Rotary Microtomes
38 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the recommended angle between the blade edge bevel and the block?

  • 2-5 degrees (correct)
  • 15-20 degrees
  • 10-15 degrees
  • 5-10 degrees

    • Why is it necessary to trim the edges of the block with a sharp razor blade?

  • To ensure the upper and lower edges of the block are parallel to the edges of the knife (correct)
  • To remove excess paraffin wax
  • To make the block more visible
  • To make the block holder smaller

    • What should be the orientation of the block when placing it on the cassette holder?

  • The greater axis is perpendicular to the edge of the knife (correct)
  • The greater axis is parallel to the edge of the knife
  • The block should be oriented at a 45-degree angle
  • The smaller axis is parallel to the edge of the knife

    • What is the initial section thickness set for coarse cutting?

    <p>15 microns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should xylene not be used to clean the knife?

    <p>It often leaves an oily remnant on the knife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with the trimmed block after coarse cutting?

    <p>It should be returned to the cold plate for 1-2 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it necessary to remove wax debris from the knife?

    <p>To prevent subsequent sections from sticking to the knife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be done with the knife after removing wax debris?

    <p>It should be moved to an unused area or a new disposable blade should be installed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the knife tilt in a rotary microtome?

    <p>To adjust the knife angle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the cassette clamp or block holder?

    <p>To hold the paraffin block in place</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the coarse hand wheel in a rotary microtome?

    <p>To move the block holder toward or away from the knife</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the safety feature of the advancement hand wheel?

    <p>It is equipped with a safety lock to prevent accidental block movement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended temperature for the water bath in a rotary microtome?

    <p>56°C or just below the melting point of paraffin wax</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of putting paraffin blocks on a cold surface before sectioning?

    <p>To harden the cut surface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended frequency for cleaning the water bath?

    <p>Every day</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the face plate in a rotary microtome?

    <p>To guide the ribbons away from the blade and towards the operator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of gently breathing upon the sections?

    <p>To eliminate static electricity and facilitate the removal of the ribbon from the blade</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the recommended way to transfer cut sections to the surface of the water bath?

    <p>By transferring the cut sections to the surface of the water bath</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why should certain types of pens be avoided when labeling slides?

    <p>Because they have non-alcohol-resistant ink</p> Signup and view all the answers

    At what temperature should slides be stored for immunohistochemistry?

    <p>4°C</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of section thickness that can be achieved with this method?

    <p>1.0 - 60.0 µm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an advantage of this method in terms of tissue adaptation?

    <p>It is easy to adapt to all types of tissues (hard, fragile, or fatty)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an advantage of the technological advances in the automation of this method?

    <p>It improved section quality and increased productivity and occupational safety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can the slides be dried after collection?

    <p>By drying them horizontally on a warm plate for 10 minutes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major disadvantage of using a rotary microtome?

    <p>It is not suitable for cutting large blocks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a precaution that can be taken to avoid danger when using a rotary microtome?

    <p>Using a knife guard/protector</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How should metal parts of the rotary microtome be cleaned after use?

    <p>With xylol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of microtome is suitable for cutting hard and brittle materials such as bone?

    <p>Saw microtome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to dry the knife holder of the rotary microtome after use?

    <p>To prevent rust formation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is it important to cover the rotary microtome when not in use?

    <p>To prevent accumulation of dust and dirt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the microtome named after its inventor?

    <p>Minot microtome</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the micrometer screw in a rotary microtome?

    <p>To advance the block holder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the retracting action in a rotary microtome?

    <p>To produce a flat face to the tissue block</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the part that anchors the knife holder to the microtome stage?

    <p>Knife holder base</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the operating handle in a rotary microtome?

    <p>To rotate the hand wheel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of thickness that can be cut by a semi-automated rotary microtome?

    <p>0.5 to 2.0 um</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the platform that has rails that secure the knife holder base?

    <p>Microtome base plate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many motors does a fully automated rotary microtome have?

