Leica CM1510 User manual

Instruction Manual
Leica CM1510 V2.1 English – 12/2001
Always keep this manual near the instrument
Read carefully prior to operating the instrument
Leica CM 1510
Cryostat

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 3
1. Important information
Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH
Heidelberger Str. 17-19
D-69226 Nussloch
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: 0 62 24/143-2 00
eMail: [email protected]
Homepage: http://www.histo-solutions.com
Serial No. ....................................................................
Year of manufacture: ................................................
Manufactured: ....... Federal Republic of Germany
Until the ratification of the guideline for in-vitro di-
agnostic instruments this product is categorized
according to the MedGV (National Regulations for
Medical Appliances) as a Class 3 equipment.
The information, numerical data, notes and value judg-
ments contained in this manual represent the current
state of scientific knowledge and state-of-the-art tech-
nology as we understand it following thorough investi-
gation in this field. We are under no obligation to up-
date the present manual periodically and on an ongo-
ing basis according to the latest technical develop-
ments, nor to provide our customers with additional
copies, updates etc. of this manual.
For erroneous statements, drawings, technical illus-
trations etc. contained in this manual we exclude li-
ability as far as permissible according to the national
legal system applicable in each individual case. In par-
ticular, no liability whatsoever is accepted for any fi-
nancial loss or consequential damage caused by or
related to compliance with statements or other infor-
mation in this manual.
Statements, drawings, illustrations and other informa-
tion as regards contents or technical details of the
present manual are not to be considered as warranted
characteristics of our products. These are determined
only by the contract provisions agreed between our-
selves and our customers.
Leica reserves the right to change technical specifi-
cations as well as manufacturing processes without
prior notice. Only in this way is it possible to continu-
ously improve the technology and manufacturing tech-
niques used in our products.
This document is protected under copyright laws. Any
copyrights of this document are retained by Leica
Microsystems Nussloch GmbH.
Any reproduction of text and illustrations (or of any
parts thereof) by means of print, photocopy, microfiche,
web cam or other methods – including any electronic
systems and media – requires express prior permis-
sion in writing by Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH.
For the instrument serial number and year of manu-
facture, please refer to the name plate at the back of
the instrument.
© Leica Microsystems Nussloch GmbH

4Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
2. Table of contents
1. Important information ........................................................................................................................ 3
2. Table of contents ................................................................................................................................ 4
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument........................................................................... 5
4. Technical data..................................................................................................................................... 8
5. General description............................................................................................................................
5.1 Leica CM 1510 and components .......................................................................................................................9
5.2 Product description........................................................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Standard delivery range ...................................................................................................................................10
5.4 Optional accessories ........................................................................................................................................10
6. Unpacking and installation ............................................................................................................ 11
6.1 Site requirements ..............................................................................................................................................11
6.2 Transport and relocation..................................................................................................................................11
6.3 Assembly of the handwheel ............................................................................................................................12
7. Setup and operation ......................................................................................................................... 13
7.1 Connection to mains power .............................................................................................................................13
7.2 Prior to operation...............................................................................................................................................13
7.3 Switches and controls ......................................................................................................................................14
7.4 Temperature selection chart (in minus °C) ................................................................................................... 16
8. Daily operation .................................................................................................................................. 17
8.1 Specimen freezing .............................................................................................................................................17
8.2 Mounting of specimen discs ...........................................................................................................................18
8.3 Inserting the knife or blade in the knife holder .............................................................................................19
8.4 Moving the specimen towards or away from the knife/blade via the coarse feed ................................19
8.5 Trimming .............................................................................................................................................................19
8.6 Adjusting the anti-roll guide.............................................................................................................................20
8.7 Sectioning and section transfer ......................................................................................................................20
8.8 Defrosting ...........................................................................................................................................................21
. Trouble shooting ............................................................................................................................... 22
10. Cleaning and disinfection ............................................................................................................... 25
10.1 Cleaning ..............................................................................................................................................................25
10.2 Spray disinfection with Leica Cryofect ..........................................................................................................25
10.3 Removal of the microtome ...............................................................................................................................26
10.4 Reassembly of the microtome .........................................................................................................................27
11. Maintenance...................................................................................................................................... 28
11.1 General maintenance .......................................................................................................................................28
11.2 Replacement of the fuses ................................................................................................................................28
11.3 Replacement of the lamp .................................................................................................................................29
12. Optional accessories ....................................................................................................................... 30
12.1 Heat extractors ..................................................................................................................................................30
12.2 Thermal block..................................................................................................................................................... 30
13. Appendix ............................................................................................................................................. 31
13.1 Product changes ...............................................................................................................................................31
13.2 Warranty .............................................................................................................................................................31
13.3 Disposal...............................................................................................................................................................31
13.4 Technical service information .........................................................................................................................31
Notizen ................................................................................................................................................................32

