[Histonet] RE: Microtome maintenance frequency

[Morken, Timothy]

Allen, 

Yes the service contract is very expensive. In fact, at our hospital we decided to forgo the service contract on microtomes and only call for service when a microtome has a problem. That has saved us tens of thousands of dollars over the years. In the four years since we have done that we have only serviced 3 microtomes for a cost of about $4,000. The annual contract would have been $64,000 during that period! And in fact, the only problems we have had were related to electronic ribbon cables breaking from repeated bending - poor design by the manufacturer.  We also have a 7 year replacement policy so they aren't going to get badly worn like some places that never replace them.

The minimal use of your microtomes means they aren't going to have the wear that we see in the hospital. Your problem will be from oil or grease drying out and making the operation sticky or slow. 

Be sure you do any suggested daily, weekly or monthly maintenance outlined in the microtome manual. Also be sure to learn what signs indicate a problem with the microtome. It would be good to have someone use the microtome on a regular basis just to keep the mechanics smoothly operating - maybe once a month in your case. 

An accredited lab simply needs to document the regular maintenance and any repairs done to satisfy inspectors.


Tim Morken
Supervisor, Electron Microscopy/Neuromuscular Special Studies
Department of Pathology
UC San Francisco Medical Center





-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Allen Keeping D.
Sent: Thursday, December 27, 2012 10:40 AM
To: 'histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Subject: [Histonet] Microtome maintenance frequency

I have a question regarding scheduled maintenance of rotary microtomes. I run a simulation lab for students of lab technology. Part of their histology rotation involves learning how to produce acceptable sections on the microtome. I currently have 3 Leica rotary (manual) microtomes, which are used by students a total of 18-20 days per year (for educational purposes, not to produce diagnostic materials). In addition, I may use a microtome for a couple weeks total each year to produce control materials and to troubleshoot staining issues.

Currently, the microtomes are serviced by a Leica-educated professional annually for preventative maintenance. As these microtomes are only used infrequently, is this level of maintenance necessary (or recommended)? I am contemplating switching to a bi-annual schedule as a cost-saving measure.

Does anyone have any advice or experience regarding maintaining microtomes in a low-volume setting?

Cheers,

Allen



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