What is Mounting in Histology?
Mounting is a crucial step in the
histological preparation of tissue sections. It involves placing a stained tissue section onto a glass slide and covering it with a coverslip. This ensures the tissue can be examined under a microscope with optimal clarity and preservation.
What Constitutes Incorrect Mounting?
Incorrect mounting refers to any error or issue that occurs during the mounting process, leading to suboptimal or unusable slides. This can be due to various factors such as improper
adhesion of the tissue to the slide, air bubbles, excess mounting medium, or improper alignment of the coverslip.
Common Problems Associated with Incorrect Mounting
Some common issues encountered include: Air Bubbles: These can form between the tissue section and the coverslip, obscuring parts of the sample.
Excess Mounting Medium: Too much medium can cause the coverslip to float, resulting in a blurry image.
Insufficient Mounting Medium: This can lead to drying out of the tissue section, causing cracking and artifacts.
Improper Coverslip Placement: Misaligned coverslips can create pressure points, distorting the tissue.
Tissue Section Folding: Improper handling can cause the tissue to fold, making it difficult to analyze.
How to Identify Incorrect Mounting?
Incorrect mounting can usually be identified under the microscope. Indicators include the presence of air bubbles, uneven staining, blurred images, and visible folds or tears in the tissue. Regularly reviewing the slides can help catch these issues early.
Preventive Measures for Correct Mounting
To avoid incorrect mounting, consider the following steps: Use an adequate amount of
mounting medium.
Avoid air bubbles by gently lowering the coverslip at an angle.
Ensure the tissue section is properly adhered to the slide before mounting.
Handle tissue sections with care to prevent folding or tearing.
Regularly calibrate and maintain mounting equipment.
Corrective Actions for Incorrect Mounting
If incorrect mounting is identified, steps can be taken to rectify the issue: Re-mount the tissue section if possible.
Remove and reapply the coverslip to eliminate air bubbles.
Trim excess mounting medium if it is causing distortion.
Re-stain the tissue section if uneven staining is observed.
Conclusion
Correct mounting is vital for the accurate examination of histological samples. Understanding the common errors and implementing preventive measures can significantly improve the quality of tissue sections. Regular training and quality control can help ensure that histological preparations meet the required standards.
