Does anyone see microscopic chatters (cracks parallel to the knife edge) in
endoscopy biopsies (approx 0.2cm diameter)?  

We have been seeing these in our paraffin sections of these biopsies so
badly that the Pathologists sometimes complain it makes diagnosis difficult.
We do not seem to have any problems with large tissue blocks or bone.  We
cut sections at 3 microns using a manual rotary microtome with disposable
S35 blades.  
So far we have done the following to try to stop this happening:

changed microtome - including buying a new one
changed blades - including using a different supplier
changed the microtome knife angle
cut them slower and faster
cut them very cold or warm
let them float on the water bath for longer or picked them up straight away

Any other ideas?


Phil Hall
Paediatric Pathology
St Michael's Hospital
BRISTOL
UK