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Version 1.8, Revision L
Working with the Instrument
5
5. Working with the Instrument
5.1
Description of the typical application
The Leica VT1200 / Leica VT1200 S is a microtome with a vibrating blade and is predominately used for
sectioning fixed and unfixed specimens during neurological research.
1. To simplify the process of inserting the specimen, you can quickly move the specimen
receptacle to the lowest position by pressing the
DOWN
key.
2.
To prepare high-quality sections, especially for unfixed tissue, Leica suggests using the optional
VibroCheck measuring instrument to determine the height amplitude of the blade after each
blade change, and then to minimize it using the setting screw on the blade holder.
To perform the aforementioned process, install the VibroCheck instrument (see
6.1 Using the VibroCheck with the Leica VT1200)
Using the VibroCheck with the Leica VT1200 S)
for the Leica VT1200 S), install the blade and
adjust the clearance angle to the desired position. Then take the measurement and make the
appropriate adjustments to the placement of the blade holder.
Remove the VibroCheck according to the instructions, and turn the blade 90° toward the top to
ensure that the ice tray and buffer tray can be installed safely.
3.
Insert the buffer tray into the ice tray and cover it with the lid. Fill the ice tray with crushed ice.
4.
Remove the cover and fill the buffer tray with pre-cooled physiological buffer.
5.
Push the ice tray and buffer tray onto the dovetail guide and clamp them down.
6. Use cyanoacrylate adhesive to adhere the specimen to the specimen plate and use a
manipulator to place it in the buffer tray. Insert the hose for gassing the buffer into the hose
clamp.
7.
Use the
UP
key to lift the specimen to the sectioning level of the blade quickly. Fineadjusting the
blade-to-specimen proximity can be performed using the desired step size 1, 10 or 100 μm.
8. Advance the blade toward the specimen using the
Blade forward
key.
9.
After sectioning the specimen, use the setting dial to feed to the desired section thickness using
the selected step size (1, 10 or 100 μm). This raises the specimen receptacle to the desired
value.
10.
Start the sectioning process by pressing the
RUN/STOP
key. The process can be stopped again
by pressing this key after the cut has been completed. Use the
Blade back
key to move the blade
in front of the specimen. Select the section thickness for the next cut and start the sectioning
process again.
11. After completing the sectioning process, remove the blade, dispose of the specimen receptacle
by pushing the
DOWN
key into its lowest position, and unclamp, empty and clean out the ice tray
and buffer tray.
