Embedding Media


Tissue-Tek® VIP® Paraffin
Sakura Finetek - High-quality paraffin for processing and embedding.
Quality prepared wax - allows optimal sample preparation.
- Allows reduced compression in sections as thin as 2µ
- Melts at 56°C to protect samples from excessive heat
- Will not discolor or produce resin precipitate
- Small pellets for rapid melting in tissue processors/embedding centers
- Leaves no plasticizer residue to clog paraffin lines
Specifications:
Medium Composition: | Purified paraffin and synthetic resin blend |
Applications: | Processing/Embedding |
Additives: | None |
Melting Point: | 56°C |
High Temperature Stability: | 65°C |
Solid Product Range: | Pellets |
Sectioning Range: | Down to 2µ |
Not for sale overseas | |||||
Catalog # | Tissue-Tek | Description | Pack | Price | |
62580-01 | 4005 | VIP® Paraffin | 1 kg | 20.00 | Add to cart |
62580-08 | 4005 | VIP® Paraffin | 8 x 1 kg | 154.00 | Add to Cart |



Paramat and Paramat Extra
Paramat is the original British blend of paraffin wax and plastic polymers and it has been used in histology labs throughout the world for over 20 years. It has been found that when plastic polymers are added to the paraffin the elasticity of the final block is greater as compared with paraffin alone. As well the mixture offers improved tissue penetration, easier ribboning of sections, reduced tendency to crumble, and improved overall results with fibrous tissue.
A recent development to Paramat is the addition of a very small amount of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which produces PARAMAT EXTRA. This formulation offers additional advantages, such as faster penetration of the tissue with a more homogeneous matrix to support the specimen.
Technical Information
- Appearance: Milky-white, pastilles
- Crystalline Structure under the microscope: Needles & Platelets
- Effect of heating (@60°C/100g): Clear melt within max. 16 hrs
- Solubility in Xylene (@20°C/1g in 50 ml): Clear solution within max. 16 hrs
- Cutting results for 4*m sections: Over 75% usable single; over 65% usable serial
- Solubility in Xylene (section): Max. 45 sec
- Melting Point: 56-58°C
- Solidification Point: 58-56°C
- Tears and Vascuoles: None
- Adhesion of sections Very good; protein, to microscope slides: glycerol etc. is not required to hold the section in place
- Free acid content: Max. 0.01%
- Block Structure: No mottling, no shrinking
- Block Solidification (room Temperature): About 2 hrs
- DMSO content (Paramat Extra-only): Less than 0.1%
RT | 19286-01 | Paramat | 1 kg | 31.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19286-10 | Paramat | 10 kg | 283.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19287-01 | Paramat Extra | 1 kg | 27.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19287-10 | Paramat Extra | 10 kg | 242.00 | Add to Cart |
Paraplast Embedding Medium

Paraplast X-tra
Handy pellet form melts rapidly. Melting Point 53-54°C. Cuts to 2 micron thickness with exceptional ribbon continuity. Extra compression resistance provides total support of tissues
RT | 19214 | Paraplast X-tra | 1 kg | 26.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19215 | Paraplast X-tra | 8 kg | 170.00 | Add to Cart |

Paraplast Plus
Reduces infiltration time by one-third. Cuts to 2 micron thickness with excellent ribbon continuity. Convenient pellet form melts rapidly. Melting point 56°C. Double filtered. No need for filtration before use.
RT | 19216 | Paraplast Plus | 1 kg | 24.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19217 | Paraplast Plus | 8 kg | 152.00 | Add to Cart |

Paraplast Medium
Handy pellet form melts rapidly. Melting Point 56°C
Cuts to 4 micron thickness with excellent ribbon continuity - no Crumbling or cracking.
Double filtered. No need for filtration before use.
RT | 19218 | Paraplast Medium | 1 kg | 23.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19219 | Paraplast Medium | 8 kg | 129.00 | Add to Cart |

Paraffin Wax, ParaPro Blue™
A specialized wax which consists of light blue pellets used specifically for small biopsy specimens, as well as for general use with all other tissues.
The ParaPro Blue offers better visualization of the tissue and allows for sectioning as low as 3µm thick. The melting point of the wax is 56°C and offers perfect ribbon continuity.
RT | 19310-01 | Paraffin Wax, ParaPro Blue | 1kg | 14.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19310-02 | Paraffin Wax, ParaPro Blue | 8kg/cs | 84.00 | Add to Cart |


