Rapid microwave‐stimulated fixation of fine‐needle aspiration biopsies for transmission electron microscopy

Abstract

A new technique is described in which fine-needle aspiration biopsies are processed for transmission electron microscopy within 2 hr. This rapid processing method includes exposure of the biopsy in a glutaraldehyde-formaldehyde mixture to microwaves for 25 sec in a domestic oven. The specimen is then routinely stained, processed through graded ethanol, and embedded in epoxy resin to produce excellent preservation of fine structural features.