Consistency of histomorphometric measurements of normal oral epithelium subjected to variations in routine tissue processing.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of formalin fixation time on histomorphometry by changing the fixation time and the effect of the age of processing solutions on histomorphometry by processing tissues in solutions of varying ages.

Study design: The study consisted of two parts. The first part examined the effect of formalin fixation time on histomorphometry by changing the fixation time. The second part looked at the the effect of the age of processing solutions on histomorphometry by processing tissues in solutions of different ages.

Results: In first part of the study, cytoplasmic expansion was observed between 24 hours and 1 week of fixation, followed by shrinkage thereafter. The nuclear area showed progressive shrinkage from 24 hours to 1 month. In second part of the study, tissues processed in fresh solution showed more shrinkage than tissues processed in used solution.

Conclusion: It is important to be aware of changes in histomorphometric values resulting from a variable fixation period and age of processing solutions. It is also important to standardize the histomorphometric procedure or take into account the effect of factors that influence morphometric values to minimize the errors due to the same.