What are the Advantages and Limitations of Using a Cryostat?
Advantages: - Speed: Rapid preparation of tissue sections, crucial for intraoperative diagnostics. - Preservation: Better preservation of antigens and enzymes compared to chemical fixation. - Versatility: Suitable for various staining techniques and analyses.
Limitations: - Tissue Artifacts: Freezing can cause ice crystal artifacts, which may obscure fine details. - Technical Skill Required: Operating a cryostat requires skill and experience to produce high-quality sections. - Maintenance: Cryostats require regular maintenance to ensure they function correctly at low temperatures.