Medimeas MRM-RM Rotary Microtome Video

MEDIMEAS MRM-RM MANUAL ROTARY MICROTOME

Microtome Manual

 Please write to us at contact@medimeas.com to get a free copy of Microtome Brochure and Manual.

Difference between a Microtome and a Cryostat

A Microtome is used to cut very thin sections at room temperature, on the other hand a Cryostat is used to cut frozen sections at sub zero temperatures (generally -30 deg C).

A cryostat is used in situations where rapid analysis of tissues is required. The water rich tissue is frozen on a quick freezing shelf inside the cryostat, this makes it very hard and it is then ready to be cut into thin sections in a microtome, also placed inside the cryostat chamber.

On the other hand to be cut in a simple microtome, the tissue needs to be first dehydrated and fixed in paraffin before  it can be sectioned. It is a long procedure compared to quick sectioning in a cryostat.

The quality of sections cut in a cryostat is inferior compared to those cut in a microtome because dehydrated and  paraffin embedded tissues give better sections but when it comes to quick sectioning, Cryostat is the choice. 

Choosing Among Manual, Semi Automatic and Fully Automatic Microtome

The main factor in your Microtome buying decision would be the throughput required.

For Low throughput : Manual

For Medium throughput : Semi Automatic

For High throughput : Fully Automatic

Difference between a Manual, Semi Automatic and Fully Automatic Microtome

In a manual microtome, specimen feed and the rotary motion (cutting stroke) is done by hand.
In a semi automatic microtome, specimen feed is motorized but the rotary motion is still done by hand.
On the other hand in a fully automatic microtome, both the specimen feed and the rotary motion is motorized.

Features of a Manual Cryostat Microtome

The following features are basic and essential in a manual cryostat microtome
1. Thermostatically controlled chamber temperature, preferably as low as -40 deg C
2. Frost Free glass for clear visibility during sectioning
3. Automatic Retraction for uniform sections.
4. Cooling down time should be less than 60 mins.
5. Auto Defrosting
6. Built in Anti Glare Illumination
7. Preferably SS chamber which is easy to clean.
8. Built in Drainage System
9. Should have castors for easy mobility
10. Digital Display of chamber temperature
11. At least 10 freezing stations.
12. Universal Knife Holder
13. Handwheel lockable in any position

Features of A Semi Automatic Microtome

What features to look for when buying a semi automatic microtome for your histology lab?

A Semi Automatic Microtome is an enhancement over manual sectioning, as it incorporates high precision motorized specimen feed for efficient operations and consistently uniform sections.

The following features are a must in a Semi Automatic Microtome:
1. Section and Trim Modes
2. Fast Forward Function
3. Fast Backward Function
4. Section/Trim thickness setting function.
5. LCD that displays section thickness and section counts
6. Feather touch keypad
7. A Universal knife holder
8. Interchangeability between universal casette clamp and standard specimen clamp
9. A knife guard
10. Lockable Hand Wheel
11. Automatic Retraction
12. Anti Roll Plate
13. LED visual limit indicators/ alarm system
14. Section waste tray for tissue debris

Microtomy Issues : No sections are cut as specimen doesn't advance

Issue
No sections are cut as specimen doesn't advance 

Causes
The specimen has reached the front limit position 

Remedy
Move back the specimen holder and the knife holder

Microtomy Issues: Sections are compressed / wrinkled

Issue
Sections are compressed / wrinkled

Causes
1. The blade is blunt
2. The specimen is too hot
3. The angle of slicing is too big
4. The sectioning speed is too fast

Remedy
1. Change to other side of the blade edge or change the blade
2. Freeze the specimen for some time before sectioning
3. Test the sections by gradually changing the angle 
4. Turn the handwheel slowly

Microtomy Issues : Section Thickness is Uneven

Issue 
The section thickness is uneven

Causes
1. The knife blade angle is not appropriate
2. The specimen clamp or the tightening screws of the blade holder are loose
3. The knife edge is blunt

Remedy
1. Increase the blade angle gradually from zero. Test, by cutting some sections and set on angle that gives appropriate sections
2. Check specimen clamp, make sure all the screws are tightened
3. Try sectioning by using the other side of the knife. If the problem persists sharpen the knife using a microtome knife sharpener or if you are using a disposable blade, change the blade.

