Knowledge Base

Every histology laboratory has a method for preparing paraffin cell-block specimens.  Certain cytology specimens, fine needle aspirates (FNAs), tiny tissue fragments, fragmented needle core biopsies and suspensions of cells for both clinical and research evaluation all require a method to get the specimen from the specimen container into a paraffin block for embedding, microtomy and staining.

Why even bother to learn about troubleshooting? Wouldn’t it be more interesting to listen to one of the presentations on molecular technology? Possibly. But what would you do if your pathologist brought you a slide from the first batch of today’s H&E’s that looked sub-optimal to review alongside an optimal slide stained the previous day?

There are three parts to the start-up process:  Instrument Verification, Stain Protocol Optimization, and Validation of the Staining Protocols. 

Learn the step-by-step process to start up your Microm HM 520 Cryostat in this video, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup for your sectioning needs!

Discover key insights on COVID-19’s impact on histopathology labs, including essential disinfection methods, biosafety guidelines, and best practices for handling specimens safely.

Discover key insights on COVID-19’s impact on histopathology labs, including essential disinfection methods, biosafety guidelines, and best practices for handling specimens safely.

Educational Series #7 explores the advantages of IHC double staining, emphasizing its role in enhancing diagnostic precision by identifying multiple targets within the same tissue section. This technique is particularly valuable in modern pathology, as it allows pathologists to analyze proteins and nucleic acids simultaneously, supporting more informed clinical decisions.

Educational Series #6 outlines the critical validation and verification steps required for immunohistochemistry (IHC) procedures, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability in diagnostic pathology.

Educational Series #5 explores in situ hybridization, a molecular technique for detecting specific DNA or RNA sequences within tissue sections, aiding in disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Educational Series #4 explores antibody structure and function, highlighting their critical role in immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques for protein localization in tissue sections.

Explore the evolution of immunoperoxidase techniques, from Sternberger’s pioneering method to modern polymer-based approaches, enhancing antigen detection in brightfield microscopy.

Discover how immunofluorescence revolutionized microscopic analysis, using fluorescent-labeled antibodies to detect antigens in tissues—an essential technique for research and disease diagnosis.