[LAB] Trimming

Question 1

It is the removal of excess wax from the paraffin block to expose the tissue surface in preparation for actual cutting.

Answer 1

Trimming

Question 2

The process of cutting the specimen prior to embedding is also called as Trimming

Answer 2

False

Question 3

It is sometimes referred to as ‘facing’ or ‘rough cutting’

Answer 3

Trimming

Question 4

The most desirable block does not exceed . mm

Answer 4

0.5 mm

Question 5

Fill in the blank:
The sides, top, and bottom of the tissue block are trimmed until perfectly level and all sides are ______, almost to the edge of the tissue.

Answer 5

Parallel

Question 6

T/F
Before we get to the embedded tissue, the paraffin between the sample and surface of the block needs to be removed by trimming, first by hand and latter with the microtome by making sections until the first section with tissue appears.

Answer 6

True

Question 7

(T/F)
You can use an old dull knife or blade for trimming

Answer 7

False.

You can use an old knife or blade but it needs to be SHARP.

Question 8

Why do we need a shrap knife for trimming?

Answer 8

To avoid damage to the tissue

Question 9

We must sculpt the paraffin block in order to make a ________ ___________ with a ________ _________ _______

Answer 9

truncated pyramid with a trapezoidal upper surface

Question 10

We must “_____” the paraffin block in order to make a truncated pyramid with a trapezoidal upper surface

Answer 10

“sculpt”

Question 11

(T/F)
Trimming should be trapezoidal because:

the longest edge of the upper surface is the first to be cut, whereas the smaller edge will be the last.

Answer 11

True!

Question 12

Both edges need to be ________. In this way, the large edge for a new section displaces the previous section, which is attached to the blade by the shorter edge.

Answer 12

parallel

Question 13

(T/F)
Because both edges are parallel, short and straight rows of sections can be obtained in this way.

Answer 13

False.

**LONG **AND STRAIGHT

Question 14

GENERAL TIPS IN TRIMMING

(T/F)
Paraffin blocks are cooled prior to trimming

Answer 14

True

Question 15

GENERAL TIPS IN TRIMMING

Trim away excess wax carefully to expose a suitable
area of the _______.

Answer 15

Tissue

Question 16

Where do you fix the block into and secure it?

Answer 16

Chuck holder

Question 17

GENERAL TIPS IN TRIMMING

(T/F)
Fine trim the block face in preparation for sectioning. An old blade may be used for this purpose.

Answer 17

False.
New blade

Question 18

Depending upon the ____ and _____ of the tissue sample, shave conservatively into the block surface taking appropriate cuts that may measure between 4-60 micrometers.

Answer 18

Size and Orientation

Question 19

Samples of _______ biopsy tissue may be trimmed only to the depth of the first representation of several levels that will be collected.

Answer 19

small

Question 20

When using the coarse feed, avoid cutting _________ thick sections as this will damage the knife and possibly the block face.

Answer 20

unintentional

Question 21

Aggressive trimming will cause “______ ______ ” artifacts.

Answer 21

Moth hole

Question 22

COARSE TRIMMING

Coarse facing is done on the microtome at approximately __ - __ microns at a time until the entire tissue surface is exposed.

Answer 22

15-30 microns

Question 23

Do you ensure that the block clamped in the chuck has been retracted so that there is no contact with the blade on the initial downstroke?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

It is possible to damage the tissue by _____ or _____ when trimming the block

Answer 24

Gouging or scoring

Question 25

**

After coarse trimming, a _______ ______ is held between the tissue block and the block holder until the wax begins to melt.

Answer 25

heated spatula

Question 26

(T/F)
The block is allowed to harden for cutting proper by facing the down in ice cold water or refrigerator for 5-10 minutes

Answer 26

True

Question 27

this may be done either by setting the thickness ajduster at **15mm **or by advancing the blocl using the corase feedmechanicsm

Answer 27

Fine Trimming