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 5
3.1 Safety features
The instrument design incorporates the following
safety features: handwheel lock, a knife guard on the
knife holder CN and the anti-roll guide of the knife
holder CE that has the protective function of a knife
guard.
These safety devices have always to be used by the
operator. In addition, all safety precautions in this
manual have to be observed by the operator.
3.1.1 Handwheel lock
Always lock the handwheel when manipulat-
ing in the cryochamber or when changing the
specimen!
The handwheel can be locked in the upper turning
point.
• Rotate the handwheel until the handle (1) is posi-
tioned in the upper turning point.
• To lock, push the lever (2) to the right.
• To unlock, push the lever (2) to the left.
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
3.1.2 Knife guard
Prior to manipulating the knife and specimen,
or during breaks, always cover the knife edge
with the knife guard!
The knife holder has a knife guard which is positioned
over the knife edge to prevent injury.
3.2 General hazards
Despite the safety features provided for operator
safety, the use of the instrument and the applications
for which is designed involve certain risks that cannot
be totally eliminated:
• The handling of microtome knives involves a risk of
injury.
• The handling of cold parts can cause frostbite.
• The sectioning of infectious and/or radioactive ma-
terials represents a hazard.
1
2
Fig. 5

Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
Sectioning
• Take care when handling microtome
knives and disposable blades.
The cutting edge is extremely sharp and
can cause severe injury!
• Never leave knives/blades or knife hold-
ers with a knife/blade mounted lying
around!
Always keep the knife in the knife box
when it is not used!
• Do not place a knife on a table with the
cutting edge facing upward!
• Never try to catch a falling knife!
• Always clamp the specimen before the
knife!
• Take care when removing the section - the
cutting edge is exposed!
• Prior to manipulating the knife and speci-
men, or changing the specimen or knife,
and during breaks, always lock the hand-
wheel and cover the cutting edge with the
knife guard!
• Avoid skin contact with cold parts of the
instrument as this can cause frostbite!
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Operating conditions
Transport and installation
• The instrument must be transported in an
upright position only, or at an angle of max.
30 °!
• Do not operate in rooms with explosion
hazard!
• To ensure an adequate cooling capacity,
the instrument must be set up with at least
10 cm distance from walls and furniture!
• Do not place anything next to the compres-
sor ventilation grid (right side of the cabi-
net) to ensure adequate ventilation!
•Remove the protective foam parts for the
microtome and for the evaporator prior to
operating the instrument (see Fig. 13.2)!
Connection to mains power
• Please refer to the 'Technical data'!
• The instrument must be connected to a
grounded mains power outlet socket.
• During the start-up of the compressor the
nominal voltage must not drop below the
values specified in the 'Technical data'.
Please note that the compressor requires
a start-up current between 45 and 50 A.
Therefore, the electric circuit at the instal-
lation site must be inspected by an elec-
trical engineer to ensure that it meets the
requirements for a smooth operation of the
instrument. A constant adequate power
supply to the instrument must be ensured
at all times. Failure to comply with the
above will cause severe damage to the in-
strument.
•After transporting, wait at least 4 hours be-
fore turning the instrument on.
This waiting period is necessary to allow
the compressor oil, which may have been
displaced during transport, to return to its
original position.
Failure to comply with this can cause se-
vere damage to the instrument.

