[Histonet] Cracking of paraffin blocks

[Gayle Callis]

Carol,

Be sure to stir your paraffin before embedding to redistribute the 
additives.  However your cold plate may be TOO cold.  We have had cracks 
when cooling of paraffin is too rapid and too cold.  You may want to turn up 
the cold plate temperature a bit. I have used the Surgipath 
infiltration/embedding system, excellent paraffins in the past for animal 
tissue, and it is not the animal tissue that is causing the problem.  The 
blocks should come out of the molds without any leverage if you are using 
tools to get then out.

Gayle M. Callis
HTL/HT/MT(ASCP)
Bozeman MT 59715

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Wilson, Carol" <wilson_c <@t> ricerca.com>
To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 6:17 AM
Subject: [Histonet] Cracking of paraffin blocks


Hi All,

Recently we have seen an increase in cracks of paraffin blocks when we
take them out of the molds.  Sometimes it does not affect the tissue,
but there are times that the tissue cracks right along with the
paraffin.  We are using Surgipath infiltration on our processor and
Surgipath embedding media in our embedding center.  We use reusable
metal base molds.  Don't know if would matter or not, but we are
processing animal tissue.  We take temperatures daily of all wax baths..
nothing out of the ordinary.  Any suggestions would be greatly
appreciated.

Thanks,

Carol



Carol Wilson

Team Leader - Histology

 Ricerca Biosciences, LLC



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