Hello Histonetters,

I am asking this for a coworker that is not on the net.

She uses a Microm HM 355 microtome with the STS (section transfer system) attachment.  That is an automated microtome with a waterbath/slide attached.  The water runs over the blade and as the sections are cut, the sections stick to the knife blade and pile up.  

When Chris Huff was out here last he suggested using a higher melting point paraffin for embedding.  We were using Fishers Tissue Prep 2 (melting point 55-57oC).  We tried Surgipath's embedding paraffin today (melting point 56-57oC) since we had it in stock and no difference.  

We only have this problem when we have the STS attached.  If we use a conventional water bath, leaving the blade dry, there is not a problem.

Thanks for any input,

Jane

M. Jane Chambers, MS LAT
USDA/ARS PPRL
1150 East 1400 North
Logan, UT  84341
435-752-2941 (v)
435-753-5681 (f)
jane@cc.usu.edu