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 7
Cleaning and disinfection
• Do not use organic solvents or any other
aggressive substances for cleaning and
disinfection!
We strongly recommend the use of Leica
Cryofect disinfectant spray! Only use al-
cohol or common disinfectants based on
alcohol!
• For spray disinfection follow the instruc-
tions for use supplied with the disinfec-
tant!
• Do not use external heaters for drying the
cryochamber. This can cause severe dam-
age to the cooling system!
emoval of the microtome
• Before removing the microtome, turn the
instrument off with the mains switch and
disconnect it from mains!
• Before taking the microtome out of the
cryochamber, place the handle of the
handwheel in the lowest position.
When removing the microtome, the speci-
men head will rapidly fall down and might
injure the operator‘s hands!
• Wear appropriate protective gloves to re-
move the cold microtome from the cryo-
chamber. Risk of frost bite!
• The microtome must be completely dry be-
fore reinstallation. Humidity inside will
condense and freeze in the cold cryostat
and thus may cause malfunctions or dam-
age.
3. Safety instructions for handling the instrument
Maintenance
• Only qualified and authorized service per-
sonnel may access the internal compo-
nents of the instrument for service and re-
pair.
• Clean the compressor ventilation grid at
least once a year or more often if required!
Fuse replacement (C apter 11)
• Turn the instrument off with the mains
switch and pull the mains plug, before re-
placing the fuses.
•Only use fuses of the same specification!
For the required values, please refer to
Chapter 4 'Technical data'.
Lamp replacement (C apter 11)
• Turn the instrument off with the mains
switch and pull the mains plug, before re-
placing the lamp.
• If the lamp is broken, it must be replaced
by the technical service, as the replace-
ment involves a high risk of injury.
• Do not use lamp type other than specified
by the manufacturer!

8Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
Type CM 1510 CM 1510
Nominal voltage 120 V AC ±10 230 V AC ±10
Nominal frequency 60 Hz 50 Hz
Power draw 1500 VA 1500 VA
Protective class I I
Mains fuses 2 x T 15 A Type MDA (UL-listed) 2 x T10A Type MDA (DIN-IEC 127-II)
or automatic circuit breaker T 15 A or automatic circuit breaker T 10 A
Pollution degree 2 2
Overvoltage installation category II II
Refrigeration - Cryochamber
Temperature range 0 °C to -30 °C ±10
at an ambient temperature of 22 °C
and air humidity _< 60
when sliding window is closed;
adjustable in 1-degree increments
Temperature of quick-freeze shelf max. -44 °C
at a chamber temperature between -20 °C and -30 °C
Defrosting automatic hot gas defrosting,
defrost time freely programmable,
manual defrosting
duration: 8 min.
Power draw 850 W 495 W
Refrigerating output
at an evaporation temperature of -25 °C 780 W 585 W
Nominal pressure 25 bar (maximum value)
Safety factor 3
Refrigerant 240 g ± 5 g R404A *
Compressor oil 0.6 l EMKARATE RL244b, ICI *
Microtome
Type Rotary microtome
Section thickness setting 1 - 50 µm
in 1 µm increments from 1 to 10 µm
in 2 µm increments from 10 to 20 µm
in 5 µm increments from 20 to 50 µm
Specimen orientation ± 8°
Specimen feed 25 mm
Vertical stroke 59 mm
Coarse feed speed 0.8 mm/s
Cryocabinet
Dimensions
Width (excluding handwheel) 580 mm
Width (including handwheel) 680 mm
Depth 680 mm
Height (arm rest) 1010 mm
Overall height 1175 mm
Weight including microtome 105 kg
* Refrigerant and compressor oil must be replaced by authorized service personnel!
4. Technical data
Operating temperature range: 18 °C to 40 °C.
All specifications related to temperature are valid only for an ambient temperature up to 22 °C and for an air
humidity lower than 0%!

