Freida L. Carson, PhD, HT(ASCP)
Department of Pathology (retired), Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Christa Hladik, AA, HT(ASCP)^cm, QIHC
Neuropathology and Immunohistochemistry, UT Southwestern Clinical Laboratories, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX

Keywords: microtome, blades, rotary microtome, sliding microtome, clinical freezing microtome, troubleshooting, cryostat

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• identify the different types of microtome blades.
• identify the various blade angles and their significance.
• identify at least 6 microtomy problems and the appropriate corrective action for each.
• identify at least 4 artifacts that occur during section flotation.
• describe the mechanisms of closed tissue-processing systems.
• identify critical factors in processing tissue on a short cycle.
• describe the role of vacuum in processing tissue.
• describe the relationship of temperature (blade, chamber, room) to cutting frozen sections.
• identify problems encountered when using the cryostat and the appropriate corrective action.