blocks such as bones and brain

less brittle and less compressible than paraplast.

synthetic wax

product of paraffin, containing rubber, with the same property as paraplast.

harder than paraffin.not soluble in water.soluble in 95% ETOH and other clearing agents.

soluble and miscible with water (hence does not require dehydration and clearing of the tissue).

AKA colloidin Very slow (days to weeks) Methods

Rarely used Water soluble Add 1% phenol to prevent molds

Done after wax impregnation Placing the tissue in a mold containing the medium

process by which thee tissue is arranged in a precise positions in the mold

Plastic (resin)embedding classified into

reduces antigenicity, toxic and damage tissue

not often used

used extensively for light microscopy