Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Frozen section
Cryostat section curling
Also known as: sections roll up, won't flatten on the anti-roll plate
What it looks like
Sections curl or roll instead of lying flat as they are cut in the cryostat.
Where it usually appears: Anti-roll plate misaligned, wrong temperature, or static.
Likely causes
- Anti-roll plate misaligned or dirty
- Cryostat/tissue temperature not optimal for the tissue
- Blade angle incorrect
- Static electricity
Immediate checks
- Adjust and clean the anti-roll plate to sit just above the blade edge
- Adjust cabinet temperature for the tissue (fatty tissue colder)
- Check blade angle
Corrective action
- Realign the anti-roll plate and re-cut
- Use a brush to guide flat sections if needed
Preventive action
- Routine anti-roll plate care
- Set temperature by tissue type
- Reduce static
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.
Unimeditrek supports histopathology laboratories with tissue processors, microtomes, staining and workflow equipment plus service and AMC. Talk to a specialist →