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 9
Thermal block
(optional
accessory)
5.1 Leica CM 1510 and components
5. General description
Fig. 9
Waste tray
Brush shelf
eat extractor
(optional accessory)
Quick-freeze shelf
Knife holder CE
Knife holder CN
Knife holder base
Specimen
disc

10 Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
Fig. 10
2
4
4
5
3
5. General description
5.2 Product description 5.3 Standard delivery range
Leica CM 1510 basic instrument with orienting speci-
men holder:
1 Knife holder base,
1 Knife holder CN or CE with anti-roll guide depend-
ing on the selected configuration,
2 Replacement anti-roll plates for CN configuration
or:
1 Replacement glass anti-roll plate for CE configura-
tion,
5 Specimen discs, 25 mm ø,
1 Cover for quick-freeze shelf,
1 Brush shelf,
2 Brushes,
1 Waste tray,
1 Storage shelf, left,
1 Storage shelf, right,
1 Handwheel including fitting material,
1 Tool set (3 tools),
1 OCT cryocompound, 125 ml ,
1 Cryostat oil no. 407, 50 ml,
1 Set of replacement fuses,
1 Instruction manual.
5.4 Optional accessories
For information about optional accessories, please
contact your local sales representative.
The Leica CM 1510 is a compact open-top cryostat in a
space-saving design for rapid freezing and manual sec-
tioning of tissue specimens.
The cabinet is movable on rollers. Two adjustable feet
(4) at the front ensure a safe stand. The counterbal-
anced handwheel (2) is lockable in the top position.
The corrosion-proof cryochamber is well illuminated
and easily accessible through the heated sliding win-
dow. The cryochamber temperature is selectable be-
tween 0 °C and -30 °C. An actively cooled quick-freeze
shelf for up to 10 specimen discs ensures rapid freez-
ing of specimens at a maximum temperature of -44 °C
(+3 Kelvin) depending on the selected cryochamber
temperature (-20 °C to -30 °C).
Waste liquid from the chamber is drained through a
tube (3) and collected outside.
The stainless steel rotary microtome is virtually main-
tenance-free and provides an 8° X/Y/Z specimen ori-
entation. The section thickness is adjustable in a range
of 1 to 50 µm.
All controls and displays are integrated in the control
panel (5).
An 8-minute automatic defrost cycle can be activated
manually and programmed.

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 11
The instrument must be transported in an up-
right position, or at an angle of max. 30°!
Do not grip the cabinet at the lid. Grip the cabi-
net only at the marked areas ( ), which are
reinforced for transporting (Fig. 11).
• Screw the adjustable feet (1) to the highest posi-
tion by means of a fork wrench (size 16).
• Move the instrument to the installation site on its
rollers (2 and 3).
• The adjustable feet (1) can support the weight of
the instrument when tipping at a slig t angle
(max. 30°).
• To lift the instrument, please use the handle straps
provided, which can be attached to the front roll-
ers (2) and rear rollers (3).
• At the installation site unscrew the adjustable feet
(1) with a fork wrench (size 16) to ensure stability.
• Align the adjustable feet to level the instrument.
Do not operate in rooms with explosion haz-
ard!
To ensure an adequate cooling capacity, the
instrument has to be set up with at least 10
cm distance from walls and furniture.
Do not place anything next to the compressor
ventilation grid (right side of the cabinet) to
ensure adequate ventilation!
The place of installation must meet the following re-
quirements:
- No direct sunlight
- Mains power socket at a distance no greater than
the length of the power cord (length approximately
2.5 meters) - do not use an extension cord
- No drafts (air condition outlets, etc.) directly over
the instrument
- Even floor
- Mainly vibration-free floor
- Obstruction-free access to the handwheel
- Room temperature always below 22 °C
- Air humidity must not exceed 60%
High room temperatures and excessive air
humidity affect the cooling capacity of the cry-
ostat.
6. Unpacking and installation
6.1 Site requirements 6.2 Transport and relocation
Rear
Fig. 11
23
1