Peel Away Paraffin Embedding Wax
A New low melting point polymer paraffin is introduced in the Peel-AWay line for routine Histology work.
- This new paraffin formulation is more translucent and allows for small dermatological and biopsy specimens to be seen and sectioned easier
- Its lower polymer content is easier to remove with all cleaning agents. (deparaffinization)
- Its lower viscosity allows for complete infiltration using routine times established for most tissue processors
These new paraffins are sold in 2.5 kg lined paper and re-closable with a clip bag, and 4 bags per case.
RT | 19302 | Melting Point 56-58°C | 10 kg/cs | 140.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19302-01 | Melting Point 56-58°C | 2.5kg | 37.50 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19304 | Melting Point 62-64°C | 10 kg/cs | 135.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19304-01 | Melting Point 62-64°C | 2.5kg | 37.00 | Add to Cart |



Polyester Wax
Asynthetic polyester wax with a verylow melting point (37°C). Invented by Dr. H.F. Steedman, as a ribboning embedding medium. Its main advantage over paraffin and ester waxes is its low melting point, which reduces tissue hardening, shrinkage, and eliminates the need for infiltration ovens.
The wax is soluble in most organic solvents, including alcohol, ethers, esters, ketones and hydrocarbons. The wax is water tolerant, almost opaque, and sections easily. No electrification of ribbons occurs during sectioning. Sections of 2 microns and more may be cut at room temperatures between 10 and 22°C. It is advantageous to keep the wax in its solid state prior to use.
RT | 19312 | Polyester Wax | 500g | 165.00 | Add to Cart |
Polyethylene Glycol
H(OCH2CH2)nOH CAS #25322-68-3
An embedding medium for microscopy and histochemistry.
Cat. # | Polyethylene Glycol | Avg. M.W. |
Density @20°C @60°C |
Melting/ Freezing Range, °C |
Pack | Price | ||
RT | 19700 | PEG 200 viscous liquid![]() |
190- 210 |
1.2390 1.0922 |
set to glass <-65 | 450 ml | 50.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19710 | PEG 300 viscous liquid![]() |
285- 315 |
1.1250 1.0928 |
-15 to -84 | 450 ml | 26.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19720 | PEG 400 viscous liquid![]() |
380- 420 |
1.1254 1.0930 |
4 to 8 | 450 ml | 32.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19730 | PEG 600 viscous liquid![]() |
570- 630 |
1.1257 1.0930 |
20 to 25 | 450 ml | 40.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19740 | PEG 1000 Waxy![]() |
950- 1050 |
1.0926 |
37 to 40 | 1 kilo | 66.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19750 | PEG 1450 Waxy![]() |
1300- 1600 |
1.0919 |
43 to 46 | 1 kilo | 92.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19760 | PEG 3350 Waxy![]() |
3000- 3700 |
1.0926 |
54 to 58 | 1 kilo | 92.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19770 | PEG 8000 Flakes![]() |
7000- 9000 |
1.0845 |
60 to 63 | 1 kilo | 92.00 | Add to Cart |
Gao, K.X., (1993). Polyethylene Glycol as an Embedment for Microscopy and Histochemistry. CRC Press; ISBN# 0-8493-4323-2.


Polyfin™
Polyfin is a mixture of highly refined paraffins and co-polymer alloys in a convenient wax pellet. This unique formulation provides optimal tissue support while maintaining exceptional clarity. Our Polyfin™ has been institutionally tested and found to function flawlessly in pressure/vacuum fluid flow processors. Its low melting point (55°C) eliminates any tissue distortion caused by excessive heat during processing. In a recent study conducted by a Medical Center Histologist, monitored by a CPA firm using standard blind protocols, POLYFIN™ clearly demonstrated the least compression of seven popular paraffins.
RT | 19280-01 | Polyfin™ Embedding Medium | 1 kilo | 23.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19280-08 | Polyfin™ Embedding Medium | 8 x1 kilo | 153.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 19280-15 | Polyfin™ Embedding Medium | 15 kilo | 256.00 | Add to Cart |

PolyShield® Paraffin Repellant/Remover
PolyShield® is a liquid paraffin repellent used as a protective coating on laboratory surfaces that are exposed to paraffin residue.
PolyShield® can also be used to clean paraffin that has adhered to lab countertops and equipment.
Comes in a 120 ml spray bottle.
RT | 64141 | PolyShield® | 6/pk | 197.00 | Add to Cart |


Para/Gard™
A paraffin repellent for countertops as well as equipment. Just spray and wipe away. No more paraffin build up around your work area. ParaGard™ is a pleasant smelling, non-toxic spray which is safe for use on metal, wood, and plastic surfaces. Comes in a 4 oz. pump bottle.
RT | 64140-01 | Para/Gard™ | 4 oz. | 32.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 64140-06 | Para/Gard™ | 6 x 4 oz./cs | 175.00 | Add to Cart |


