Incomplete clearing results in tissue that appears as which condition?

• A. Opaque, cloudy, soft, shrinks
• B. Transparent and firm
• C. Dark and brittle
• D. Clear and moist

Answer: (A)

Incomplete clearing leaves residual alcohol and water in the tissue, so the clearing agent cannot fully replace them and paraffin cannot infiltrate properly. That incomplete replacement causes light to scatter, making the tissue look opaque or cloudy. The tissue may also feel soft because it isn’t fully infiltrated with paraffin, and some shrinkage can occur from the dehydration/processing steps. When clearing is done correctly, the tissue becomes transparent and firm, ready for embedding. So the described appearance—opaque, cloudy, soft, and shrinks—best fits incomplete clearing.