Microwaves for microscopy.

Sample preparation for microscopy is based on physical and chemical processes. These processes can be influenced by microwave irradiation. The prerequisite for the development of good microwave procedures is knowledge of histochemistry combined with understanding of the physics of microwave irradiation. Examples of superior results of fixation, processing, and (immuno) staining performed in the microwave oven are presented, both for light- and electron microscopy.