[Histonet] sectioning thymus

[Till, Renee]

I have some thymus paraffin blocks that I am trying to section to do H&E
on. I've never worked with this tissue before. What does it take to get
decent sections? Most of the tissues I have cut worked fine by just
soaking in ice with water. Sometimes I've even floated them on the water
bath and that has helped. Neither of these seem to be enough to get
these thymus blocks soft enough to get decent sections. I am already
letting them soak for a couple hours. Should I go longer? Back when I
was in histo school we used to soak the blocks in fabric softener, but
so far even that hasn't worked. All my sections have chunks tore out
like when the tissue is too dry, and now I am getting what looks like
cracking. I have never had this much problems just cutting tissue. 

 

Renee' Till, HT

Research Assistant

Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center

1212 Marshall St./N2021

Little Rock, AR 72002

Office (501)364-2785

Fax (501)364-3161

 


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