[Histonet] Surgipath semi-automatic microtomes

[Gwen R. Deville]

We have 3 Surgipath Model#4800E semi-automatic microtomes which are
approximately 5 to 6 years old. When we first purchased them, they cut
great, however, for about the last year to present day, we have
experienced great difficultly with microtomy.  You can be cutting
perfectly for several hours then all of a sudden you can not get a
ribbon at all or better yet, it may cut great the day before, then not
cut at all the next day when you start.  We have not made any changes in
our cutting process (we use Accu Edge blades and cut routinely on 4
microns, with the angle normally set somewhere between 1-3).  We have
regular preventive maintenance performed on each instrument.  

In the past we've had issue with the blade holder screws backing out of
the knife holder and are in the process of having the holders rebuilt by
Surgipath.  We feel like this is probably the source of our problems.

Just wondering if any one else has experienced issues with these
microtomes or has any suggestions.

 

Gwen Deville, Histology Supv. 
Delta Pathology, Mid-Louisiana 
Box 30113, 211 Fourth Street 
Alexandria, LA 71301 

Work: (318)473-3943 / (318) 473-3180 
Mobile: (318) 729-4203 
Pager: (318) 427-5444 
Email: gdeville <@t> hlm-la.com 

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