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Leica VT1000 A
5. Operation
If the specimen requires a larger surface, you
can use specimen tray (39053744) or the deluxe
specimen bath (39053745).
Specimens small enough to fit on a surface
of a specimen mounting block can be affixed
directly.
The specimen mounting block is then clamped
into the jaws of the specimen holder for
sectioning.
Fig. 51
Adhesive Mounting (continued)
For specimens that are insufficiently rigid in unfixed condition for adhesive mounting, prior
fixation may be performed if not detrimental to the phenomenon or process for which speci-
mens are being studied. Alternately, the specimens may be encapsulated in a support medi-
um such as agar, gelatin, or paraffin. The block of support medium, together with the speci-
men, may be trimmed to size and adhesive mounted upon solidification.
Note that in all cases requiring adhesive mounting, thickness of the specimen should be
kept as small as practical to maximize rigidity. Create a uniform, level surface with a cursory
manual processing; this will reduce the time needed for cutting the specimen to size using
the blade.
5.3.3 Selecting and inserting the blade
Depending on the type of specimens sectioned, the type and brand of blades may affect
the instrument performance.
Before either type of blade is used for sections, it must be cleansed thoroughly of oil
or silicone residue. To do so, we recommend placing the blade in a xylene bath for
approximately 10 minutes, then flushing it with acetone and allowing it to air dry.