[Histonet] Re: Bad sections

[Johnson, Teri]

Paula,

Try changing your microtome blade. Get as many samples as you can from the companies and try them all out. We see a difference in sectioning paraffin blocks just by changing blades. You'll find something that works well for your paraffin and room ambient conditions. If your room is warm, that may also contribute to compression. Ice down (or spray) the knife edge and see if the colder blade also helps.

Also, get rid of the Downy, you don't need it unless you need to soften some hard samples. Ice water should chill and rehydrate the blocks just fine. If you need more than that routinely, you are overprocessing your tissues.

Good luck!

Teri Johnson, HT(ASCP)QIHC
Managing Director Histology Facility
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
1000 E. 50th St.
Kansas City, MO 64110