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Xylene is primarily used in laboratory procedures for the clearing of tissue. It plays a pivotal role in the processing of tissue samples during histological studies. The clearing process involves replacing the alcohol used in dehydration with xylene, which is a non-polar solvent that allows for the infiltration of paraffin wax into the tissue. This step is crucial because it prepares the tissue for embedding in paraffin, which is essential for sectioning thin slices for microscopic examination.

In addition to its role in clearing, xylene is also involved in various other processes such as staining, where it can be used to remove excess staining agents. However, it is important to note that it is not used for fixation or dehydration; fixation typically involves agents like formalin, and dehydration uses increasing concentrations of alcohol. While cover slips require a mounting medium for application, xylene is generally not used for this purpose; instead, mounting media are chosen based on their refractive index and compatibility with the tissue sections.

Understanding the specific applications of xylene helps clarify its importance in the preparation of histological samples and its role in transitioning tissues from hydration to embedding processes.