Microtomy and Cryostat Techniques Flashcards
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Read the first 6 Microtomy and Cryostat Techniques flashcards as text
What is the embedding medium used for frozen sections in a cryostat?
Answer: OCT (Optimal Cutting Temperature) compound
OCT compound supports tissue during cryosectioning by providing a firm matrix without ice crystal artifact formation.
What microtomy artifact is caused by a nick or defect in the cutting blade?
Answer: Score lines (linear streaks through the section)
A nicked or damaged blade creates linear streaks or score lines through the tissue section in the direction of cutting.
Which of the following actions helps prevent tissue sections from folding during microtomy?
Answer: Chilling the block face on ice before cutting
Chilling the block face hardens the paraffin slightly, reducing the tendency for thin sections to fold or wrinkle during cutting.
What is the angle of the blade (clearance angle) typically set to on a rotary microtome?
Answer: 3–8°
A clearance angle of 3–8° prevents the blade back from dragging on the tissue block while still allowing clean sectioning.
Which stain is most commonly used for rapid intraoperative frozen section evaluation?
Answer: Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)
H&E is the standard rapid stain for frozen sections because it provides quick nuclear and cytoplasmic contrast for diagnostic evaluation.
What is the purpose of the anti-roll plate in a cryostat?
Answer: To prevent the cut section from rolling up
The anti-roll plate guides and holds the cut section flat so it can be easily transferred to a glass slide.