HISTOPATH: TRIMMING

A process whereby processed tissues are trimmed and cut into UNIFORMLY THIN SLICES or “sections” to facilitate the studies under the microscope

• Microtomy
• Trimming
• Sectioning/Section Cutting
• Microtome

The excess wax is cut off or remove from the block to expose the tissue surface in preparation for actual cutting.

• Microtomy
• Trimming
• Sectioning/Section Cutting
• Microtome

_____ of the wax should surround tissue block

• 2mm
• 1mm

Bevel angle: ______ between the cutting edges

• 27 – 32°
• 20 – 32°

25mm in length ✓ Cutting celloidin–embedded tissue block; One side of the knife is flat/straight (Celloidin tissues) while the other is concave (Paraffin tissues) - Base-sledge/Rocking/Rotary microtome

• PLANE CONCAVE
• BICONCAVE
• PLANE WEDGE
• DISPOSABLE

120mm in length ✓ With both sides concave (Paraffin sections; Paraffin–embedded tissue block ) - Rotary microtome

• PLANE CONCAVE
• BICONCAVE
• PLANE WEDGE
• DISPOSABLE

100 mm in length✓ Have both sides straight (frozen sections and extremely hard and tough specimens) - Base-sledge/Sliding microtome

• PLANE CONCAVE
• BICONCAVE
• PLANE WEDGE
• DISPOSABLE

No sharpening needed

• PLANE CONCAVE
• BICONCAVE
• PLANE WEDGE
• DISPOSABLE

Involve the removal of GROSS NICKS and irregularities on the knife edge (coarse honing) to remove BLEMISHES, and grinding the cutting edge of the knife on a stone (honing proper) to acquire an even edge.

• Honing/ hand sharpening
• Stropping

The process whereby the “BURR” formed during honing is removed and the cutting edge of the knife is polished; Purpose: To polish and sharpen the knife - Leather strop is used

• Honing/ hand sharpening
• Stropping