Leica Biosystems CM3600 XP - Manual (Page 105)

105 Leica CM3600 XP – Cryomacrotome
Proceed as follows:
1. Select manual mode of operation and the desired section thickness.
2. Activate the section documentation function.
3. Use the knee lever to move the sledge to the right-side reversal point
(left edge of the specimen block just about clears the knife).
4. Cut the section and clean the specimen surface with the brush.
5. Cut off a desired length from the tape roll. The width of the tape should
not be larger than the specimen block; the length should be long
enough to easily hold the tape with your left hand while sectioning and
to attach the completed section to a dehydration frame.
6. In case the tape has been kept outside the cryochamber, let the tape
length rest a few seconds inside the cryochamber before attaching it
to the specimen block - this will ensure that tape and specimen block
have the same temperature.
7. Use the sectioning tool to aid in pressing the tape onto the block
surface.
8. Fix the tape first in the middle and then press out to both ends. This
method prevents air bubbles from being trapped between tape and
block surface.
9. Rub with a precooled brush, paper towel or cotton wool to assure
good contact of the tape with the specimen surface. Never touch the
specimen block face with your hands.
10. Hold the left end of the tape in your left hand. Drive the specimen into
the knife slightly until some of the embedding medium is apparent on
the left edge of the
tape.
11. Use the sectioning tool to aid in pressing the tape onto the block
surface. To do this, press the sectioning tool firmly on the block close
to the knife edge.
12. Shift the knee lever to start sectioning - keep the sectioning tool
pressed on the specimen block.
Carefully guide the tape to the upper left (away from the specimen) -
do not pull tightly!
13. Completely remove the section and stop the sledge behind the knife.
Be sure to leave the section in the cryochamber.
It must not be exposed to room temperature.
14. Check the section.
7. Operating the Leica CM3600 XP