A remedial method for improving inadequate paraffin infiltration in lung tissue

ZHANG Xian; PING Guo-qiang; SONG Guo-xin

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1007-8096.2025.01.023

Abstract：Objective To study the use of an ultrasonic cleaner for remedial wax impregnation of lung tissue with poor impregnation, compare the differences in remediation effects under different irradiation times, and explore the appropriate intensity for wax impregnation remediation. Methods Fifty lung tissue samples remaining after dissection from the Department of Pathology of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital between 2023 and 2024 were collected. Four tissue blocks were taken from each sample. The samples were randomly divided into four groups: Group I (control group), Group II (low-intensity ultrasonic wax impregnation group), Group III (medium-intensity ultrasonic wax impregnation group), and Group IV (high-intensity ultrasonic wax impregnation group). Each group had 50 tissue blocks. The effectiveness of wax impregnation remediation was evaluated comprehensively based on the flexibility, flatness, and absence of shrinkage or distortion of the tissue blocks after dehydration and wax impregnation, as well as the staining quality and morphological features observed under HE microscopy. Results Visually, the tissue blocks after dehydration and wax impregnation were appropriately flexible, flat, and free of contraction or distortion. HE staining showed clear and distinct tissue staining and structure. The number of bubbles generated during embedding and the number of cavities on the surface of the wax film during sectioning were recorded and analyzed. Combined with the changes in tissue morphology observed under HE microscopy, it was found that the wax impregnation effect of Group IV was significantly better than that of the other groups. Conclusion When lung tissue exhibits inadequate wax impregnation, it can be remediated using an ultrasonic cleaner for 30 minutes, resulting in a significant improvement in the wax impregnation effect.