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Updated: May 19, 2026
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The Cutting and Floating Method for Paraffin-embedded Tissue for Sectioning
Published on: September 5, 2018
Evaluation of a completely automated tissue-sectioning machine for paraffin blocks
Maristela L Onozato1, Stephen Hammond, Mark Merren
1Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Studies in Health Technology and Informatics
|August 29, 2012
Summary
Automated tissue sectioning offers consistent specimen thickness and orientation, reducing artifacts compared to manual methods. This study introduces a new automated device for anatomic pathology processing.
Area of Science:
- Anatomic Pathology
- Histotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Manual tissue sectioning is crucial for anatomic pathology.
- Traditional methods can lead to inconsistencies in section thickness and orientation.
- Tissue sectioning artifacts can impact diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the design of an automated tissue-sectioning device.
- To compare the performance of the automated device with manual sectioning.
- To evaluate the consistency and artifact reduction in automated tissue processing.
Main Methods:
- Design and construction of a novel automated tissue-sectioning device.
- Processing of anatomic pathology specimens using the automated device.
- Comparison of automated sections with those produced by experienced histology technicians.
Main Results:
- Automated sectioning achieved invariable thickness and uniform orientation.
- Reduced tissue sectioning artifacts were observed with the automated system.
- Consistent serial sectioning was demonstrated by the automated device.
Conclusions:
- Automated tissue sectioning provides a reliable and consistent alternative to manual methods.
- The developed automated device enhances the processing of anatomic pathology specimens.
- Automation in tissue sectioning improves specimen quality for diagnostic purposes.
