[Histonet] Microtome Cutting Safety

[Donna Harclerode]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Donna Harclerode <eridana <@t> cox.net>
> Date: January 6, 2009 8:27:14 PM PST
> To: histonet-request <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: Microtome Cutting Safety
>
> Anyone know of a paraffin microtome that you can section WITH the  
> knife guard in position? I have always used forceps to keep my  
> fingers safe, but some techs are harder to convince to do this . I  
> figured if anyone knows they would be on this list.
> I tried the Leica RM2255 (both in automated and manual mode) and I  
> could sort of section a couple small blocks with the guard up, but  
> it was not going to work with anything except perfect processed  
> small blocks and not well for those.
>
> Any opinions on the safety automated versus manual microtomes?  I  
> adore  automated cryostats (Leica 3050 is my favorite) , but I can  
> not figure why use an automated paraffin microtome. Logically I  
> always figured an automated can do more damage, but really have no  
> facts.
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Donna Harclerode, HT, HTL, SLS, (ASCP) QIHC