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Xylene Substitutes in Frozen Sections

BACKGROUND Toxic exposure to xylene may occur during routine histopathologic staining procedures. Safer xylene substitutes have been available for over a decade, however, a 1991 survey of 25 Mohs training programs revealed that only 56% were using xylene substitutes. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare xylene to xylene substitutes in the histologic preparation of frozen sections with respect to staining quality, clarity, cellular detail, and tissue distortion. METHODS Xylene and xylene substitutes were used as the final clearing agent in the routine histologic preparation of fresh frozen horizontal sections. The slides were evaluated by a dermatopathologist and a Mohs surgeon in a blinded manner. RESULTS No difference between xylene and the xylene substitutes were noted. CONCLUSION In light of the improved safety profile and efficacy of the xylene substitutes, they should replace xylene in the Molis laboratory.