Microtomy and Cryostat Techniques Flashcards
6 cards from real ASCP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Microtomy and Cryostat Techniques flashcards as text
What is the standard section thickness used for routine paraffin H&E sections?
Answer: 4–5 µm
Routine paraffin sections are cut at 4–5 µm to allow adequate light transmission and single-cell-layer evaluation.
What is the purpose of the water bath used during paraffin sectioning?
Answer: To float and flatten sections by removing compression wrinkles
The water bath (typically 40–45°C) allows compressed sections to expand and flatten before being picked up on slides.
What type of blade is used for cutting frozen sections on a cryostat?
Answer: Low-profile disposable blade
Low-profile disposable blades are used in cryostats because they fit the cryostat microtome head and are designed for frozen tissue.
What is the primary advantage of frozen sections over paraffin sections during intraoperative consultation?
Answer: Rapid turnaround time for immediate surgical decisions
Frozen sections can be prepared in 10–15 minutes, allowing surgeons to receive immediate pathological guidance during an operation.
What is 'chatter' in microtomy?
Answer: Parallel lines or waves across a section due to vibration
Chatter produces parallel lines across the section caused by vibration between the blade and the block during cutting.
What temperature range is a cryostat chamber maintained at for optimal sectioning of most tissues?
Answer: -15°C to -25°C
A cryostat chamber maintained at -15°C to -25°C provides the optimal firmness for most tissues without making them too brittle.