12 Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
6.3 Assembly of the handwheel
6. Unpacking and installation
1
2
3
4
Fig. 12.1
1
Fig. 12.2
The handwheel including the fixing compo-
nents are packed in the cardboard box for the
accessories.
• Insert the pin (1) of the handwheel shaft in to the
hole (2) of the handwheel.
• Mount the spring washer (3) on the screw (4) as
shown in Fig. 12.1.
• Tighten the screw (4) with an Allen key (5 mm).
To disassemble, proceed in reverse order.
Remove the protective foam parts for the mi-
crotome and for the evaporator (1) prior to op-
erating the instrument (see Fig 12.2)!

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 13
7. Setup and operation
7.1 Connection to mains power 7.2 Prior to operation
During the start-up of the compressor the
nominal voltage must not drop below the val-
ues specified in the 'Technical data'.
Please note that the compressor requires a
start-up current between 45 and 50 A.
Therefore, the electric circuit at the installa-
tion site must be inspected by an electrical
engineer to ensure that it meets the require-
ments for a smooth operation of the instru-
ment. A constant adequate power supply to
the instrument must be ensured at all times.
Failure to comply with the above will cause
severe damage to the instrument.
The instrument must be connected to a
grounded mains power outlet socket.
• The electric circuit at the place of installation has
to be protected separately.
• Do not connect any other consumers to this elec-
tric circuit.
2
1
Fig. 13
• Before connecting the instrument to the mains
power, please check if the local mains voltage com-
plies with the power rating indicated on the name
plate of the instrument.
• Place the storage shelves in the cryochamber.
• Place the waste tray (1) and brush shelf (2) in the
cryochamber.
• Place the knife holder base on the microtome base
plate.
• Place the knife holder on the knife holder base and
clamp.
• Open the knife box with the knife and place it in the
cryochamber for precooling.
• Place all tools needed for specimen preparation in
the cryochamber.
• Close the sliding window.
After transporting, wait at least 4 hours be-
fore turning the instrument on. This waiting
period is necessary to allow the compressor
oil, which may have been displaced during
transport, to return to its original position.
Failure to comply with this can cause severe
damage to the instrument.
• Connect the mains plug to the mains power outlet
at the wall.
For installation of the knife holder base and
knife holder, please refer to the instruction
manual of the knife holder.

14 Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
Automatic
cutouts
7. Setup and operation
7.3 Switches and controls
Mains
switch
Fig. 14.1
7.3.1 Mains switch
The mains switch (green) is located in a recess on the
right side of the cryocabinet. In the OFF position it is on
'O‘; in the ON position it is on 'I‘ and illuminated.
• Turn the instrument on with the mains switch.
The display of the temperature control unit will read
the actual temperature of the cryochamber.
After turning on, it will take approximately 5
seconds until the compressor starts operat-
ing.
Electric coarse feed
forward/backward ON/OFF switch for
chamber illumination
Display for set and actual values
Control unit
Fig. 14.2
C amber illumination
Electric coarse feed
The electric coarse feed provides a rapid movement
of the specimen towards or away from the knife.
The specimen movement towards the cutting edge
must be observed carefully to avoid that the specimen
collides with the cutting edge which can cause severe
damage both to the knife and specimen
Illumination ON
Illumination OFF
away from the knife
towards the knife
7.3.2 Control panel

