Chatter, aka Venetian blinds/What causes microtome chatter?

Chatter, aka Venetian blinds: parallel lines in the tissue or separation of tissue into fine lines


Causes

Remedies

Locking mechanisms loose on microtome

  • Verify locking mechanisms are tight

Dull blade

  • Move blade to an unused area or insert a new blade

Blade angle too high

  • Reduce blade angle in 1-degree increments

Sectioning too quickly

  • Slow down sectioning speed

Poor tissue processing

  • Soak if over processed; reprocess if under processed
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