Semi Automatic Cryostat Microtome

MCM-ST MEDIMEAS SEMI AUTOMATIC CRYOSTAT MICROTOME 

The cryostat is ergonomically designed keeping in view user needs and safety. It incorporates an optimized cooling system with double compressor for rapid specimen freezing and smooth precise orientation that gives high quality sectioning in histology, with section thickness range of 1-60µm, trimming thickness range 30µm-95µm, with freeze chamber temperature range  of -1°C to - 30°C, pro-environment refrigerant, a rapid refrigeration mode, LED Screen which can display data such as sample travel, section thickness and temperature. Easy to operate control panel with controls for temperature and time. Equipped with a closed drainage system that  ensures collection of condensed fluids in a container.

      Salient Features:

Specimen retraction function protects the specimen from blade injury

Trimming/Sectioning button makes it easy to switch to the desired mode

Rapid Refrigeration Mode allows desired temperature drop in 60mins

Working area is easy to clean and disinfect

Easy to read LED screen

Ergonomical design

Technical Specifications:

Sectioning Thickness Range                :1µm- 30µm,    in 1µm increments

                                                        30µm-60µm,    in 5µm increments

Trimming Thickness Range :               30µm-95µm,    in 5µm increments

Freeze Shelf Lowest Temp. :             -40°C

Cooling down time to -30°C :60 mins

Lowest temp. of Peltier unit on           :-55°C freeze shelf

Maximum Specimen Size     :               35 mm x 35 mm

Specimen Vertical Stroke    :               70 mmSpecimen

 Horizontal Stroke              :               20 mm            

Cryostat Microtome

MCM-1030 MEDIMEAS ADVANCE CRYOCUT

The cooling system incorporates temperature Controller and a sealed compressor to ensure quick cooling up to -30°C and a trouble free performance. Automatic Specimen Retracting Mechanism, knife edge of the return upward stroke prevents damage to the specimen and assures uniform perfect sectioning. A circular slide system is provided for easy removal of section with minimal disturbance of iso thermal conditions. Large stainless steel chamber permits adequate storage facilities for housing of retracting microtome and accessories. With feed range from 0 to 20 microns in step of 1 micron each. It incorporates retracting mechanism for best result in sectioning a wide variety of tissues . With a razor 120mm long with back handle, honing stone, oil can, wooden Cabinet, freezing attachment & dust cover

Technical Specifications:

Section thickness            : 1-20µm in 1µm steps

Section size                   : 40x50mm

Temperature range        : up to -30° C accuracy +/- 2° C

Chamber size                 : 22’’ x 15’’ x 10’’

Cabinet size                   : 25’’ x 28’’ x 50’’

Instrument port              : 4’’ diameter

Window opening            : 14.5’’ x 9’’

Refrigeration                  : Hermetically sealed and thermostatically controlled

Indicator                        : Mounted exterior

Weight                          : Approx. 85 Kg

Fully Automatic Microtome

MRM-AT MEDIMEAS FULLY AUTOMATIC MICROTOME is a fully automatic microtome based on latest technology that functions on ball bearing guides and a microprocessor based control system with following specifications.

Technical Specifications

Section thickness setting range    : 0.5~100 µm

Trimming thickness setting range : 1~600 µm

Setting values                            : 0.5~2 µm increment step 0.5 µm

                                                 2~10 µm increment step 1 µm

                                                 10~20 µm increment step 2 µm

                                                 20~100 µm increment step 5 µm 

Minimum setting value                : 0.5µm

Vertical specimen stroke             : 60 mm

It incorporates automatic memorization and recovery, a hand wheel which is lockable in any position, high volume trash tank, convenient specimen clamp, disposable embedding cassette clamp and paraffin clamp, safe alarm system, dormancy protection and advanced imported drive system. Smartly located feather touch buttons can control all the functions effortlessly. It can be used for semi-thin to thick sectioning of both soft and hard specimens.

