Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Microtomy
Tissue pulls out of the wax during sectioning
What it looks like
Sections exhibit tearing or irregular edges, leading to incomplete tissue representation on the slide.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during the sectioning of poorly infiltrated or over-fixed tissues.
Likely causes
- Insufficient wax infiltration
- Overheating of the microtome knife
- Improper microtome settings
- Tissue dehydration issues
- Inadequate cooling of the block
Immediate checks
- Inspect the microtome blade for damage or dullness
- Check the temperature of the block
- Examine the embedding technique
Corrective action
- Re-embed the tissue in fresh paraffin
- Sharpen or replace the microtome blade
- Adjust microtome settings for thickness
Preventive action
- Ensure proper tissue processing and infiltration protocols are followed
- Regularly maintain and calibrate microtome equipment
- Use appropriate cooling methods during 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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