[Histonet] RE: microtomy

[Maryott, Bridget]

You might want to check the tolerance of your instrument. If I remember correctly, even a precisely calibrated microtome can still have a range of around +/- 10%. So even when calibrated correctly, cutting at 3 microns and getting a section of 3.3 microns would still be within the manufacturer's specs.

-Bridget Maryott, HT (ASCP)

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Message: 1
Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2012 12:06:43 -0600
From: "Webb, Dorothy L" <Dorothy.L.Webb <@t> HealthPartners.Com>
Subject: [Histonet] microtomy
To: "'histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu'"
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
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We have run into an interesting scenario and wondering what the "experts" think!  We cut bone marrow bx's and lymph nodes for lymphoma @ 3 microns on one particular microtome.  Within the past month, the hematopathologist has felt the sections are thicker than the usual 3 microns.  I had our service technician  measure the microns and the equipment was cutting as set.  I had the blocks cut on a different microtome and we have seen variations there also.  My question is, does the amount of time on ice make a minor difference in the section thickness?  I know a lot of responses may be the difference in the tech cutting inasmuch as how fast they turn the rotations, etc., but,we have ruled out that variable by having more than one tech cut at the microtome in question. I am stymied as to how to remedy this fluctuation!  This is why we love histology, so many variables to create a problem and why I love histonet, so many techs to help one through a dilemma!!  Thank you!!

Dorothy Webb, HT (ASCP)