Semi Automatic Microtome

MRM-ST MEDIMEAS SEMI AUTOMATIC MICROTOME is a new generation motorized Microtome with following specifications

Technical Specifications

Section thickness Setting range      : 0.25~60 µm

Trimming thickness setting range   : 0.25~60 µm

Setting values                              : 0.25~1 µm increment step 0.25 µm

                                                    1~10 µm increment step 1 µm

                                                    10~20 µm increment step 2 µm

                                                    20~60 µm increment step 5 µm 

Minimum setting value                  : 0.25 µm

It comes with an advanced imported drive system for smooth trimming and sectioning, LCD screen displays section and trimming thickness range, number of sections etc. It comes with a lockable handwheel in any position , huge volume waste tray for easy operation, interchangeable specimen clamp along with a safety alarm system. Its high precision calibrated controls make accurate positioning for re-cuts possible

Rotary Microtome

MRM-RM MEDIMEAS ROTARY MICROTOME with a range of thickness of slicing 0.5-60µm and range of thickness of trimming 1-60µm with imported ball guide and high precision ball screw, an ideal selection for slide sectioning with high degree of accuracy and stability for section cutting.

The cutting angle can be adjusted conveniently. Both steel knife and disposable blade can be used. The incorporated storage tray holds all the required subsidiary tools and a spacious section waste tray collects sectioning waste during trimming. Re-cuts are made possible through its high precision calibrated controls that facilitate positioning at exact zero position.

Technical Specifications:

Section thickness setting range             : 0.5-60µm

Setting Values                                     : 0.5-2µm increment step 0.5µm

                                                            2-20µm increment step 1µm

                                                            20-60µm increment step 5µm

Minimum Setting Value                        : 0.5 µm

Trimming thickness setting range          : 1~60 µm

Retracting Microtome

MRM-1130 MEDIMEAS RETRACTING MICROTOME Originally designed for Cryostat Use at sub zero temperatures. Its smooth & balanced driving mechanism enables 1 micron sections to be cut with ease, and the robust feed system delivers virtually flat uniform sections consistently.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Section Thickness   : 1~20 microns in 1 micron steps

Specimen Size       : 40 x 55 mm

Knife Size              : 36 mm wide, 120 mm Long

      Supplied complete as above with a razor 120 mm with back & handle, object holders, dust cover, honing stone and oil can in cardboard box.

Senior Rotary Microtome

MRM-1120 A MEDIMEAS SENIOR ROTARY MICROTOME (LATEST “SPENCER” 820 TYPE)

With feed indicators and CAM DRIVE SYSTEM for accurate feed settings from 1-50 microns in steps of 1 micron each, with razor length 120mm with back & handle  is fabricated from imported fine grain steel alloy tested for micro structure and is heat treated to maintain optimum strength and sharpness. it incorporates an advanced technology and use of selected alloys for manufacturing of individual components as per International Standards. A full swinging protective cover is provided for easier cleaning and lubrication. Supplied complete with object holder, dust cover, oil can, honing stone & wooden cabinet.

Advance Rotary Microtome

MRM-1120 MEDIMEAS ADVANCE ROTARY MICROTOME (LATEST “SPENCER” 820-TYPE)

With feed indicators and CAM DRIVE SYSTEM for accurate feed settings from 1-50 microns in steps of 1 micron each, automatic safety device, universal knife holder with lateral movements to permit use of complete knife edge, ball & flange type object holder for accurate centering of the specimen, razor 120 mm with back & handle is fabricated from imported fine grain steel alloy tested for micro structure and is heat treated to maintain optimum strength and sharpness. Supplied complete with object holder, dust cover, oil can, honing stone & wooden cabinet.

Microtomes

A Microtome is a sectioning instrument that allows for the cutting of extremely thin slices of material, known as sections so as to view them under a microscope. A typical microtome consists of a stationary blade and a moving feed. The up and down movement of the feed on the blade cuts fine sections of paraffin embedded tissues. In a cryostat microtome, the whole microtome assembly is placed inside a closed chamber with temperature as low as -40 deg C.