    <p>Two</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Rotary Microtome

    • Also known as Minot microtome, named after its inventor Professor
    • Most widely used microtome design globally
    • Mechanism: hand wheel rotates 360 degrees, moving the specimen vertically past the cutting surface (knife edge) and returning to the starting position

    Types of Rotary Microtomes

    • Manual: completely operated by the operator
    • Semi-automated: auto-cut microtome with built-in motor drive, foot and hand control, and accessories for cutting thin sections (0.5-2.0 um thickness)
    • Fully automated: two motors driving both fine and coarse advance hand-wheels, example: automated cryostate

    Mechanism of Block Advancement

    • Retracting or non-retracting
    • Retracting action moves the tissue block away from the knife on upstroke, producing a flat face to the tissue block

    Rotary Microtome Parts

    • Base
    • Cassette or block holder
    • Block adjustment screw
    • Knife holder
    • Blade clamps
    • Angle of tilt adjustment
    • Thickness gauge
    • Operating handle
    • Face plate
    • Waste tray

    Rotary Microtome Operation

    • Fill the water bath with water and heat to 56°C or just below the melting point of paraffin wax
    • Harden the cut surface of the paraffin block on a cold surface (e.g., refrigerated cold plate or ice cubes)
    • Fit and adjust the knife: install a disposable blade, set angle between the blade edge bevel and the block (2-5 degrees), and lock the blade in place
    • Trim the edges of the paraffin block with a sharp razor blade
    • Fit the cassette paraffin block onto the cassette holder of the microtome
    • Advance the block until it is in contact with the edge of the knife
    • Set the section thickness (around 15 microns)
    • Coarse cut the block until the whole surface of the embedded tissue can be cut
    • Lock the microtome hand-wheel

    Sectioning

    • Return the trimmed block to the cold plate for 1-2 minutes
    • Set the section thickness to 4-5 um
    • Remove wax debris from the knife with alcohol
    • Move to an unused area on the blade or install a new disposable blade
    • Install the cassette paraffin block onto the cassette holder again
    • Cut a series of paraffin sections
    • Gently breathe upon the sections to eliminate static electricity
    • Flatten the sections and facilitate the removal of the ribbon from the blade
    • Separate the ribbon from the knife edge with a paint brush or forceps

    Floatation

    • Transfer the cut sections to the surface of the water bath
    • Gently separate the floating sections on the water bath with pressure from the tips of forceps
    • Collect sections on a clean glass slide
    • Label slides with a histo-pen or pencil

    Advantages and Disadvantages

    • Advantages: section thickness range (1.0-60.0 um), stable and less vibration, excellent for routine and research work, ability to cope with harder tissue, easy adaptation to all types of tissues, ideal for cutting serial sections, cutting large blocks, and adjustable cutting angle
    • Disadvantages: complex design, initial cost is relatively higher, knife can be dangerous to the operator, and not suitable for cutting large blocks

    Care of the Rotary Microtome

    • Brush away accumulated paraffin and tissue with a soft brush
    • Wipe clean all metal parts with xylol
    • Avoid continuous application of xylol to the rest of the machine
    • Dry the machine carefully, especially the knife holder
    • Keep the machine well oiled to prevent rust formation
    • Keep the moving parts of the microtome lubricated
    • Cover the microtome when not in use to prevent accumulation of dust and dirt

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Rotary Microtomes PDF

    Description

    Learn about the mechanism and features of Rotary Microtomes, also known as Minot Microtomes, widely used in laboratories around the world.

    More Like This

    Microtome: Laboratory Instrument
    10 questions

    Microtome: Laboratory Instrument

    EnhancedPun avatar
    EnhancedPun
    Rotary Microtome Parts Identification
    6 questions

    Rotary Microtome Parts Quiz & Flashcards

    MeticulousFreesia4585 avatar
    MeticulousFreesia4585
    Microtome in Microscopy
    10 questions

    Microtome in Microscopy

    EminentAnecdote4706 avatar
    EminentAnecdote4706
    Rotary Microtome Disadvantages and Care
    38 questions

    Rotary Microtome Advantages and Disadvantages Quiz

    AmazingTantalum avatar
    AmazingTantalum
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser