Patent ID: 8409793
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: B01D,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for treating a sample consisting of a biological tissue embedded in paraffin, the method comprising: bringing the sample into contact with a stream of a first compressed fluid to extract the paraffin, said first compressed fluid selected from liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide having a pressure between 4-70 MPa and a temperature between 0-50° C.; bringing the sample into contact with a second compressed fluid to impregnate the tissue to bring the tissue to a hydrated state, or to a state impregnated with a water-soluble substance, each of said states making the tissue capable of undergoing histological staining, without any damaging impairment of a structure of the tissue, said second compressed fluid comprising a mixture of carbon dioxide, water and a water-soluble organic solvent, said second compressed fluid having a pressure between 4-70 MPa and a temperature between 0-50° C.; evacuating the second compressed fluid gradually and in a controlled manner; and recovering the sample.