Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Frozen section
Folding of frozen sections
What it looks like
Sections appear crumpled or wrinkled on the slide, leading to poor visualization of tissue architecture.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during the preparation of frozen sections, especially in delicate or fatty tissues.
Likely causes
- Inadequate embedding of the tissue in the cryostat
- Improper temperature settings on the cryostat
- Excessive moisture on the tissue or blade
- Using a dull microtome blade
Immediate checks
- Verify the cryostat temperature is appropriate for the tissue type
- Inspect the microtome blade for sharpness and quality
- Check for moisture on the tissue or blade
Corrective action
- Re-embed the tissue properly if it was inadequately done
- Adjust the cryostat temperature and allow it to stabilize
- Replace the microtome blade if dull
Preventive action
- Ensure proper embedding techniques are followed
- Regularly maintain and calibrate the cryostat
- Use fresh, sharp blades for sectioning
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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