Re: Cryostat static

From:RCHIOVETTI@aol.com

In a message dated 12/03/2001 12:33:09 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
ajohnson@aipathology.com writes:

<< Our pathology group has a LEICA CM1850 cryostat, My question to the 
histonet
 is......Does anyone experience static electricity when trying to pick up
 sections?  When we try to pick up the sections they will fly up to the slide
 or off on their own.  We would like to know how to remedy this if there is
 any. Thanks for your help
 Amylin Johnson
 Associates in Pathology
 Wausau, WI
 
  >>

Amylin,

Static can be a problem from time to time.  Here's a hint that was originally 
passed along to Histonet by Andi Grantham at the University of Arizona, Dept. 
of Cell Biology and Anatomy.  I have heard from several customers that this 
remedy works:

Place a small beaker of about 70% or 80% ethanol in the cryostat chamber, 
somewhere near the back and out of the way.  Close the door to the cryostat 
and let set for 10-15 minutes.  Then resume sectioning.

For some strange reason, the ethanol fumes seem to cut down on the static and 
make the sections behave themselves.  I know this sounds bizarre, but 
apparently it does indeed work.

If you or anyone else on Histonet try this, let us know the results.  I don't 
know if the concentration of the ethanol makes a real big difference.  If 
Andi reads this, perhaps she will respond and fill us in on the particulars.  
But I know several people who have used 70% ethanol with good luck.

Cheers,

Bob Chiovetti
GTI Microsystems
Leica Exclusive Regional Dealer
Southwestern U.S.A.




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