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70% ethanol as an alternative to formalin in tissue fixation

70% ethanol as an alternative to formalin in tissue fixation

Type of measure: Substitution

The study

A study aimed to use a systematic approach to evaluate the biomolecular status of a number of clinical tissue specimens processed through a non-formalin fixation method. 50 radical prostatectomies (tissue from prostate) were fixed in 70% ethanol and studied at the National Cancer Institute.

Results

The conclusion was that specimens fixed in 70% ethanol and embedded in paraffin produce good histology and permit recovery of DNA, mRNA, and proteins sufficient for several downstream molecular analyses.

Published July 26, 2023
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Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.
Relevance
Carcinogens involved:
Formaldehyde
About this case
For more information please contact:
SUBSPORTplus Team
General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

  • The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
  • Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
  • Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.