Equipment testing and tuning: the cold-knife cryomicrotome microm HM-560

FERRI, GIAN LUCA;COCCO, CRISTINA;MELIS GV;ASTE L.

2002-01-01

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Abstract

A major innovative feature of the Microm HM-560 cryomicrotome is the independent control of specimen and knife temperatures. We used such equipment with a variety of tissues, and fixation and freezing procedures. High-quality sectioning was reproducibly obtained using 1) a low temperature setting for the sectioning blade ("cold knife," about -33°C); 2) a comparatively high temperature for the specimen, and 3) a suitable mounting medium, which would remain solid up to about 0°C. Specimen temperature was set between -8° and -15°C for 4-μm sectioning, higher temperatures (-1° to -8°C) being appropriate when cutting at 10 to 20 μm. Under such conditions, disposable blades were effective throughout, while a modified antiroll plate profile further enhanced usability. After intensive use for almost 3 years, by more than 15 different users, the cryomicrotome is in excellent working order.