Embedding
The process of infiltrating and enclosing fixed tissue in a supporting medium—most commonly paraffin wax—to enable thin sectioning.
Full Definition
Embedding follows fixation and tissue processing in histopathology and involves surrounding the specimen in a solid medium that provides structural support for microtome sectioning. Paraffin wax is the standard embedding medium for routine histology; resin embedding is used for electron microscopy or specialised applications. The orientation of tissue within the embedding mold is critical and must be documented in laboratory worksheets. Editors should note that 'embedding' is distinct from 'processing,' which refers to the dehydration and clearing steps that precede it. The term may also appear as 'paraffin embedding' or 'wax embedding' in clinical documents.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'embedding' interchangeably with 'tissue processing.' Embedding is the final step after processing is complete.
In Context
- "After overnight processing, the technician performed embedding by orienting the biopsy core vertically in the paraffin mold." — Histology laboratory worksheet
- "The report noted that suboptimal embedding orientation had resulted in tangential rather than transverse sections of the tubular structure." — Pathology quality review memo