[Histonet] sectioning issues?

Fri Apr 21 10:10:28 CDT 2017

You may have to call a tech at thermos to ask...... It still sounds like it it's the microtome as we know they cut. Join Histonet or the NSH facebook page and you can ask there as well. I may just be missing something obvious. histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet at lists.utsouthwestern.edu> for histonet. It is a forum.
Bernice
Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Senior Research Tech
Pathology Core Facility
Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723
b-frederick at northwestern.edu<mailto:b-frederick at northwestern.edu>

From: Elizabeth Jane Lux
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 10:04 AM
To: Bernice Frederick
Subject: Re: sectioning issues?

Thanks so much for your help!

Frustratingly having issues when I move into sectioning. Ribbons look square at trim mode (20u) but when I try to get my sections, I'm getting inconsistent slicing, almost like it's compressing it at times. Or I guess not advancing the specimen correctly? Perhaps the arm needs maintenance?

Oh, and I was completely wrong on the model, it's a Thermo Finesse ME+

Liz
________________________________
From: Elizabeth Jane Lux
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 8:58 AM
To: Bernice Frederick
Subject: Re: sectioning issues?

Awesome! I'll bring the block(s) over now, thanks!

Elizabeth Lux
Research Tech 3
Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute
Northwestern University
Lurie Building, 10-220
312.503.6368 lab phone
312.503.0219 fax
________________________________
From: Bernice Frederick
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 8:55 AM
To: Elizabeth Jane Lux
Subject: RE: sectioning issues?

You can always pop by and let me see..... Now would be fine. I am gone all next week.
Bernice

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Senior Research Tech
Pathology Core Facility
Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723
b-frederick at northwestern.edu<mailto:b-frederick at northwestern.edu>

From: Elizabeth Jane Lux
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 8:27 AM
To: Bernice Frederick
Subject: Re: sectioning issues?

Tissue is kidney and heart. Thickness was going off of past work done in the lab, utilizing the guidelines in the AFIP Lab methods in Histo red book.

The machine had some maintenance done last year, though the tech seemed really green and unsure of himself.

The block seems secure to the cassette.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Elizabeth Lux
Research Tech 3
Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute
Northwestern University
Lurie Building, 10-220
312.503.6368 lab phone
312.503.0219 fax
________________________________
From: Bernice Frederick
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2017 7:43 AM
To: Elizabeth Jane Lux
Subject: RE: sectioning issues?

Hi Liz,
What kind of tissue are you sectioning? Bear in mind,the microtome you are using may have never had any maintenance on it. And why are you cutting at 6? Unless you are doing neuro or looking for amyloid, 4 um is the best thickness. The block itself may be coming away from the cassette. This can cause said issues. Wiggle the paraffin and see if it is not coming away from the cassette.
Bernice

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Senior Research Tech
Pathology Core Facility
Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723
b-frederick at northwestern.edu<mailto:b-frederick at northwestern.edu>

From: Elizabeth Jane Lux
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2017 4:09 PM
To: Bernice Frederick
Subject: sectioning issues?

Hey Bernice,

Wonder if I could ask your opinion on some microtome troubleshooting. I'm having a few tricky paraffin blocks. Facing it gets me nice smooth ribbons, but when I move to the sections (6micron) I get inconsistent results. It will give me a full section, then a half, then full, then half, and so on . .

Moved to a test block to work out the kinks, and adjusted the angle slightly, tightened up the blade holder, and things seemed to be ribboning better. But then still having issues with the sample block of interest.

Anyway, thought it was worth asking if you had any advice.

Thanks!

Liz

Elizabeth Lux
Research Tech 3
Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute
Northwestern University
Lurie Building, 10-220
312.503.6368 lab phone
312.503.0219 fax