top of page
LabNexus full with slogan (1).png

Subscribe to our Histoblog

Histology 101: Microtomy, Unstained Slides, and Cryotomy

  • Writer: Eghosa Arovo
    Eghosa Arovo
  • Mar 17
  • 3 min read

Our next blog in the H101 series explores the art of histological sectioning! Learn about microtomy, unstained slides, and cryotomy in our latest blog. Discover the techniques that power accurate diagnostics! 📖👇 #Histology #Microtomy #Cryotomy #LabNexus #CancerResearch


Histology is a meticulous process requiring precision at every stage. Once tissue samples have been fixed, processed, and embedded, they must be sectioned into ultra-thin slices for microscopic examination. This process involves microtomy, unstained slides, and cryotomy, all of which are essential in clinical diagnostics and research.


At LabNexus, we specialize in high-quality histological services, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment such as the Leica RM2255 microtome and the Leica CM1860 cryostat to ensure precise sectioning for reliable results. In this blog, we’ll explore each of these key histology techniques and why they matter.



The Leica RM2255 Microtome.
The Leica RM2255 Microtome.


Microtomy: Precision in Sectioning

Microtomy is the process of cutting thin sections of tissue, typically between 3–5 micrometers, that are mounted onto slides for histological staining and microscopic examination. The quality of these sections directly impacts the accuracy of diagnoses and research findings.


The Microtome and Its Role

A microtome is a specialized instrument designed to produce consistent, high-quality tissue sections. At LabNexus, we use the Leica RM2255 microtome, a fully automated rotary microtome known for its precision, efficiency, and reproducibility [1].


Best Practices for Microtomy

  • Blade Selection: Choose the appropriate blade type and angle to ensure smooth, artifact-free sections.

  • Tissue Orientation: Properly align the tissue block to ensure the desired plane of sectioning.

  • Sectioning Speed: Maintain a steady, controlled pace to prevent wrinkles or compression artifacts.

Using a high-quality microtome and adhering to best practices ensures clean, uniform sections that facilitate accurate histopathological analysis.


Unstained Slides: The Foundation of Histological Staining

Once tissue sections are obtained, they are transferred onto unstained slides. These slides serve as the foundation for various histological staining techniques, highlighting different cellular structures and tissue components.


Why Are Unstained Slides Important?

Unstained slides provide a blank canvas for pathologists and researchers, allowing flexibility in selecting the most appropriate staining techniques. Whether using H&E (hematoxylin and eosin), special stains, or immunohistochemistry (IHC), proper preparation of unstained slides is essential.


Key Considerations for Slide Preparation

  • High-Quality Glass Slides: Reduces artifacts and enhances stain adhesion.

  • Adhesion Techniques: Using charged slides improves tissue adherence, minimizing section loss.

  • Proper Drying: Ensuring slides are thoroughly dried before staining prevents detachment and uneven staining.

Meticulous preparation of unstained slides ensures consistent and high-quality staining results, leading to better diagnostic accuracy and research reproducibility.


Cryotomy: The Art of Frozen Sectioning

Cryotomy, or cryosectioning, is a technique used to cut frozen tissue samples instead of paraffin-embedded ones. It is commonly used for rapid intraoperative diagnostics, enzyme preservation, and molecular studies.


ree

The Cryostat and Its Functionality

A cryostat is a temperature-controlled microtome that maintains tissues at -20°C to -30°C for sectioning. At LabNexus, we use the Leica CM1860 cryostat, known for its precision, safety features, and ability to produce high-quality frozen sections [2].


Advantages of Cryotomy

✅ Speed – Allows for real-time diagnosis during surgeries.

✅ Molecular Integrity – Preserves RNA, proteins, and enzymatic activity for specialized studies.

✅ Fixative-Free – Avoids chemical fixation, making it ideal for immunohistochemistry and certain histochemical techniques.


Best Practices in Cryotomy

  • Proper Freezing: Rapid and uniform freezing prevents the formation of ice crystals that can distort tissue morphology.

  • Optimal Temperature Control: Ensuring the correct temperature maintains tissue integrity and prevents section cracking.

  • Smooth Sectioning: Adjusting the microtome settings appropriately ensures even, intact frozen sections.

Implementing these best practices allows for high-quality frozen sections, facilitating accurate and timely diagnostic assessments.


Conclusion

Microtomy, unstained slides, and cryotomy are fundamental steps in histological preparation. Precision in sectioning, careful slide preparation, and expertise in frozen tissue handling are critical to obtaining reliable histological data.


At LabNexus, we are committed to providing high-quality histology services, leveraging cutting-edge equipment like the Leica RM2255 microtome and Leica CM1860 cryostat to deliver precise, high-resolution tissue sections for researchers and clinicians alike.



References:

  1. Leica Biosystems. (n.d.). Leica RM2255 Fully Automated Rotary Microtome. Retrieved from https://www.leicabiosystems.com/us/product/rm2255-fully-automated-rotary-microtome/

  2. Leica Biosystems. (n.d.). Leica CM1860 Cryostat. Retrieved from https://www.leicabiosystems.com/us/product/cm1860-cryostat/


 
 
 
bottom of page