Fixative

A medium such as a solution or spray that preserves specimens of tissues or cells.

Most biopsies and specimens removed at surgery are fixed in a solution such as formalin (dilute formaldehyde) before further processing takes place.

Other common ingredients used in fixatives are alcohol, mercuric chloride, potassium dichromate and sodium sulfate.</P> 'Fixative' is derived from the Latin 'figere' (to fix, fasten, make stable).

Related English words include 'fixture' (that which remains stable and in place) and 'fixity' (state of being stable, steady, permanent).