Comparing paraffin wax versus soy wax as impregnating and embedding medium: a histotechnique experimental performance study / [author]: Baldoza II, Jose Ray Bandao, Aaron Moses I] David, Angelica Enriquez, Francis Jonathan Gacasan, Paula Immanuelle Lagyap, Kenneth Elgo Nixon Magugat, Effie Mari Nadal, Via Joy Ortega, Princess Aurora Rioca, Maria Elizabeth Seva, Natalie Kate Soria, Caila Jianna Tabujara, Oschielle Tracy [research adviser]: Roberto G. Manaois, [research co-adviser]: Reymund M. Mabbagu,

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ABSTRACT: Histopathology laboratory is where you can find heavy toxicity due to different hazardous chemicals. One of these is the use of Paraffin Wax as an impregnating and embedding medium. It is produced as a byproduct of the oil purification process from petroleum or crude oil. But despite being the best choice for tissue processing, it is still not considered a safe choice. Paraffin Wax is tested to have released unwanted chemicals into the air, as inhaling its fumes can cause significant irritation and is not considered good for the environment. The aim of this experimental analysis is to compare the properties and capability of soy wax to paraffin wax in impregnating and embedding tissues by comparing the solubility, clarity, and density of the wax, its ease of sectioning and mounting to slide, its feature and uniformity of the stain, preservation of nuclear details, cytoplasmic details, and background staining. Through its comparison, this study would be able to determine if soy wax is comparable to paraffin wax and can be used as an alternative for impregnating and embedding tissues in histopathologic techniques.

School of Medical Technology Thesis - School of Medical Technology