Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Microtomy
Disposable blade dulls too quickly
What it looks like
Tissue sections appear ragged or uneven with frayed edges.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during routine microtomy when cutting paraffin-embedded tissue blocks.
Likely causes
- Blade quality issues
- Excessive pressure during cutting
- Improper angle of blade
- Inadequate specimen embedding
- Frequent use without proper maintenance
Immediate checks
- Inspect blade for visible wear
- Check cutting angle and pressure applied
- Evaluate the embedding quality of the tissue
Corrective action
- Replace the blade with a new one
- Adjust the microtome settings
- Re-embed the specimen if necessary
Preventive action
- Use high-quality blades
- Sharpen blades regularly if applicable
- Maintain proper microtome settings and technique
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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