MTAP ( Problems & Solutions for Paraffin Section) Flashcards
Problems under Ribbon/consecutive sections curved
- Block edges not parallel
- Dull blade edge
- Excessive paraffin
- Tissue varying in consistency
Problems under sections will not form ribbons
- Paraffin too hard for sectioning
- Debris on knife edge
- Clearance angle incorrect
- Sections will not form ribbons
Problems under thick and thin sections
- Paraffin too soft for tissue
- Insufficient clearance angle
- Faulty microtome mechanism
- Blade or block loose in holder
- Paraffin too hard
Solution for Insucient clearance angle
Increase clearance angle
Problems under chatter-thick and thin zones parallel to blade edge
- Knife or block loose in holder
- Excessive knife tilt
- Paraffin too hard for sectioning
- Calcified Areas in tissue
- Overhydration in tissue
- Dull blade
Problems under sections attach to block on return stroke
- Insufficient clearance angle
- Debris on blade edge
- Debris on block edge
- Static electricity on ribbon
Problems under incomplete section
- Incomplete impregnation of tissue with paraffin
- Tissue incorrectly embedded
- Sections superficially cut
Problems under splitting of sections at right angles to knife edge
- Nicks in blade
- Hard particles in tissue
- Hard particles in paraffin
Solution for Block edges not parallel
Trim block until parallel
Solution for Tissue varying in consistency
Re-orient block
Solution for Paraffin too soft for tissue
Remove excess paraffin
Solution for Faulty microtome mechanisms
Check for faults in microtome
Solution for Paraffin too hard
quality of paraffin, do not reuse melted paraffin already
Solution for Paraffin too hard for sectioning
Warm surface of block
Solution for Sections will not form ribbons
Re-embed in lower melting point paraffin
Solution for Debris on knife edge
Clean blade and back of blade holder
Solution for Debris on blade edge
Clean blade edge
Solution for Debris on block edge
Trim edges of block
Solution for Static electricity on ribbon
Humidify the air around the microtome. Place static guard or dryer sheets near the microtome.
Solution for Incomplete impregnation of tissue with paran
Re-process tissue block
Solution for Tssue incorrectly embedded.
Re-embed tissue; make sure orientation is correct and tissue is in mold.
Solution for Excessive knife tilt
Replace or use new area of blade
Solution for Sections supercially cut
Re-face block, cut deeper into the tissue.
Solution for Knife or block loose in holder
Clean blade edge to remove excess paraffin
Solution for Calcied areas in tissue
Reduce angle
Solution for Paraffin too hard for sectioning
Tighten the blade levers
Solution for Overhydration of tissue
Rehydrate
Solution for Dull blade
Re-embed in fresh paraffin
Solution for Nicks in blade
Use different part of blade or replace
Solution for Hard particles in tissue
Calcium deposit surface decal
Solution for Hard particles in paraffin
Mineral or other particle- remove with fine sharp pointed forceps
