Qualitative Evaluation of Modified Polyvinyl Alcohol Gel Used as A Preservative Medium Compared to Traditional Modified Kaiserling III Solution in Pathology Museum

Abstract

Pathology and anatomy museums preserve body tissues and organs traditionally in modified Kaiserling III solution and display in transparent glass jars, which serve as valuable teaching materials for students. Other techniques tried in preserving specimens are embedding in molten wax, embedding in epoxy resin, and plastination techniques. Modified Carbopol-940 gel has been tried recently as a preservative mounting medium in pathology museum. However, the use of modified Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel as a preservative medium is not mentioned in the literature. Gel preservative medium can prevent leakage, toxic vapors, and irritation of eyes and skin.  Aims: Qualitative evaluation of modified Polyvinyl alcohol gel as a preservative medium for specimens in pathology museums compared to modified Kaiserling III solution over one year. Objectives:  1) To qualitatively evaluate physical integrity of mounted tissue specimens stored in modified Kaiserling III solution and modified Polyvinyl alcohol gel for one year.  2)  To qualitatively evaluate physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of modified Kaiserling III solution and modified Polyvinyl alcohol gel for one year. Materials and methods: In this qualitative cross-sectional study, six different organs, two sets each, were preserved in jars containing modified Kaiserling III solution and modified Polyvinyl alcohol gel.  The media were evaluated for stability by physical tests, chemical test, and microbiological test, before and after the study. The specimens were assessed for physical disintegration by observing for tissue shredding, and evaluated for histopathological appearances, before and after the study. Results showed mild variability in stability of the preservative media but   good tissue integrity of the specimens over a period of one year.