Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Microtomy
Block sweats or forms condensation after chilling
Also known as: block sweating
The block may appear wet or have droplets of moisture on its surface. This can lead to poor sectioning quality and artifacts in the tissue.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed after the block has been chilled in a cold environment or when the temperature changes rapidly.
- Rapid temperature change
- High humidity in the environment
- Insufficient drying of the block before chilling
- Inadequate embedding medium
- Condensation from cold storage
- Check the temperature of the microtome
- Inspect the humidity levels in the lab
- Evaluate the drying time of the block
- Allow the block to equilibrate to room temperature before sectioning
- Wipe the block dry with a lint-free tissue
- Adjust the microtome temperature settings
- Ensure proper drying of blocks before chilling
- Control humidity levels in the laboratory
- Use appropriate embedding media that minimize condensation
This atlas is for educational purposes for laboratory professionals. It does not replace your institutional SOPs, manufacturer instructions, validated protocols or pathologist judgment. Adapt any action to your laboratory and equipment.
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