Chemicals and Drugs

Fixatives

Agents employed in the preparation of histologic or pathologic specimens for the purpose of maintaining the existing form and structure of all of the constituent elements. Great numbers of different agents are used; some are also decalcifying and hardening agents. They must quickly kill and coagulate living tissue.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Agents employed in the preparation of histologic or pathologic specimens for the purpose of maintaining the existing form and structure of all of the constituent elements. Great numbers of different agents are used; some are also decalcifying and hardening agents. They must quickly kill and coagulate living tissue.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

See Also

MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Fixative
  • Pickling Agents
  • Agents, Pickling

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

16 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings adverse effects, analysis, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, toxicity.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

not restricted to use with histological techniques: may be used with microbiological techniques

MeSH Record

History Note

77; was see under HISTOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES 1974

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Histological Techniques (1966-1976)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. D27.720.355

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Fixatives. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D005404. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D005404
  2. Fixatives. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q50414107