Cleaning Excessive Cross-Linker Crystallization on S10 Plastinated Brain Slices

King Fahad Medical City (KFMC), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ABSTRACT: Tissue plastination is known to be an excellent method for preserving anatomical specimens. The products are generally durable and usable for academic and clinical education. However, prolonged periods of storage in changing temperature and humidity parameters can lead to certain biological changes if not stored properly, which may include growth of opportunistic organisms. This study reports a case of what seemed like a fungal growth on silicone plastinated brain slices in our facility. In order to study the causative organisms we carried out macroscopic as well as microscopic examinations of the isolated specimens. Characteristic feathery crystallizations were largely seen on the white matter. After incubation of surface scrapings and obtaining cultures on growth media, mycological analysis identified Aspergillus fumigates as the causative organism, a common airborne fungi. Most of our collections of contaminated brain slices have been tested, cleaned and finally disinfected using two methods; one was a method published by Prinz et. al.(1999) the second was an idea to use an industrial laboratory surface disinfectant (Virkon ®) commonly used in our hospital laboratories. After further investigations and expert consultations, the crystals were confirmed to be a procedural error of adding extra crosslinker from the source plastination laboratory and not in fact a fungal contamination.