Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Floatation & mounting
Mountant crystallises over time
What it looks like
The mountant appears as crystalline structures on the slide or block surface.
Where it usually appears: Typically seen after prolonged storage or exposure to air.
Likely causes
- Inadequate sealing of containers
- Evaporation of solvents
- Improper storage temperature
- Contamination with moisture
Immediate checks
- Inspect mountant container for proper sealing
- Check for visible moisture or contamination
Corrective action
- Re-dissolve the crystallized mountant by warming gently
- Replace the mountant with a fresh batch if necessary
Preventive action
- Store mountant in a cool, dry place
- Ensure containers are tightly sealed after use
- Use desiccants in storage areas if humidity is high
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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