Grounding the microtome with a wire can help.  Also, a Staticmaster brush, if it is still available, is very helpful. You just brush around the knife holder and the static is neutralized.  I have one I bought years ago.

> ----------
> From: 	histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of W. Ozanne
> Sent: 	Tuesday, March 13, 2007 6:22 PM
> To: 	histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: 	[Histonet] Cytology Cell Blocks and Poor Microtomy Due toFriction/Static
> 
> Question for the Group,
> 
> The group cutting cytology cell blocks are continually challenged with
> microtomy on a regular basis.  There is so much static and friction from the
> cell blocks sections as the come off of the block onto the knife.  Getting a
> section from the knife to the waterbath is no easy task.
> During the winter months we have a humidifier going in the cutting area and
> this does not seem to make a difference as this continues to be a challenge
> during the most humid of months of the year.
> Soaking the blocks after coarse trimming works to some degree, but you are
> lucky if you get one to two sections......ribbons would be considered a
> gift.
> The cell blocks are processed on the Leica with the routine blocks for the
> day according to a standard processing schedule.
> 
> Has anyone else faced this challenge and how did you beat it?????
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> 
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