What could lead to a dirty knife during histopathological procedures?

The condition of a knife used in histopathological procedures is crucial for obtaining high-quality tissue sections. Overuse without proper cleaning can lead to the accumulation of residual tissue, stains, or fixatives on the blade. When a knife is not cleaned adequately between uses, this buildup can result in contamination and interfere with the histological quality of the sections by introducing artifacts or cross-contamination from previously processed samples.

While improper storage conditions and incorrect heating can also affect the knife and histological processes, the primary and most direct cause of a dirty knife during these procedures is the failure to clean it adequately after use. This aspect emphasizes the importance of diligent cleaning practices as part of routine histopathology workflow to ensure that each tissue sample is handled with precision, allowing for accurate diagnosis and analysis.