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 15
7. Setup and operation
7.3.3 Control unit
Fig. 15.1 Fig. 15.2
The control unit has a 3-digit display, with additional
LEDs and three function keys.
LEDs
LED 1 indicates activation of cooling mode
LED 2 indicates activation of defrosting mode
LED 3 idle
Function keys
To program parameters
To increase the indicated value
To decrease the indicated value
During normal operation, the display indicates the ac-
tual temperature of the cryochamber.
Setting user definable parameters
User definable parameters can be accessed by press-
ing the P-button. Any programming field can be ac-
cessed for 30 seconds. After that time the display au-
tomatically resets to actual temperature indication.
Parameters can be modified via the arrow keys:
• To adjust the set temperature, press 'P' and modify
the value via arrow key.
• To set the defrost time, press 'P' again and modify
the value via arrow key. The first two digits are used
for hour indication, the last digit is used for minute
indication. Since there is just one digit for the minute
indication, the shown value has to be multiplied by
ten. The defrost time can be adjusted in 10 minute
steps. Fig. 15.2 shows defrosting time set at 23:50
hours.
• To set the real time, press 'P' for hour indication
and modify the value via arrow key. Press 'P' again
for minute indication and modify the value via ar-
row key.
• When pressing 'P' once more the display shows
'00'. In this mode the entry of a code number is re-
quired. Since coded parameters are reserved for
service personnel only, press 'P' again to return to
set temperature indication, or wait 30 seconds un-
til the display resets to actual temperature indica-
tion.
• To activate manual defrosting, press 'P' and the 'Ar-
row-up' key simultaneously. Indication switches
from LED 1 to LED 2.
• To deactivate manual defrosting before time, press
'P' and the 'Arrow-up' key simultaneously. Indica-
tion switches from LED 2 to LED 1.
The duration of the defrost cycles is set to 8
minutes in the factory.
Illuminated LED 1 indicates that the unit is in
the cooling mode. Illuminated LED 2 indicates
that the unit is running a defrost cycle.
P

1 Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
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7. Setup and operation
7.4 Temperature selection chart (in minus °C)
Adrenals
Bone marrow
Brain
Bladder
Breast- fatty
Breast - little fat
Cartilage
Cervix
Fat
Heart and vessel
Intestine
Kidney
Laryngeal
Lip
Liver
Lung
Lymphoid
Muscular
Nose
Pancreas
Prostate
Ovary
Rectal
Skin with fat
Skin without fat
Spleen or bloody tissue
Testicular
Thyroid
Tongue
Uterus curettings
Tissue 10 - 15 15 - 25 25 - 30
• Above temperature values are based on long-term experience but are only approximate values.

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 17
8.1.1 Quick-freeze shelf with cover
The cryochamber has a quick-freeze shelf (Fig. 17) for
up to 10 specimen discs.
The supplied cover prevents excessive frost formation
on the quick-freeze shelf as the temperature of the shelf
is always lower than the cryochamber temperature.
The cover should only be removed when the quick-
freeze shelf is used for specimen freezing and replaced
when not used to minimize frost formation, especially
during defrosting.
Specimen freezing
• Cut the specimen to size.
The specimen should be no greater than 2 cm x 2
cm x 2 cm.
• Use a specimen disc at room temperature.
• Apply enough cryocompound to the specimen disc.
• Place the specimen on the disc and orient.
• Remove the cover from the quick-freeze shelf.
• Place the specimen disc with the specimen in one
of the holes of the quick-freeze shelf and freeze the
specimen.
Specimen freezing can be accelerated by ad-
ditionally using a mobile or stationary heat ex-
tractor, which are available as optional ac-
cessories (see Chapter 12. ‘Optional acces-
sories‘).
• Once the specimen is frozen, insert the specimen
disc in the specimen head (see Fig. 18.2) and start
sectioning.
8. Daily operation
8.1 Specimen freezing
Fig. 17

