Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Floatation & mounting
Section poorly positioned on the slide
Also known as: misaligned sections, off-center sections
What it looks like
Sections are not centered or are partially off the slide, leading to inadequate visibility of tissue.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during the mounting process after floatation.
Likely causes
- Insufficient heating of the water bath
- Incorrect floatation temperature
- Improper handling during transfer
- Inadequate drying time before mounting
Immediate checks
- Verify the water bath temperature
- Check the alignment of the slide holder
Corrective action
- Reposition the section using a fine brush or forceps
- Re-float the section if necessary
Preventive action
- Ensure proper training on section handling
- Regular calibration of the water bath temperature
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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