Date sent:      	Fri, 27 Jul 2001 11:04:05 -0500
From:           	"Johnson, Theresa" 
Subject:        	Need Cryostat information
To:             	"Histonet (E-mail)" 

> What model cryostat are the research folks using?  What advantage would
> there be to having a motorized microtome in the cryostat?  Also, what about
> the fumigation capabilities some of the models have?  How necessary is this
> in the research arena?
> 
HI Teri,
I tried a number of cryostats a few years ago and decided on the 
Microm HM560 (cryo-star). I work in research and have to section 
anything from 12.5dpc mouse gonads to whole mouse 
heads/bodies. I found this instrument to be the most "flexible" and 
the main advantages were, 
Independent knife and specimen temperature control,
vacutome for removal of debris and "stretching" sections,
heat disinfection of waste material,
comfort (motorized height adjustment,heated arm rests etc.) and 
ease of use (important when delegating work to others as I do as 
often as possible!). 
Best approach is to get in as many as possible on trial and make 
sure that everyone who will be using it, try them out (then tell them 
which is the best one!). 
Terry.

Terry Hacker,
Head of Histopathology and Electron Microscopy
Medical Research Council,
Harwell,
Didcot,
Oxfordshire, OX11 ORD
01235 824