Tissue sectioning is a cornerstone technique in histology and pathology, allowing researchers and clinicians to prepare samples for microscopic examination. Regardless of whether one is trying to learn more about the structure of the cells, identify the nature of the diseases, or conduct some scientific experiments—the accuracy of this process matters a great deal if one wishes to get accurate results. This blog focuses on tissue sectioning workflow and tools that performers can adopt during tissue sectioning.

Understanding the Tissue Sectioning Workflow

Tissue sectioning involves several processes, which involve putting samples in the best preparation to be analyzed easily. The process needs to be precise, and use of the appropriate equipment to obtain the planned result is required. The typical workflow includes:

1. Tissue Embedding
   This refers to fixing a tissue sample in a supporting medium, for instance, paraffin wax. It helps to ensure that the tissue does not collapse when one is selecting the sections to be studied or during slicing. The embedding process involves the following:

• Dehydrating the tissue using alcohol.

• Clearing the tissue with a solvent like xylene.

• Infiltrating the tissue with molten paraffin.

• Cooling the embedded sample to create a solid block.

2. Sectioning Paraffin-Embedded Tissue
   The sections of the tissue are first prepared by using the rotary microtome to trim down the tissue to the right size. This device ensures that fine, exact and reproducible sections that are suitable for histological staining and microscopy. The main factors that are considered at sectioning steps include; slice thickness, sharpness of the blade and stability of the cutting environment.

3. Sectioning Frozen Tissue
   Frozen tissue sectioning is used where fast processing is needed or where some of the attributes of the tissue have to be retained. This means practicing highly rapid ‘quenching’ of the sample—in liquid nitrogen, for instance, and slicing through its layers with a cryostat. This method is used frequently in intraoperative consultation and is also useful in particular research studies.

Introducing Precisionary Instruments

MSE Supplies has collaborated with Precisionary Instruments, which is the widely used tissue slicer company to help researchers and clinicians to get the best performance and exceptional results. Founded in 2004 by Dr. Jian-Qiang Kong, Ph.D., Precisionary Instruments specializes in tissue sectioning innovations to improve existing workflows.

Here are some tools that align with each step of the tissue sectioning process:

1. Precisionary Tissue Embedding Center TEC-200
   The TEC-200 is designed for efficient and ergonomic tissue embedding. Its automation ensures precise results, making it an excellent choice for histopathology labs.
   
   

2. Precisionary Rotary Microtomes

• RF-1000 (Fully Automated): Ideal for repetitive slicing, this microtome offers advanced automation and user comfort.

• RF-800 (Semi-Automated): Balances manual control with automation, perfect for labs seeking versatility.

• RF-600 (Manual): A reliable and affordable option for routine histology needs.
  
  

3. Precisionary Touch Screen Cryostat CF-6100
   The CF-6100 is designed for frozen tissue sectioning, featuring advanced cooling technology and ergonomic enhancements to ensure precision and efficiency.

Why Understanding the Process Matters

When it comes to tissue sectioning and its workflow, getting precise slices is much more than a clean cut. It is about how to maintain sample quality, how to optimize the lab’s workflow, and finally about making the research and healthcare outcomes more effective. If they are equipped with appropriate instruments, alongside the awareness of the process, researchers as well as clinicians will be able to accomplish the required objectives.

At MSE Supplies, we have the goal of supporting your studies or practice-related needs. This way, when you become our partner, we give you the tools that fit with what you do to perform, increase accuracy, and automate. Visit our product catalog to get acquainted with the tools that will provide the best fit for your tasks.

Contact us today to learn more or visit our website for detailed product information. Together, let’s advance scientific discovery and healthcare innovation.