Seroformalin is a commonly used fixative in histology and pathology laboratories, but its spelling can be confusing for non-experts. The word is pronounced /ˌsɪərəʊfɔːrməˈlɪn/, with stress on the third syllable. The "sero" prefix refers to serum, and "formalin" refers to formaldehyde, the main component of the fixative. The spelling of "seroformalin" reflects these two components, with "sero" being spelled as it sounds and "formalin" being spelled as a compound of "formal" and "in".
Seroformalin is a term used to describe a specific liquid solution widely used in biological and medical laboratories for the preservation and fixation of tissue samples. It is derived from the combination of two main components: formalin and serum.
Formalin, also known as formaldehyde solution, is a colorless and strong-smelling liquid composed of 37% formaldehyde gas dissolved in water. It is commonly used as a tissue fixative due to its ability to cross-link and stabilize proteins. Fixation with formalin helps to preserve the structural integrity and cellular components of tissues, preventing decay and autolysis.
The addition of serum to formalin results in the creation of seroformalin. Serum, the liquid fraction of blood after the removal of cells and clotting factors, contains various components such as proteins, antibodies, hormones, and growth factors. The inclusion of serum in formalin solutions enhances the preservation of tissue samples by providing nutrients and optimizing the fixation process. This can assist in improving the overall quality and integrity of the cellular structures and antigenicity of the preserved tissue.
Seroformalin is typically used in histological, pathological, and laboratory settings for various applications like tissue sample collection, biopsy analysis, and immunohistochemistry studies. It is important to note that seroformalin may have specific formulations and concentrations depending on the intended purpose or laboratory protocols.
Trade name of a mixture of formalin and dried and pulverized blood-serum; used as an antiseptic dusting powder.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "seroformalin" is a combination of three terms: "sero", "form", and "aldehyde".
The term "sero" refers to serum, derived from the Latin word "serum", meaning serum or whey. In biology, serum refers to the clear, yellowish fluid that separates from blood when it coagulates.
The term "form" comes from the Latin word "forma", meaning shape or form. In this context, it refers to a substance that takes on a particular shape or form.
The term "aldehyde" comes from the Latin root "al" (meaning alcohol) and "dehyd(e)" (meaning dehydrated). Aldehydes are a class of organic compounds containing the functional group -CHO, characterized by a carbonyl group bonded to a hydrogen atom.