31
Use
A tissue block can be stored in a freezer at -70
°
C for up to 1 year once thoroughly coated
with the protective Oil.
THE BLOCK MUST NOT BE PERMITTED TO THAW AND REFREEZE DURING
STORAGE. THIS WILL DEGRADE THE QUALITY OF THE TISSUE IN THE
BLOCK
Storing a Tissue Block
To store (short term in the cryostat or long term in a freezer) a frozen tissue block follow
the procedure outlined below.
For Short Term Storage in the Cryostat
With the block in the cryostat, use the Oil
Brush to coat the block face with the Oil
from the Oil Bath.
For Long Term Storage in a -70
°
C
Freezer
With the block in the cryostat, use the Oil
Brush to coat the
entire
block with the Oil
from the Oil Bath. Apply generous
amounts of Oil.
Figure 29.
Coating the block with Oil.
Sectioning a Stored Tissue Block
From Short Term Storage:
Trim away the frozen layer of Oil to expose the tissue
specimen and proceed as usual.
