Efficacy of palm wax as an impregnation and embedding medium for tissue processing [author]: Arias, Leah Jean P., Bosi, Ma. Zenaida Rose Dc., Briones, Allyana Marie C., Pingol, Doreena Raissa D., Redilosa, Edd Angeline Reigne I., Sangcap, Sarah Mae B.

Includes Appendix

ABSTRACT
Background: Palm wax, a natural and eco-friendly alternative, is being explored as a tissue impregnation and embedding medium due to its potential benefits over traditional paraffin wax.
Method: The assessment involved three medical technologists and one pathologist who analyzed palm wax's effectiveness through several criteria: solidification, impregnation, embedding, sectioning, ease of fishing out, stain uptake, and tissue morphology. The evaluation was conducted using pork tissue samples, testing and observing the capability of palm wax in
tissue processing using different concentrations. The experimental setup included three tissue blocks and slides for paraffin wax as control and twelve blocks and slides for palm wax with varying concentrations.
Results: The results were analyzed using the chi-square goodness of fit test and presented in a semi-tabular format for clarity. Results indicated that palm wax and paraffin wax performed similarly in most aspects. Both waxes melted at comparable temperatures at 60°C and provided clear tissue embedding. The use of Palm wax showed minimal issues with embedding,
however, blocks (C and D) have shown some cracks compared to blocks (A and B), which produced tissue ribbons. Extraction ease varied, with Block A being easily removed in a warm water bath, while Block B required a cold-water bath. Stain uptake was comparable between the two media, but pathologist observations revealed vacuolations in Block B, suggesting incomplete impregnation. Tissue morphology varied, with some sections showing no distortion while others experienced cell structure issues, possibly due to the extraction process.
Conclusion: Overall, palm wax demonstrated effectiveness as an impregnation and embedding
medium in terms of statistical analysis. Further optimization is needed to address issues related to impregnation and tissue morphology.
Keywords: Palm Wax, Paraffin Wax, Impregnation and Embedding

School of Medical Technology