Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Frozen section
Tissue lifts off during frozen staining
Also known as: tissue detachment, tissue peeling
What it looks like
Tissue appears lifted or detached from the slide, resulting in incomplete staining or loss of cellular detail.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during the staining process of frozen sections, especially during the mounting phase.
Likely causes
- Insufficient adhesion of the tissue to the slide
- Improper freezing technique
- Inadequate temperature control during staining
- Use of incompatible mounting medium
Immediate checks
- Verify that the tissue is properly adhered to the slide
- Check the temperature of the cryostat and staining equipment
Corrective action
- Reapply adhesive or use a different mounting medium
- Refreeze the section if possible and remount
Preventive action
- Ensure proper freezing technique is followed
- Use appropriate adhesion methods before staining
- Regularly calibrate temperature settings of the cryostat
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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