European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Tissues are fixed and preserved and protected from putrefaction and autolysis before routine histopathological or cytological examination. Ethanol is commonly used as a cytological fixative due to its better preservation of nuclear details. Honey, a natural product which possess antibacterial; acidic; dehydrative properties which classify it as fixative than a preservative. Aim:The aim of this study is to compare ethanol with honey as a cytological fixative. Materials and Methods: Smear samples of buccal mucosa from patients submitted to the Outpatient Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, were included in the study group. The study consisted of two groups. Group I that used alcohol as the fixative comprising of 30 smear samples and Group II that used 10% honey to fix 30 smear samples.A double-blind study was conducted. Statistical Analysis: Independent t-test was the statistical method applied for the study using SPSS software (Version 17). Result: The results are discussed. Conclusion: Honey can be used asan alternate fixative to alcohol in cytopathology.