What are Sectioning Artifacts?
Sectioning artifacts are undesirable alterations that occur during the process of cutting tissue samples into thin sections for microscopic examination. These artifacts can distort the tissue architecture, obscure cellular details, and complicate the interpretation of histological findings. They are typically introduced during the
embedding, cutting, or mounting of tissue sections.
Common Types of Sectioning Artifacts
Several types of sectioning artifacts can arise during histological processing. Some of the most common include: Chatter or
Venetian Blind Effect: This appears as a series of parallel lines across the tissue section, often resulting from an improperly adjusted microtome blade.
Compression Artifacts: These occur when the tissue is compressed during sectioning, leading to a wrinkled or wavy appearance. It is often caused by a dull blade or excessive speed during cutting.
Knife Marks: These are visible lines or scratches on the tissue section caused by imperfections or debris on the microtome blade.
Folding: Tissue folds can occur when the sections are placed onto slides, leading to overlapping areas that obscure the underlying structures.
Tears and Nicks: These are physical disruptions in the tissue section, often caused by a damaged or improperly handled blade.
Air Bubbles: These can become trapped under the tissue section when it is mounted onto a slide, interfering with the microscopic examination.
Improper Fixation: Poorly fixed tissues are more prone to artifacts because they are not adequately preserved, leading to tissue distortion during sectioning.
Incorrect Embedding: Incorrect orientation or incomplete infiltration of embedding media can result in uneven sections that are prone to artifacts.
Microtome Issues: Problems with the microtome, such as a dull blade, incorrect blade angle, or improper cutting speed, can introduce a range of artifacts.
Environmental Factors: Conditions such as humidity, temperature, and air currents can affect the quality of tissue sections and contribute to artifacts.
Proper Fixation: Ensuring that tissues are thoroughly fixed can significantly reduce the likelihood of artifacts.
Optimize Embedding: Carefully embedding tissues in an appropriate medium and ensuring proper orientation can lead to more consistent and artifact-free sections.
Maintain Sharp Blades: Regularly replacing or sharpening microtome blades can reduce the occurrence of artifacts such as chatter and knife marks.
Adjust Microtome Settings: Properly calibrating the microtome, including blade angle and cutting speed, can help produce cleaner sections.
Control Environmental Conditions: Maintaining a stable environment in the cutting area can help minimize artifacts due to external factors.
Handle Sections Carefully: Using fine brushes or forceps to manipulate sections can prevent tears, folds, and other physical artifacts.
Impact of Sectioning Artifacts on Histological Analysis
Sectioning artifacts can significantly impact the
histological analysis of tissue samples by:
Obscuring cellular and tissue structures, making it difficult to accurately assess morphology.
Introducing artificial features that can be mistaken for pathological changes.
Complicating the interpretation of staining patterns and other diagnostic markers.
Therefore, minimizing artifacts is crucial for obtaining reliable and reproducible histological results.
