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See the Labeling page regarding the use of metal tags to identify tissue and containers.

See the Safety page regarding Formaldehyde Safety and Formalin Waste.

 

General Workspace Precautions

Perform these procedures in the designated work area (photo coming soon)

 

Leave the room door open.  Turn on an exhaust fan, either the fume hood or the one by the counter, but not both.  Don the following PPE, which is all found in that location:

-Disposable surgical gown or plastic gown.

-Goggles

-Gloves

-Mask is optional

 

Containers and Labels

There are different sizes of HDPE containers with screw-on lids stored near the cabinet.  All containers that contain liquid or residue formalin must be labeled with the small white "10% Formalin" stickers.

 

Fixation Protocol

Chemical fixation is performed with 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (NBF) and 3% glutaraldehyde.  It's considered a temporary bridge to cryopreservation in situations where funds are not immediately available. There is variation in how tissue has been processed prior to arrival at Oregon Cryonics.  The specific protocol to be used is a clinical decision based on many factors.  Generally, a volume of fixative 15 to 20 times that of the volume of tissue will eventually be used.  A combination of perfusion, needle injection, and immersion may be used, depending on the circumstances. 

 

Conversion to Cryopreservation

Chemical fixation is usually considered to be a temporary solution.  The ultimate goal is usually conversion to cryopreservation, as long as funding is in place. 

Fixation and Cryopreservation

Begin Subzero Cooldown.