A PRACTICAL DEVICE FOR HISTOLOGICAL FIXATIVE PROCEDURES THAT LIMITS FORMALDEHYDE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS IN LABORATORY ENVIRONMENTS

Formaldehyde vapor levels were evaluated in a histological fixative la boratory and environments where anatomical pieces treated with this fi xative are stored or handled. Formaldehyde concentration in the air ma y reach values up to 9 times higher than that established (0.3 ppm) by the international official surveillance bureaus. These results emphas ize the need to perform these activities in an environment with good e xhaust conditions in view of the deleterious effects of formaldehyde. Therefore, we designed a practical modular mechanical device to carry out transcardiac fixative perfusion inside an exhaust hood. This devic e is coupled to accessories that help surgical procedures, animal head tissue cooling and collection of organic and chemical residues for po sterior discharge or treatment. In addition, as it was designed to be readily assembled and disassembled it releases the hood for other task s. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.