One thing we have found helpful (that I learned from the net years ago) is
to put a xylene between the first two 100% alcohols.
		Formalin, graduated alcohols - etc
		100%
		Xylene
		100%
		Xylene
		Xylene
		Paraffin.........

The xylene seems to defat the tissue a little bit
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Mike Bennett [SMTP:bennett1904@piasanet.com]
> Sent:	Wednesday, May 17, 2000 6:55 PM
> To:	HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject:	fixation
>
> This may be a question that is found on this site often but since this
> is new to me I will ask anyway.  We recently purchased a new processor
> and I am having some problems with fixation. All my lab has ever used is
> 10% Buffered Formalin and I would like to try something in addition to
> this.  I have alot of breast tissue and uteri that is not getting fixed
> properly. (Mushy middles!!)  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  We
> process about a 12 hour run with the tissues in each solution for a
> least an hour.  Yes I have tried to get the Pathologist to work with me
> and cut thinner  pieces, but he seems to think they are just fine.
> Thanks!!  I am so glad to be part of this.  I think this will really be
> helpful to alot of techs out there!
>