Which type of alcohol is primarily used for blood and tissue films preparation?

The primary type of alcohol used for the preparation of blood and tissue films is methyl alcohol, also known as methanol. Methyl alcohol is particularly valued in laboratory settings because it effectively fixes and preserves biological specimens. Its properties allow for the denaturation of proteins, which is crucial in maintaining tissue morphology during the microscopic examination.

When preparing blood smears or tissue sections, it is important to quickly immobilize the proteins and prevent degradation. Methyl alcohol does this effectively, ensuring that the cellular structures remain intact and allowing for clear visualization under a microscope.

Furthermore, methyl alcohol is commonly used in the laboratory for its volatile nature which facilitates the drying process of prepared smears. By contrast, other types of alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, serve different purposes in histological applications but may not provide the ideal fixation properties primarily necessary for effective blood and tissue film preparation.