[Histonet] Microwave Processing

[Duraine, Lita R]

Hello all,

I use microwave processing exclusively.   First of all, are you making sure that each reagent is completely extracted before the next reagent is administered?  I know the tissue cannot be completely dry, but all residue reagent should be siphoned off before the next one goes in.  This is especially important when dehydrating the tissue with ethanol, acetone, or polypropylene reagents.  I usually do at least 3 resin changes if not 4.
Curing the resin is another issue I've seen.  Even though protocol says to cure for three days, I have found curing for a week is better.  Especially important to cure the resin blocks longer in humid, rainy, or cold environments.
Another issue is the diamond knives.  Make sure that your clearance angle is correct and the water in the boat meets the knife edge, if you are doing TEM.
Check those things and happy sectioning.

Lita



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone



-------- Original message --------
From: "Campbell, Tasha via Histonet" <histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Date: 11/8/23 1:44 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Microwave Processing

Is there anyone that is super familiar with microwave processing? I really need some help.   I am having trouble with my tissue and I think it's the processing.  I don't know what else it would be.  We moved to a new building so I don't know if the power could be stronger and its changing the way it processes or what.  I have tried messing with the program times and temps but I cannot figure it out.  My blocks keep having what looks like knife lines but it's not the microtomes. The only change has been moving into a brand new building.  Any help would be appreciated!  Thanks.


Tasha Campbell, B.S., HTL (ASCP)
Frederick Gastroenterology Associates
7109 Guilford Dr. Suite 300
Frederick, MD 21704
301-695-6800 ext. 144

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