Tissue Embedding Rings — High Impact Polystyrene, Blue, 500/Bag (258-4012-B10)
These blue High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) tissue embedding rings hold the standard histology cassette base in correct orientation within the embedding mold during paraffin infiltration at standard embedding center temperatures of 56–65°C. Supplied non-sterile in bags of 500, part number 258-4012-B10 is engineered for high-throughput surgical pathology cores where consistent tissue orientation and paraffin block face geometry are essential to section quality, ribbon continuity, and the number of diagnostic-quality levels obtainable per block. The blue pigmentation is compounded directly into the HIPS matrix — not a surface coating — ensuring permanent color retention through repeated solvent exposure.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number (MPN) | 258-4012-B10 |
| Product Type | Tissue Embedding Ring |
| Material | High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) |
| Color | Blue |
| Sterility | Non-Sterile |
| Pack Size | 500/Bag |
| Paraffin Compatibility | Compatible at standard embedding temperatures (56–65°C) |
| Xylene Compatibility | Compatible |
| Formalin Compatibility | Compatible (10% NBF) |
| BPA / Phthalates | BPA-free; no phthalate plasticizers |
| Country of Origin | USA (California) |
Applications
- Paraffin tissue embedding at surgical pathology embedding stations — securing cassette-base position during wax infiltration
- Surgical biopsy specimens: prostate needle core, cervical biopsy, skin punch biopsy
- Endoscopic biopsy specimens: GI mucosal, esophageal, and gastric samples
- Color-coded embedding programs where blue is assigned to gastrointestinal and colorectal specimens for rapid visual differentiation on the grossing bench and embedding station
- High-volume anatomic pathology laboratories processing hundreds of paraffin blocks per shift
Chemical Resistance
| Reagent / Condition | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Paraffin wax (56–65°C) | Compatible |
| Xylene and xylene substitutes (HistoClear, Sub-X) | Compatible |
| Ethanol (all concentrations) / IPA | Compatible |
| 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (NBF) | Compatible |
| Acetone | Not recommended |
Quality & Procurement
Made in USA at Caplugs® Evergreen's California facility, these tissue embedding rings are manufactured from BPA-free, phthalate-free High Impact Polystyrene under rigorous quality controls. HIPS is specified over standard polystyrene because its rubber-toughened matrix resists the thermal cycling, solvent exposure, and mechanical handling forces of histology tissue processing without the brittleness or cracking that limits standard PS at embedding temperatures. LabSupplies.com is an authorized Caplugs® Evergreen dealer, shipping from USA inventory with tiered pricing available for surgical pathology cores and high-volume anatomic pathology departments. The full Caplugs® Evergreen embedding ring color range — including White (258-4010-W10), Pink (258-4011-P10), Green (258-4013-G10), and Yellow (258-4014-Y10) — is available from the same source, enabling complete color-scheme procurement from a single vendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is HIPS used instead of standard polystyrene for tissue embedding rings?
High Impact Polystyrene incorporates a rubber-toughened matrix that resists the thermal cycling between paraffin wax temperatures and ambient, as well as prolonged xylene and alcohol exposure encountered in histology workflows. Standard PS becomes brittle under these conditions and is prone to cracking during embedding or block trimming, which HIPS is specifically engineered to avoid.
Are these embedding rings compatible with my laboratory's standard tissue cassettes?
The rings are designed to fit standard histology cassette bases and hold them in correct orientation within the embedding mold. If your laboratory uses non-standard cassette formats, verify dimensional compatibility with your cassette supplier before placing a high-volume order.
What does the blue color signify, and will it fade with solvent exposure?
Blue rings are commonly assigned to gastrointestinal and colorectal specimens in color-coded embedding programs, allowing rapid visual identification at the embedding station and grossing bench. The blue pigment is compounded directly into the HIPS matrix rather than applied as a surface coating, so color retention is permanent through xylene, alcohol, and formalin exposure.
Are these rings supplied sterile?
No — tissue embedding rings are consumables used in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) workflows that do not require sterile conditions, and these are supplied non-sterile in bags of 500 for direct bench use.