[Histonet] streaking when cutting

[Clare Thornton]

We've had one tech complaining of streaks when cutting, across the paraffin.  It's noticeable when cutting, although not clearly noticeable microscopically.  This tech has tried everything, tightening and re-tightening of microtome parts, trying other people's chucks or blade holders, new blades, new lots of blades...everything we can think of. It doesn't appear to be the microtome.  Last week, I noticed the same streaking occuring on my sections.  No one else (we have 9 microtomes total) has complained of this issue.  Could this be a paraffin problem?  The streaks look like when you might have a bit of paraffin debris on your blade and cut a new section; however, this is occuring with brand new blades, almost every block.  Any ideas?  Thank you.


Clare J. Thornton, HTL(ASCP)QIHC
Assistant Histology Supervisor
Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services
417 State Street, Suite 540
Bangor, ME 04401
cthornton <@t> dahlchase.com