M3500 Issue 2 - Feb 2006
Last reviewed: Oct 2010 / Next review Oct 2013
16
3.4 DECONTAMINATION
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure that a decontamination procedure is employed
which is appropriate to the nature of the work carried out.
Hypochlorite (bleach) solutions are corrosive to many metals and should be avoided.
Do not
expose the debris trays to temperatures in excess of 60ºC.
3.4.1 Disinfectant
There are many wide-spectrum biocidal disinfectants on the market that are used in
microbiological and clinical departments. These may be used to disinfect the microtome.
-
Make up the solution according to the manufacturers instructions
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Wipe around the microtome with a cloth or paper towel wetted with the solution.
Ensure all debris is collected and all surfaces have ample contact with the solution.
-
Wipe over again with clean water.
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Alcohol may be used as an alternative.
-
Debris screens are fitted to the microtome, which stop section trimmings etc from
entering, so the interior of the microtome should not require decontamination but
please check the internal debris tray.
4. SECTIONING
A PROBLEM SOLVING QUIDE
Cutting sections requires skill and practice, and some tissues are particularly difficult. In all
cases the quality of the result depends on a number of factors.
The notes which follow deal with the more commonly encountered difficulties, and suggest a
systematic approach to problem solving.
4.1 CHECK
LIST
First check all the basic factors:
4.1.1 Specimen
-
has it become loose on the cassette ?
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is the cassette tightly clamped ?
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is the orientation lever locked ? [if applicable]
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has the specimen dehydrated ?
4.1.2 Knife
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has it become dull ?
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is it nicked or chipped ?
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is the knife tilt angle incorrect ?
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is the knife loose ?
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is there a build-up of frost or debris on the knife ?
4.1.3 General
Factors
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is the cutting motion too fast/slow/uneven ?
