[Histonet] Problem getting good sections from Biopsies and Liver Biopsy

[Rick and Sue Boen]

Wilson,
If you have access, read this article in the Journal of Histotechnology, Volume 34, Issue 2, pp 65-68, "Gastrointestinal Biopsies: More Action and Less "Chatter?". It's a good discussion about improving section quality of small biopsies.
Suggestions included:
     Make sure your processing schedule is right.
     Face the blocks slowly.
     Avoid over aggressive facing.
     Soaking the blocks on ice water after facing.
     Use only sharp blades.
     Section slowly at a constant speed.  
     Re-soak the block between levels.
Good luck.

Rick Boen, HTL (ASCP)
St. Luke's Hospital
Duluth, Mn