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P a g e
G e n e r a l D a t a H e a l t h c a r e , I n c .
Ensure that the specimen has not been moved too close to the blade to prevent
cutting a large portion of the specimen, potentially ruining the sample.
To avoid potentially ruining a specimen sample, always make sure that all 4
locking levers on the blade holder are tight before operating the microtome.
•
The operator can now unlock the hand wheel and begin to trim the
specimen. Turning the hand wheel clockwise will actuate the specimen
holding arm down and up across the blade.
•
The operator can also choose the
Continuous
or
Single
sectioning mode
where he will be able to press the RUN button and allow the instrument
to automatically section the tissue sample.
o
In these modes, the only other function that can be activated is the
sectioning speed adjustment using the
buttons.
•
With each turn the specimen holding arm will advance forward by the
set trim thickness at the top most position.
•
If the retract function is turned on, the specimen arm will retract a set
amount when the arm is at its lowest position to prevent the specimen
from being scrapped by the blade on its way up.
•
The arm will then advance forward the full retract amount plus the set
trim thickness amount.
Activating Sectioning (Manual / Automatic Mode)
•
For manual operation, set the instrument to the corresponding mode as
described in
“Display Panel and Its Features”.
•
At this stage, the operator should have properly trimmed the specimen
and it should be ready for sectioning without adjusting the feed
mechanism.
•
To activate the sectioning mode, press the
button. The
LED indicator will illuminate.
•
The operator can now set the sectioning thickness using the
buttons. The values range from 0.5µm to 600µm. The set values will be
displayed on the handpad.
•
The operator can now unlock the
hand wheel
and begin to trim the
specimen. Turning the hand wheel
clockwise
will actuate the
specimen
holding arm
down and up across the blade.
•
The operator can also choose the
Continuous
or
Single
sectioning mode
where he will be able to press the
RUN
button and allow the instrument
to automatically section the tissue sample.
o
In these modes, the only other function that can be activated is the
sectioning speed adjustment using the
buttons.