18 Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
8. Daily operation
8.2 Mounting of specimen discs 8.2.1 Specimen discs
Specimen discs are available in three sizes of 20, 25
and 30 mm in diameter. The design of the surface en-
sures firm contact with the specimen.
8.2.2 Fixing the specimen disc in the specimen
head
• Lock the handle of the handwheel in the upper po-
sition.
• If the knife holder and a knife are in place, cover
the knife edge with the knife guard.
• Loosen the screw (1) on the specimen head.
• Insert the shaft of the specimen disc (3) with the
frozen specimen in the location hole (2) of the speci-
men head.
Make sure that the shaft of the specimen disc is fully
inserted. The entire rear surface must have a good
contact with the specimen head.
• Retighten screw (1).
8.2.3 Specimen orientation
• To release, loosen screw (4).
• Orient the specimen by means of the lever (5) and
the screw (1).
• Retighten screw (4) to fix the orientation.
• To continue sectioning, remove the knife guard and
unlock the handwheel.
Fig. 18.1
3
1
Fig. 18.2
2
45

Leica CM1510 – Cryostat 19
8. Daily operation
8.4 Moving the specimen towards or away
from the knife/blade via the coarse feed
Always observe the specimen during the rapid
forward movement towards the knife/blade,
to avoid that the specimen collides with the
cutting edge. A collision can cause severe
damage both to the knife or blade and the
specimen!
• Push the coarse feed button to approach the speci-
men to the cutting edge.
8.3 Inserting the knife or blade in the knife
holder
All components of the cryostat as well as the
knife or blade and the tools for specimen
preparation should be precooled in the cry-
ostat before starting sectioning!
• Insert the precooled knife or blade in the knife
holder and clamp.
For further details, please refer to the separate instruc-
tion manual for your knife holder.
Take care when handling microtome knives
and disposable blades. The cutting edge is
extremely sharp and can cause severe injury!
Never leave knives/blades or knife holders
with a knife/blade mounted lying around!
Do not place a knife on a table with the cut-
ting edge facing upward!
Never try to catch a falling knife!
Always clamp the specimen before the knife!
Prior to manipulating the knife and specimen,
or changing the specimen or knife, and dur-
ing breaks, always lock the handwheel and
cover the cutting edge with the knife guard!
Avoid skin contact with cold parts of the in-
strument as this can cause frostbite!
away from the knife
towards the knife
Fig. 19
8.5 Trimming
• Remove the knife guard from the cutting edge.
• Remove the anti-roll guide from the knife.
• Unlock the handwheel.
• Rotate the handwheel cautiously and check if the
specimen comes in contact with the cutting edge
of the knife.
• To trim the specimen, select a section thickness of
approximately 30 µm with the section thickness
selection knob on the front of the microtome.
• Trim the specimen to the desired sectioning plane
by gradually decreasing the section thickness.

20 Instruction Manual V2.1 – 12/2001
8.7 Sectioning and section transfer
• Decrease the section thickness continually to the
required value.
After changing from one section thickness to
another, the first two or three sections should
be rejected!
• Make sure the section smoothly slides down be-
tween the anti-roll plate and the knife.
• Remove the anti-roll guide from the knife for apply-
ing a section to a microscope slide.
Take care when removing the section - the
cutting edge is exposed!
The section can be transferred either to a precooled
microscope slide or to a microscope slide at room tem-
perature.
Section transfer to a slide at room temperature
• Carefully approach the slide to the cut section.
The frozen section ‘flies‘ to the slide, rapidly thaws and
thus adheres to the slide surface making subsequent
orientation impossible.
Section transfer to a precooled slide
• Carefully apply the section to the slide by gentle
brushing.
• Orient and flatten the section on the slide surface
by means of the brush.
• To ensure the section tightly adheres to the slide
surface, warm the cold slide placing a finger against
the underside of the slide directly underneath the
section.
8.6 Adjusting the anti-roll guide
• Place the anti-roll guide on the knife holder during
trimming.
The anti-roll guide is correctly adjusted when
the section smoothly slides down between the
anti-roll plate and the knife (see illustration
below)!
• Readjust the anti-roll guide if necessary.
• Decrease the section thickness continually to the
required value.
8. Daily operation
Correct adjustment of the anti-
roll guide
Fig. 20