Optimal cutting temperature (OCT) compound is used to embed tissue samples prior to frozen sectioning on a microtome-cryostat. This process is undertaken so as to mount slices (sections) of a sample onto slides for analysis.
Components From MSDS:
5–15% polyvinyl alcohol 1–10% polyethylene glycol 75–95% non-reactive ingredients
See also Microtome Cryostat
References
Further reading Turbett, Gavin; Sellner, Loryn (1997). "The use of optimal cutting temperature compound can inhibit amplification by polymerase chain reaction". Diagnostic Molecular Pathology. 6 (5): 298–303. doi:10.1097/00019606-199710000-00009. PMID 9458390.
