| 1888 Articles Home | Study Articles | Science Articles | Biology Articles | Science RSS |  |
||
Cryostat Microtome |
||||
|
This article is an introduction to Cryostat Microtome, equipment used to cut thin sections of frozen tissues in Histology Labs. |
||||||||||||
| Author: Abhinav Chaudhary |
|
|||||||||||
New Generation Cryostat Microtomes have separate cooling systems for the chamber, the specimen holder and the freeze shelf. A regular compressor for the chamber, the specimen holder and an independent Peltier Unit for the freeze shelf. This allows for rapid specimen freezing on the freeze shelf prior to sectioning. Double compressor Cryostat Microtomes can achieve very low temperatures in a short period of time, as low as -50 deg Celsius, in just 60 mins.
Other standard features in a Cryostat Microtome includes a special frost free glass for clear visibilty during sectioning, a built in illumination, UV irradiation of the chamber, option of auto/manual defrosting, a condensate collection bottle for removal of condensed liquids etc.
In Semi Automatic Cryostat Microtomes, the specimen feed is accurately controlled through a precise stepper motor. The speed at which specimen advances is usually a single optimised fixed speed but some manufactureres do offer two speeds; a low and a high speed.
In a Fully Automatic Cryostat Microtome, the sectioning is controlled by a motor i.e. the vertical movement of the specimen against the blade is controlled by a stepper motor. This eliminates the need to turn the handwheel. The speed of sectioning can be continuously adjustable or can be increased in steps, usually three: low, medium and high.
The other standard feature in a Cryostat Microtome is the automatic and manual defrosting function which is essential to keep work area frost free. The fluids from the defrosting operation are collected in a bottle which is conveniently placed at the front of the equipment. The bottle can be easily removed, drained and then fitted back in place easily.
The Cryostat Microtome is fitted with special glass that prevents build up of frost on its surface. This along with the chamber illumination light provides a clear view of the inside of the chamber during sectioning.
The Freeze shelf inside a Cryostat Microtome chamber holds the tissues to be frozen. The tissue can be fixed on to specimen head using different techniques. A specially designed annular specimen heads are used for this purpose. The tissue samples are placed on these specimen heads and embedding medium is applied on top. The cold temperature of the freeze shelf freezes the tissue which then hardens and is ready to be sectioned. A heat extractor is sometimes used to aid the freezing of tissue from above.
About Author
Manager Business Promotion at Medimeas Instruments
Article Source:
http://www.1888articles.com/author-abhinav-chaudhary-42484.html
Other Related Articles Decorate Your Teen’s Room with Boys Bedding by Steffy Royy How to Choose Desk Organizers for Teenagers by Steffy Royy How to Choose the Right Lunch Bag for Your Teen by Steffy Royy Cryostat Microtome by Abhinav Chaudhary Visit Dubai and Explore Its Top Visited Attractions by Vinay Autism symptoms- A checklist of whether your child has Autism by Spectrum |
