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The knife has a nick or defect on the cutting
edge.
If using a disposable blade, shift to a different
portion of the blade’s edge or replace the
blade. If using a stainless steel or tungsten
knife, sharpen the knife.
♦
Small clusters of cells (usually circular) are missing in the section.
Cause
Solution
Bubbles or debris was captured between the
adhesive Tape and the block face, or between
the Tape and the coated Slide.
To avoid bubbles, apply Tape “like
wallpaper”. If bubbles are visible under the
Tape on the block face, reapply the Tape. Use
clean Tape.
A hole in the block face may be due to groups
of cells being “plucked-out” during or prior to
sectioning.
This may be a defect in the tissue block.
Check the knife edge for dullness and correct.
Debris was caught between the Tape and
block, or between the Tape and the coated
Slide.
Always remove all trimming debris from the
block face, and both the front and rear
surfaces of the knife’s cutting edge before
sectioning.
♦
The section did not transfer completely.
See the
CryoJane Process Troubleshooting Guide.
♦
There are holes in the nuclei and/or cytoplasm of the section.
Cause
Solution
Section may have melted and refrozen causing
large ice crystals to grow. (This is the most
common problem.)
Transfer the frozen block from the freezing
device
rapidly
to the cryostat to avoid thawing
the tissue.
Avoid finger contact with the central portion
of the Tape and/or Slide. Do not touch the
block face with your fingers (thumb). Do not
breath directly on the section. Keep Tapes and
Slides inside the cryostat.
The Blue Pad temperature may be too warm -
See the
Mech and ECU Troubleshooting
Guide.
ALL STEPS OF THE
CryoJane
PROCESS
MUST BE CARRIED OUT DEEP INSIDE
THE CRYOSTAT CHAMBER TO AVOID
WARM AIR CONTACTING AND MELTING
THE FROZEN SECTION.
