Microtomy And Paraffin Section Preparation

This produces so called paraffin sections.

Microtomy and paraffin section preparation. Alternatively we can infiltrate our tissue specimen with a liquid agent that can subsequently be converted into a solid that has appropriate physical properties which will allow thin sections to be cut from it. Paraffin wax is such an agent. 6 microtomy and paraffin section preparation locate microtome appropriately the location of the microtome in the laboratory is important.

Finally the tissue is sectioned using a microtome. Paraffin is typically heated to 60 c and then allowed to harden overnight. These sections are called frozen sections.

Microtomy and paraffin section preparation is a great training aid for new microtomists and is an excellent refresher for experienced operators. Dehydrationis the first step which involves immersing your specimen in increasing concentrations of alcohol to remove the water and formalin from the tissue. Processing tissues into thin microscopic sections is usually done using a paraffin block as follows.

Tissue sections may be dried by onto microscope slides and stored for extended periods at room temperature. Therefore proper microtomy technique is essential in the preparation of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue for biobanking purposes. It has a blade a sample holder and a mechanical device able to move the sample toward the blade at selected steps of a few microns in length and then gets the section.

Tissue sections are then rehydrated prior to commencing the immunostaining protocol. Any air movement from air conditioners or other causes can make section handling very difficult. Position the microtome on a stable bench away from air drafts doorways and passing staff.

We also highlight the possible pitfalls that may arise and discuss how to avoid them. Sections can be directly taken from the blade with a brush. When it goes down a section usually 5 μm thick is cut by a steel razor.