What is critical for fixing samples for histopathologic examination?

For histopathologic examination, it is essential that the tissue samples are of appropriate thickness to ensure proper fixation. Fixation is crucial as it preserves the cellular structure and morphology of the tissue, allowing for accurate examination under a microscope.

The correct choice emphasizes that tissue should be less than 1cm thick and requires an adequate volume of formalin. This specification is important because tissues thicker than this can impede the penetration of the fixative, resulting in incomplete fixation. Inadequate fixation can lead to artifacts or distortion in the tissue architecture, which may compromise subsequent diagnostic evaluations.

Utilizing an appropriate volume of formalin is also critical since the fixative must fully surround the tissue to effectively preserve and fix the cellular components. Without sufficient fixative, parts of the tissue may remain unpreserved, ultimately affecting histological analysis and interpretation.

Other options provided either focus on incorrect thickness limits, suggest impractical methods such as using boiling fixatives, or imply that making cuts prior to fixation is necessary. However, careful handling and proper fixation methods, as indicated in the correct choice, are the key factors in achieving optimal tissue preservation for histopathological assessments.