Frozen Sectioning Flashcards
Purpose of the cryostat
A refrigerated chamber containing a microtome for sectioning frozen tissues for fast initial diagnosis or enzyme detection
How to expedite freezing of a tissue sample
Using a heat extractor attachment, dry ice, or a beaker of isopentane suspended in liquid nitrogen
What happens to a tissue sample stored in the cryostat?
The Cryostat goes through a freeze/thaw cycle overnight, so any tissue left in the cryostat will also thaw and slowly refreeze resulting in deterioration and major freezing artifact due to large ice crystal formation
The tissue will also become dehydrated
How to care for and clean the cryostat?
Frequently remove shavings from the cryostat and wipe down with 70% alcohol
Keep the refrigeration coils dust free
Don’‘t put water in the microtome since ice buildup can affect internal components
Oil and run preventative maintenance according to manufacturer guidelines
What can affect cryosectioning quality?
Clearance angle of 4-6degrees
30degrees between the block face and midline of the blade (different from clearance angle)
Proper positioning of the anti-roll plate
temperature (colder for fat, warmer for brain)
