A tissue fixative is unavailable and the specimen could be out for 30 minutes. What is the recommended temporary handling for the tissue?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Test. Practice with diverse question sets including multiple-choice and flashcards. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you become proficient before the exam.

The main idea is to slow down tissue decay by lowering temperature and managing moisture when fixative isn’t available. Placing the tissue at 4°C keeps enzymatic activity and bacterial growth in check, which reduces autolysis and putrefaction during a short delay. Wrapping the tissue in gauze helps keep it from drying out and prevents pooling of fluids, while still allowing some air exchange, which helps preserve its structure for later processing. This approach provides effective temporary preservation for about 30 minutes. Submerging in saline at room temperature doesn’t slow decay; freezing could cause artifacts and is not ideal for quick, temporary handling; and an airtight container at room temperature can create a damp, stagnant environment that encourages bacterial growth.