THE EFFICACY OF COCONUT OIL AS SUBSTITUTE TO XYLENE AS CLEARING AGENT IN HISTOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

involving removing alcohol and other dehydrants from tissues before embedding them in paraffin wax. Xylene, a commonly used clearing agent, is favoured for its compatibility with alcohol and paraffin wax. However, this study sought to explore the potential of coconut oil as an alternative clearing agent, inspired by previous research on vegetable oils' efficacy in this role.

METHODOLOGY: Coconut oil, sourced from mature coconuts, was evaluated in tandem with pre-existing human tissue samples, namely Appendix 001 and Fibroid 002. These tissues underwent grossing and fixation with 10% formalin to preserve their structural integrity. Subsequently, the fixed tissues were dehydrated to eliminate water content. Clearing processes were conducted simultaneously using both coconut oil and xylene, resulting in labeled specimens as Coconut Oil 001/002 and Xylene 001/002, respectively.

RESULT: Notably, coconut oil exhibited the ability to maintain tissue clarity for an extended duration without significant challenges. Conversely, tissues cleared with xylene displayed a tendency to shrink, with prolonged exposure rendering them brittle and prone to breakage. These findings align with prior research. Importantly, both clearing agents facilitated easy sectioning, high-quality staining, and preservation of tissue morphology. 

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the study suggests that coconut oil can effectively serve as a clearing agent in histopathology without compromising the retention of essential information and could serve as a non-hazardous clearing agent compared to other tissue-clearing agents. However, further research across a broader range of tissues is necessary to confirm and expand upon these promising findings