Several factors can contribute to paraffin block cracking, including:
Improper cooling: Rapid or uneven cooling of the paraffin block can lead to internal stresses and subsequent cracking. Suboptimal paraffin quality: Using paraffin with inappropriate melting points or impurities can weaken the block's structural integrity. Dehydration issues: Insufficient dehydration of the tissue before embedding can result in residual moisture, which causes cracking when the block solidifies. Incorrect embedding techniques: Poor embedding practices, such as air bubbles or improper orientation, can lead to structural weaknesses.