What is the fixative for urate crystals?

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Multiple Choice

What is the fixative for urate crystals?

Explanation:
Urate crystals are soluble in aqueous fixatives, so preserving them requires a non-aqueous fixative. Absolute alcohol fixes tissue by dehydration and coagulation without dissolving urate crystals, keeping them intact for visualization (often under polarized light). In contrast, fixatives that contain water or acids—such as Bouin’s, Carnoy’s, or Orth’s solution—can dissolve or disrupt the crystals, making them disappear or appear altered. Hence, absolute alcohol is the best choice to preserve urate crystals.

Urate crystals are soluble in aqueous fixatives, so preserving them requires a non-aqueous fixative. Absolute alcohol fixes tissue by dehydration and coagulation without dissolving urate crystals, keeping them intact for visualization (often under polarized light). In contrast, fixatives that contain water or acids—such as Bouin’s, Carnoy’s, or Orth’s solution—can dissolve or disrupt the crystals, making them disappear or appear altered. Hence, absolute alcohol is the best choice to preserve urate crystals.

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