Knowledge Base › Troubleshooting Atlas › Floatation & mounting
Wrinkled / folded section on the slide
Also known as: creased section, folds
What it looks like
Folds, creases or pleats in the mounted section that do not flatten out.
Where it usually appears: Water bath too cool, sections left too long, or thick/uneven sections.
Likely causes
- Water-bath temperature too low to expand the section
- Section too thick or of uneven thickness
- Sections left floating too long and re-folding
- Picking the section up at the wrong moment
Immediate checks
- Check water-bath temperature (commonly ~10°C below the wax melting point)
- Pick sections up promptly once flattened
- Re-cut a thinner, even section
Corrective action
- Refloat a fresh section at the correct bath temperature
- Skim debris from the bath surface before floating
Preventive action
- Verify and log floatation-bath temperature daily
- Use clean water and skim regularly
- Cut even sections at a consistent thickness
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.
Unimeditrek supports histopathology laboratories with tissue processors, microtomes, staining and workflow equipment plus service and AMC. Talk to a specialist →