[Histonet] Microtome alignment

[Tom McNemar]

I assume you are referring to a small carpenter's square.  That will only allow you to square up the chuck from top to bottom.  It would not work for left and right adjustments.  Marketlab sells an alignment tool that they claim will work for multiple microtomes.  I have not tried it though.  It lists for $775.

I have considered having a piece of steel welded to an old knife holder and just adjust the chuck until it is flat against the steel.  Should work and won't cost $775.

Tom McNemar, HT(ASCP)
Histology Co-ordinator
Licking Memorial Health Systems
(740) 348-4163
(740) 348-4166
tmcnemar <@t> lmhealth.org
www.LMHealth.org

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Paula Sicurello
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2010 7:00 AM
To: WILLIAM DESALVO
Cc: histonet
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Microtome alignment

A while back I remember someone suggestion something like a right angle
device that carpenters use.  It's basically just a piece of metal that is a
right angle triangle that you put up against the chuck and on the knife
mount.  Then you align the chuck so it is a a right angle to the knife
mount.

It looks like this:        l\
                                l  \
                                l    \   This is my best attempt at computer
drawing.
                                l __ \

I don't thing they cost very much, much less that $700.


Paula  :-)



On Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 8:05 PM, WILLIAM DESALVO
<wdesalvo.cac <@t> hotmail.com>wrote:

>
> Since you have older microtomes, I suggest using an "alignment block" at
> each microtome instead of purchasing the alignment tools. The tools can be
> found on the web  ttp://www.grale.com.au/products/view/804 , but they can
> be expensive (as much as $700.00 each). If you have more than one
> manufacturer for your microtomes, you will need to purchase one for each
> brand.
>
> Try using your largest embedding mold and make a blank block for each
> microtome. This can bee done first thing each morning. Use the block to
> align the chuck each morning before cutting. If you see drift throughout the
> day, add one or more checks during the day. Making a fresh block each day
> gives you a good standard and keeps the variation down.
>
> I also suggest you look at your embedding method and make sure you have a
> standardized procedure for all tissue types for orientation of tissue and
> exact placement in the mold. Embed your tissue on one plane with as little
> paraffin as possible on the bottom of the mold. Reducing variation at
> embedding will greatly assist you in reducing the amount of "facing"
> required to start producing sections and also reduce the need to align the
> chuck to the block/tissue.
>
> William DeSalvo, B.S., HTL(ASCP)
> Chair, NSH QCC
> Prodcution Manager, Sonora Quest Laboratories
>
>
>
>
> > From: Sharon.Davis-Devine <@t> carle.com
> > To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:16:26 -0500
> > Subject: [Histonet] Microtome alignment
> >
> > We are having a continuing issue of too much tissue being cut off when
> facing off a block for recuts. We have tried a couple of different methods
> for aligning our microtomes without much success. Does anyone out there have
> any advice on how to properly align them and what tool to use? Also, how
> often do you perform this re-alignment? The majority of our microtomes are
> older so more wear and tear and things move out of place more often. Any
> help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
> >
> > Sharon Davis-Devine, CT (ASCP)
> > Cytology-Histology Supervisor
> > Carle Foundation Hospital
> > Laboratory and Pathology Services
> > 611 West Park Street
> > Urbana, Illinois 61801
> > 217-383-3572
> > sharon.davis-devine <@t> carle.com
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> > Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
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>



--
Paula Sicurello
6 of 6
Duke Healthcare System EM Lab
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