Barbara,
I was taught to cut sitting down.  The benches we had were designed for
sitting.  The next lab I worked in we stood yet in the following we sat.
I now stand or sit according to how I feel most comfortable (usually
what gives me best posture and regular changes in posture).  I can't say
that I find that it makes any real difference to either the quality of
my work or my efficiency.  I can also cut with the microtome sideways
but must admit that I find it easier to see what I am doing with it
front on.  I guess it all comes down to personal preference and how the
lab was designed.  

In Australia microtomy posture seems to vary from lab to lab and the
direction of the microtome varies from person to person.  The one thing
most of have in common is that we use rotary microtomes.

Penny Marr



> -----Original Message-----
> From:	barbwebb@webtv.net [SMTP:barbwebb@webtv.net]
> Sent:	Wednesday, 2 June 1999 5:22
> To:	histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject:	Standing at the microtome
> 
> When I  was  taught  cutting  with the
> microtome (many years ago)  we  stood
> at  a  counter -
> 
> I was told  by  my teacher  - she  had 
> always done it that  way - and  thought
> that  possibly her teacher  learned histology  in  England....
> 
> So I have continued  to  do this  - no
> carpal  tunnel  -good  posture- weight
> contol  -
> 
> But  I've been curious  - is it done this
> way  in UK? - does anyone else cut
> standing up-
> 
> best regards to all  "histonetters"
> 
> Barbara Webb HT(ASCP)HTL
> Dorchester General  Hospital
> Cambridge, Maryland  
> 
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