Microtomy Sectioning Troubleshoot

Identify common sectioning faults

12 cards | Total Attempts: 202 | Created by blamma79 | Last updated: Nov 4, 2015 | Total Attempts: 202

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Microtomy Sectioning Troubleshoot - Flashcards

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Cards In This Set

Front	Back
	Section to Thick Wrong micrometer setting First section in ribbon chosen Sectioning too fast Poor processing
	Holes from Rough Trimming Block trimmed too quickly Block surface not polished by cutting some thin sections after roughing Inappropriate section thickness used when trimming Block brittle, over-processed, or too cold when trimmed
	Knife Lines Damaged knife or blade used Poor processing Hard material such as calcium in block Debris in unfiltered wax Buffer salts precipitated in specimens
	Disruption Poor processing (incomplete dehydration, clearing or infiltration) Vigorous treatment to dislodge wrinkles during flotation Floating out for too long or using water that is too hot
	Fine Cracks Tissue over-processed Block too cold Cutting too fast Clamping mechanism not securely locked Clearance angle needs adjustment
	Coarse Chatter Clamping mechanism not securely locked Very hard or large specimen Poor processing Insufficient clearance angle Sectioning too rapidly Worn microtome
	Folds Poor flotation technique Poor fixation and/or processing (insufficient support) Warm block Section too thin Clearance angle too great Water bath too hot
	Excessive Compression Poor processing (insufficient support) Warm block Cutting too fast Dull cutting edge Clearance angle too great Poor quality wax
	Bubbles Under Section Bubbles adhering to base and sides of flotation bath Poor flotation technique trapping bubbles under section
	Over Expansion Temperature of bath too high Section left for too long on water Poor fixation and/or processing (residual solvent)
	Section Not Flat Poor quality section (wrinkles, bubbles) Flotation bath too cold Use of an uncoated slide Section not drained thoroughly after flotation Insufficient drying time Drying temperature too low
	Dust Present Dirty slide Flotation bath not skimmed or contaminated Slides drained, dried or stored in a dusty environment Fragments of pencil lead from labelling