The Tissue Microarray—A Technical Guide for Histologists

The tissue microarrays allow simultaneous evaluation of tumor markers from multiple tissue samples. Such multiple tissue arrays can also be used for a variety of other purposes. The microarray is also a cost-effective way to test and use control tissues for histological special stains. Techniques discussed in this article will help researches and histologists make consistent tissue arrays. Up to 1000 samples can be placed in a single paraffin array block using the 0.6 mm needle and up to 60 samples with the 2 mm needle. Troubleshooting techniques along with effective methods for punching and sectioning a tissue array are discussed in depth. To help technicians organize an array into a readable fashion, a documentation system is shown that helps technicians arrange punches into a precise order. This system also makes it easy for the slide reader to locate a single specimen easily and effectively. (The Histotechnol 24:283, 2001)Submitted: May 22, 2001; Accepted June 21, 2001