Hi Terry,

I have encountered that same problem from time to time.  It usually happens when my room ambient temperature is warmer than usual.  I have found if I spray the back of the slide with a quick burst of cytocool it allieviates the problem. I hope this helps.

Ej Hurley
CAHFS
San Bernardino, CA

>>> "Dr. Ian Montgomery." <ian.montgomery@bio.gla.ac.uk> 05/17/01 05:03AM >>>
Terry,
         Been there many times over the years. Tried earthing the 
microtome, whole cabinet, zapping the inside of the chamber with an 
antistatic pistol but with little success. The thing I found works, to a 
degree, is the Basil Fawlty. Jump up and down on the spot, curse and swear 
and warn the block that if it doesn't behave you'll give it a damn good 
thrashing. Failing that I just go and stare at My Little Calender Girl 2001 
calender. Doesn't help the block but gets me into a more relaxed tranquil 
state for the next effort.
Ian.



>Date: Thu, 17 May 2001 08:54:05 +0100
>From: "t.hacker@har.mrc.ac.uk" <T.Hacker@har.mrc.ac.uk>
>Subject: Cryostat phenomenon
>To: "'Histonet'" <Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
>
>  Has anyone encountered a phenomenon that I occasionally get
>with cryostat frozen sectioning. I assume it is due to static
>electrical charges? the sections tend to "leap" from the knife edge
>onto the slide, the slide may be some several centimeters from the
>section/knife holder.
>There is no logic or consistency to this, irrespective of tissue,
>fixation, temperature, type of slide; but if it is going to happen then
>you can be sure it is when cutting a tiny piece of tissue where
>every section is required! It will often disappear as suddenly as it
>started, sometimes quite impressive when a section fly's several
>cms. to the slide and occasionally lands flat and crease free!
>Any idea's?Oh, and I don't wear nylons (not in work anyway).
>Terry.
>Terry Hacker,
>Medical Research Council,
>Harwell,
>Didcot,
>Oxfordshire, OX11 ORD
>01235 834393 x360

Dr. Ian Montgomery,
West Medical Building,
University of Glasgow,
Glasgow,
G12 8QQ.
Tel: 0141 339 8855.  Extn:6602.
Fax: 0141 330 2923
e-mail: ian.montgomery@bio.gla.ac.uk