MTAP ( Problems & Solutions for Paraffin Section)

Question 1

Problems under Ribbon/consecutive sections curved

Answer 1

• Block edges not parallel
• Dull blade edge
• Excessive paraffin
• Tissue varying in consistency

Question 2

Problems under sections will not form ribbons

Answer 2

• Paraffin too hard for sectioning
• Debris on knife edge
• Clearance angle incorrect
• Sections will not form ribbons

Question 2

Problems under thick and thin sections

Answer 2

• Paraffin too soft for tissue
• Insufficient clearance angle
• Faulty microtome mechanism
• Blade or block loose in holder
• Paraffin too hard

Question 3

Solution for Insucient clearance angle

Answer 3

Increase clearance angle

Question 3

Problems under chatter-thick and thin zones parallel to blade edge

Answer 3

• Knife or block loose in holder
• Excessive knife tilt
• Paraffin too hard for sectioning
• Calcified Areas in tissue
• Overhydration in tissue
• Dull blade

Question 3

Problems under sections attach to block on return stroke

Answer 3

• Insufficient clearance angle
• Debris on blade edge
• Debris on block edge
• Static electricity on ribbon

Question 4

Problems under incomplete section

Answer 4

• Incomplete impregnation of tissue with paraffin
• Tissue incorrectly embedded
• Sections superficially cut

Question 4

Problems under splitting of sections at right angles to knife edge

Answer 4

• Nicks in blade
• Hard particles in tissue
• Hard particles in paraffin

Question 5

Solution for Block edges not parallel

Answer 5

Trim block until parallel

Question 5

Solution for Tissue varying in consistency

Answer 5

Re-orient block

Question 5

Solution for Paraffin too soft for tissue

Answer 5

Remove excess paraffin

Question 5

Solution for Faulty microtome mechanisms

Answer 5

Check for faults in microtome

Question 6

Solution for Paraffin too hard

Answer 6

quality of paraffin, do not reuse melted paraffin already

Question 7

Solution for Paraffin too hard for sectioning

Answer 7

Warm surface of block

Question 8

Solution for Sections will not form ribbons

Answer 8

Re-embed in lower melting point paraffin

Question 8

Solution for Debris on knife edge

Answer 8

Clean blade and back of blade holder

Question 9

Solution for Debris on blade edge

Answer 9

Clean blade edge

Question 9

Solution for Debris on block edge

Answer 9

Trim edges of block

Question 9

Solution for Static electricity on ribbon

Answer 9

Humidify the air around the microtome. Place static guard or dryer sheets near the microtome.

Question 10

Solution for Incomplete impregnation of tissue with paran

Answer 10

Re-process tissue block

Question 11

Solution for Tssue incorrectly embedded.

Answer 11

Re-embed tissue; make sure orientation is correct and tissue is in mold.

Question 11

Solution for Excessive knife tilt

Answer 11

Replace or use new area of blade

Question 12

Solution for Sections supercially cut

Answer 12

Re-face block, cut deeper into the tissue.

Question 13

Solution for Knife or block loose in holder

Answer 13

Clean blade edge to remove excess paraffin

Question 14

Solution for Calcied areas in tissue

Answer 14

Reduce angle

Question 14

Solution for Paraffin too hard for sectioning

Answer 14

Tighten the blade levers

Question 14

Solution for Overhydration of tissue

Answer 14

Rehydrate

Question 14

Solution for Dull blade

Answer 14

Re-embed in fresh paraffin

Question 15

Solution for Nicks in blade

Answer 15

Use different part of blade or replace

Question 15

Solution for Hard particles in ***tissue***

Answer 15

Calcium deposit surface decal

Question 15

Solution for Hard particles in ***paraffin***

Answer 15

Mineral or other particle- remove with fine sharp pointed forceps