What is formaldehyde primarily used for in medical settings?

Formaldehyde is primarily used in medical settings as a tissue preservative. Its main application is in fixation, where it helps to maintain the structural integrity of biological tissues after they have been removed from the body. Formaldehyde functions by cross-linking proteins, which helps to stabilize the tissue and prevent decomposition. This preservation is crucial for accurate histological examination, allowing pathologists to analyze the tissue under a microscope effectively.

While it’s true that formaldehyde has other applications, such as being an ingredient in some disinfectants, its primary and most recognized use in a medical context is specifically related to the preservation of tissue specimens following surgical procedures. Other options, like using formaldehyde as a pain management drug or a treatment for infections, are not valid uses for this chemical in medical practice.