Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Floatation & mounting
Retraction (clear) spaces around the tissue
Also known as: tissue retraction, clear spaces
Clear spaces appear around the tissue sections on the slide, indicating separation from the mounting medium. This can affect the overall quality of the slide.
Where it usually appears: Typically seen during the floatation and mounting process, especially with delicate or over-fixed tissues.
- Insufficient hydration of the tissue
- Overheating during drying
- Inadequate adhesion of the mounting medium
- Use of incompatible mounting medium
- Check hydration levels of the tissue before mounting
- Inspect the temperature settings of the drying equipment
- Rehydrate the tissue sections if possible
- Reapply mounting medium and remount the slides
- Ensure proper tissue fixation and processing
- Use compatible mounting media according to SOP
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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