Tissue Freezing Medium; TFM™
An embedding matrix for frozen sections. TFM™ is an ultra pure formulation of water-soluble glycols and resins that provides a solid bond between the tissue and the object holder with the following features:
- Less Ice Artifacts: TFM's reduced water content minimizes freeze-fracturing
- Less Curling: TFM™ allows you to pick up flat serial sections with ease
- Freezes Faster: TFM™ freezes very fast and offers better turn-around time
- Completely water soluble: TFM™ reduces tissue dislodging
- Now available in 5 colors: clear, yellow green, red and blue
RT | 72592 | Tissue Freezing Medium, clear | ![]() |
4 oz | 30.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 72593 | Tissue Freezing Medium, clear | 12 x 4 oz | 333.00 | Add to Cart | |
RT | 72592-Y | Tissue Freezing Medium, Yellow | ![]() |
4 oz | 30.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 72593-Y | Tissue Freezing Medium, Yellow | 4 x 4 oz | 120.00 | Add to Cart | |
RT | 72592-G | Tissue Freezing Medium, Green | ![]() |
4 oz | 30.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 72593-G | Tissue Freezing Medium, Green | 4 x 4 oz | 120.00 | Add to Cart | |
RT | 72592-R | Tissue Freezing Medium, Red | ![]() |
4 oz | 30.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 72593-R | Tissue Freezing Medium, Red | 4 x 4 oz | 120.00 | Add to Cart | |
RT | 72592-B | Tissue Freezing Medium, Blue | ![]() |
4 oz | 30.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 72593-B | Tissue Freezing Medium, Blue | 4 x 4 oz | 120.00 | Add to Cart |



Tissue-Tek® O.C.T. Compound
Sakura Finetek - This is a well known water soluble glycol's and resins compound that provides an excellent specimen matrix for cryostat sectioning at temperatures of -10°C and below. It leaves no residue during the staining procedure.
Not for sale overseas | |||||
Catalog # | Tissue-Tek | Description | Pack | Price | |
62550-01 | 4583 | O.C.T. Compound | 4 oz | 14.50 | Add to Cart |
62550-12 | 4583 | O.C.T. Compound | 12/cs | 165.00 | Add to Cart |

PolarStat Plus™ Embedding Medium for Frozen Sections
This formulation is especially well suited for Mohs cryostat sectioning. It freezes at optimum cutting temperatures of -10°C and below. No residue is left on slides during the staining procedure, thereby eliminating undesirable background staining.
19221-01 | PolarStat Plus™ Embedding Medium for Frozen Sections | each | 13.50 | Add to Cart |
19221 | PolarStat Plus™ Embedding Medium for Frozen Sections | 12/pk | 130.00 | Add to Cart |


Polarstat™ Embedding Medium
An aqueous-based frozen section embedding medium designed to support tissue blocks in cryostat sectioning. Formulated to promote rapid freezing, enhanced sectioning and consistent results at a working temperature of -20°C.
4 oz.
19222 | Polarstat™ Embedding Medium | each | 12.00 | Add to Cart |



CytoFix
Cytology fixative spray designed for slide based cytology specimens for cellular preservation and transport.
Quickly spray a fine mist over the slide (covering the entire specimen) for cellular fixation and reduce air drying of the material.
CytoFix forms a thin, tough, clear protective coating over the specimen with a water and alcohol solution of Polyethylene glycol for cellular fixation and does not require rehydration by the laboratory prior to staining. Allows safe storing or transporting of slides.
Allow specimens to dry before sending to lab or for storage.
- Dries in 4 to 6 minutes
- Water soluble
- Won't cloud or obscure specimen
- Contains no chlorofluorocarbons
Available in pump bottle or aerosol can.
22805-01 | CytoFix (Non-Aerosol) | 100 ml | 14.50 | Add to Cart |
22805-02 | CytoFix Can | 4 oz | 14.50 | Add to Cart |



Cryogenic-Gel
- It replaces the messy "runny" embedding media
- It's easy to use
- Sticks to where you want it
- Will not run – No waste
This gel is highly viscous, water-soluble embedding medium for frozen sections that "stays put". The gel is packaged in a pump-dispenser bottle that instantly dispenses the gel in any desired position. The dispenser has a built-in "guillotine" that cleanly severs the gel from the pump spout and prevents any "stringy" medium from pulling away when the bottle is removed. Simply dispense gel on a room temperature block-holder. Use cold heat extractor to form a base layer. Dispense additional gel. Place the tissue on top of gel. Use cold heat extractor to freeze tissue and form block.
62806-01 | Cryo-Gel™ 4.3 oz | each | 21.00 | Add to Cart |
62806-06 | Cryo-Gel™ 4.3 oz | 6/cs | 213.00 | Add to Cart |



