Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Microtomy
Feathering or lacy edges on sections
Also known as: lacy edges, feathered sections
What it looks like
Sections exhibit irregular, wispy edges resembling feathers or lace. This can affect the clarity and quality of the tissue morphology.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed in paraffin-embedded tissue sections during microtomy.
Likely causes
- Inadequate blade sharpness
- Incorrect microtome settings
- Improper embedding technique
- Tissue dehydration issues
Immediate checks
- Inspect the microtome blade for sharpness
- Verify the microtome settings are appropriate for the tissue type
Corrective action
- Replace or sharpen the microtome blade
- Adjust microtome settings to optimize cutting
- Re-embed the tissue if embedding is suspected to be faulty
Preventive action
- Regularly check and maintain blade sharpness
- Follow proper embedding protocols to ensure tissue integrity
- Calibrate microtome settings based on tissue type
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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