What happens if fixation is not performed properly during specimen preparation?

When fixation is not performed properly during specimen preparation, the primary concern is that the specimen may become unrecognizable. Fixation is a critical step in preserving the tissue architecture and cellular details for microscopic examination. If fixation is inadequate, the cellular components may degrade, leading to distortions, alterations, or even complete destruction of the tissue morphology. This can hinder the ability of pathologists or laboratory personnel to make accurate diagnoses or evaluations based on the specimen.

A specimen that has not been fixed properly might present issues such as loss of detail, uneven staining, and changes in the cell structure, which would render it difficult or impossible to interpret accurately. Proper fixation ensures that the specimen maintains its structure and cellular relationships, which are essential for subsequent analysis and interpretation.

While over-processing, discarding, or retaining excessive moisture are important factors in specimen handling, they do not directly relate to the immediate consequence of poor fixation, which primarily impacts the recognizability and usability of the specimen.