Chapter 5 - Troubleshooting
51
Tips for Successful Sectioning
For optimal sectioning, the following points should be followed:
• Check the condition of the blade edge; move carrier horizontally to the left or right side to obtain a sharp cutting
edge.
• Check adjustment of anti-roll plate and correct it, if necessary.
• Ensure that the edge of the anti-roll plate glass is clean and free of debris.
• Carefully remove frost from the front and the rear part of the blade, from the anti-roll plate and the clamping plate
(i.e. with ethanol).
• Tighten all clamping screws and clamping levers on the blade holder and specimen head.
• Select the appropriate chamber temperature according to the specimen type - see Temperature list for Cryo-
sectioning.
• Allow time for the temperatures within the chamber to stabilise
• Select the appropriate freezing compound.
• Avoid excessive use of freezing compound.
N
ote
If the specimen was frozen with liquid nitrogen or similar freezing techniques, the specimen must be allowed to adjust to the
cutting temperature.
• Adjustment of proper clearance angle. Select a clearance angle of 8-12°. e preset clearance angle is 10°.
• Take care when bringing knife and specimen together.
D
uring defrosting, remove the specimens from the cryo chamber, as the temperature inside the
c
hamber will increase. Do not leave or store specimens inside the QS12 over a period of time. Due
t
o a power failure or other unexpected malfunctions of the instrument, the specimen might be
d
amaged.
T
emperature list for cryo-sectioning
e optimal cutting temperature of a specimen depends on the respective characteristics of the tissue
especially the fat content. e following table based on experience recommends cutting temperatures
for some typical specimens:
Range A -10 to -20°C
Liver
Kidney
Spleen
yroid
Lymph Node
Uterine Curettings
Tongue
Testicle
To Next Page
Loading...