Stieve's fixative solution is a special fixative solution used in histology to preserve tissue specimens for microscopic examination. It is used especially for testicular biopsies and other soft, delicate tissues because it allows good preservation of cellular structures and morphology.
Stieve's solution consists of various chemical compounds such as mercury dichloride, formalin and acetic acid. This mixture allows rapid fixation and penetration of the tissue while preserving cellular structures and fine morphologic details. After fixation, the tissue can be further processed, embedded, sectioned and stained to allow detailed examination under the microscope.