Histocryl Resin
Histocryl acrylic resin has been specially formulated for light microscopy. It is water clear, and because it is hydrophilic (polar) it permits the use of most routine staining techniques without priorremoval or etching.
RT | 14390 | Kit consists of: 500 ml Histocryl Resin 50g Histocryl Catalyst (B.P.) 10 ml Histocryl Accelerator |
kit | 198.00 | Add to Cart |

GMA, Water Soluble
Glycol Methacrylate embedding medium provides excellent preservation (especially enzymatic autoradiographic studies). Good for E.M., L.M., and Histo. Leduc. & Bernard, (1967)
J. Ultrastr. Res., 4, 196-99.
RT | 14200 | GMA Embedding Kit consists of: | kit | 54.00 | Add to Cart | |
450 ml Glycol methacrylate, GMA | ![]() |
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225 ml n-Butyl methacrylate | ![]() |
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15g Benzoyl Peroxide Paste | ![]() |


GMA-PEG
Polyethylene Glycol - Glycol methacrylate mixture. A water miscible embedding medium for cytochemical studies and enzyme localization when light and electron microscopy need to be correlated.
Spaur, R.C. & Moriarty, G., (1977) J Histochem. Cytochem., 23:16
RT | 14250 | GMA-PEG Embedding Kit consists of: | kit | 54.00 | Add to Cart | |
450 ml Glycol methacrylate, GMA | ![]() |
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225 ml n-Butyl methacrylate | ![]() |
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50 ml Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate | ![]() |
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20 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 | ![]() |
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15g Benzoyl Peroxide Paste | ![]() |

JB-4™ Embedding Kit
A water soluble embedding media which is based on Glycol Methacrylate (GMA) plastic embedding. It is intended for use in preparing samples for high resolution microscopes (HRLM). The catalyzed monomer acts as a dehydration and infiltration agent; therefore, complete dehydration through 100% ethanol is not necessary (although recommended for large or dense tissues). Conventional paraffin sections have a greater degree of shrinkage and produce inadequate morphology when compared to JB-4.
Features:
- Thin sections (.5-2.0 micron) with excellent morphological structure preservation
- Water-clear blocks; casts in 90 minutes max. at room temp
- Good lipid and enzyme retention when processing at low temperatures (4°C)
- Removal of JB-4 resin prior to staining is not necessary
- Clearing agents such as xylene and chloroform are not needed
- Higher clarity and contrast than with paraffin sections
- Easy processing of difficult specimens such as calcified bone and delicate embryonic tissue
- It produces harder blocks which is ideal for dense samples, such as bone
References:
- Hofman E.O. & Flores, T.R., High Resolution LM in Renal Path., Amer. J. of Clin. Path., 76:5 (1981)
- Beckstead, J.H., Blood, 57(6):1008 (1981)
- Brinn, N & Pickett, P., J. Histotech., 2(5):125-130 (1979)
- Block, Matthew H., et al., Lab. Med., 13(5)(1982)
- Helander, K.G., J. Microscopy, 132:223 (1983)
- Cole, M.B., J. Microscopy, 127:139 (1982)
- Higuchi, S., et al., Stain Tech., 54(1):5-12 (1979)
- Van DeVeldt, S., Am. J. Clin. Path.,73:121 (1980)
- Horton, W.A., J. Histochem. Cytochem., 31:417 (1983)
- Tacha, D.E. & Richard, T.C.., J. Histotech., 4(2):59 (1981)
RT | 14270-00 | JB-4 Kit Consists of: 800 ml Solution A 30 ml Solution B 12 g Catalyst |
kit | 402.00 | Add to Cart | |
RT | 14270-01 | JB-4 Solution A only | ![]() |
800 ml | 315.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 14270-04 | JB-4 Solution B only | ![]() |
30 ml | 49.50 | Add to Cart |
RT | 14270-06 | JB-4 Catalyst | ![]() |
12 g | 49.00 | Add to Cart |


JB-4 Plus™ Embedding Kit
JB-4 Plus offers all of the same features as JB-4 except it produces less of an exothermic reaction than JB4 which is good for temperature sensitive tissues.
RT | 14272-00 | JB-4 Plus Kit Consists 500 ml Solution A 15 ml Solution B 8 g Benzoyl Peroxide Catalyst |
kit | 296.00 | Add to Cart | |
RT | 14272-01 | JB-4 Plus Solution A only | ![]() |
500 ml | 214.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 14272-04 | JB-4 Plus Solution B only | ![]() |
15 ml | 64.00 | Add to Cart |
RT | 14272-06 | JB-4 Plus Catalyst | ![]() |
8 g | 45.00 | Add to Cart |