Which trio are commonly used dehydrating agents?

• A. Alcohol, Acetone, Dioxane
• B. Ethyl Alcohol, Methanol, Isopropanol
• C. Water, Saline, Buffer
• D. Glycerol, Chloroform, Toluene

Answer: (A)

In tissue processing for paraffin embedding, removing water is essential before infiltration. Dehydrating agents are organic solvents that mix with water and with the clearing solvent. Alcohol (ethanol) starts the dehydration by gradually replacing water; acetone is a fast, effective dehydrant that continues the process; dioxane is a strong dehydrant that is also miscible with paraffin, making it convenient to bridge dehydration and embedding steps. This combination covers common dehydration needs and compatibility with subsequent clearing and infiltration.

Water, saline, and buffer are aqueous solutions and do not remove water from tissue. Glycerol acts as a humectant and tends to retain moisture. Chloroform and toluene are used as clearing or solvent steps but are not primarily dehydrants.