Double Embedding Method

for Support Media Processing in Histology

The term double embedding could refer to any processing system which uses two support media at the same time. Usually, however, it refers to Peterfyi’s celloidin-paraffin wax technique. Gelatin-paraffin wax and agar-paraffin wax methods are usually referred to by those names, rather than the general term. It is advisable to check what form of double embedding was used if trying to follow the details of a project in which some variant of it has been employed.

The basis for these techniques is to obtain increased support to the tissues, the first inclusion procedure often being used to hold the tissues in place while the second infiltrates. It is not as cut and dried as that would infer, however.