Knowledge Base

Is your hematoxylin still performing at its best? Learn the common signs of oxidation, weak nuclear staining, contamination, and when it's time to replace your hematoxylin for more consistent H&E results.

Handwritten cassette labeling has long been standard practice in histology labs, but it can introduce risks ranging from illegible writing and labeling errors to workflow bottlenecks. Learn how automated cassette printing improves specimen traceability, patient safety, laboratory efficiency, and standardization while supporting modern barcode-driven workflows.

Learn what to look for when buying a manual microtome, including precision, durability, safety features, and ease of use. Discover how the Rankin Manual Microtome helps histology labs achieve reliable, high-quality sectioning with dependable everyday performance.

Learn how blade geometry, bevel design, and clearance angle affect section quality in microtomy. This guide explains why compression, chatter, ribboning issues, and thick-thin sections occur, and how understanding cutting geometry can help histotechnologists troubleshoot more effectively.

Using a battery backup or UPS with a cryostat can damage compressors and electronics. Learn why inductive loads like cryostats should not be connected to battery backup systems, even pure sine wave units.

This blog explains why these odors occur, the effects of common histology vapors, the recommended exposure limits, and what you can do to eliminate the smell and create a safer lab environment.

Accidents happen, even to the most experienced histotechs. You go to trim or reposition your block, and suddenly the cassette clamp makes contact with the blade holder.

Unlike pump failures, valve malfunctions, or electrical issues, a bad gasket is a quick, low-cost fix that most lab professionals can handle in minutes.

You don’t need to wait days for a technician or run the risk lost samples. And best of all, you can get an OEM-compatible replacement gasket right now from a trusted source.

How to uncrate/unpackage refurbished cryostats and tissue processors from Rankin Biomedical.

"[The Rankin Can-Filter Fume System] is absolutely better than what is out there right now,” Prince told our team during a recent review. “It’s powerful—and more importantly, it works.

Major brands manufacture much of their equipment in China and rely on key components from overseas. This means lab managers across the U.S. may now be facing longer lead times, higher prices, and fewer options.