Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Equipment faults
Water bath temperature drifting
What it looks like
Tissue sections may appear unevenly processed or inadequately fixed. There may be discrepancies in staining intensity.
Where it usually appears: Typically observed during routine processing of paraffin-embedded tissue sections when using the water bath for floating.
Likely causes
- Thermostat malfunction
- Insufficient water level
- Contaminated water
- Power fluctuations
- Improper calibration
Immediate checks
- Check water level in the bath
- Inspect the thermostat settings
- Verify the power supply to the unit
Corrective action
- Calibrate the water bath temperature
- Replace faulty components
- Ensure consistent water level
Preventive action
- Regular maintenance checks
- Routine calibration schedule
- Use distilled water to minimize contamination
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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