Follow a few simple hacks to ensure success for cassettes in every step of the histology process.
Match the cassette to the tissue for the perfect fit.
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to cassettes. Standard cassettes come with various pore sizes, from embedding cassettes with larger pores all the way down to microbiopsy and biomesh screen cassettes with the tiniest openings. For larger tissues like breast or spleen, cassettes with wider holes – or even SupaMega cassettes for extra-large samples – are the way to go for proper infiltration and fixation. Tiny tissue fragments or biopsies are safest in cassettes with smaller pores to keep them secure.
Don’t have any microbiopsy cassettes on hand or want to make sure that tiny sample stays secure? Try using biopsy bags or sponges to keep tissue fragments protected during processing.
Slice smart for perfect processing.
Think “nickel-thin” when grossing. Keep tissue section no thicker than 3-4 mm. This not only ensures adequate processing but also guarantees the lid will snap shut securely.
Lock it like a pro: Step-by-step lid closing
Follow these simple steps to ensure all cassettes have a secure fit and minimize the risk of damage:
Front tab orientation
- Slide the rear tab of the lid into the slot at the back of the cassette base.
- Gently press the front of the lid to guide to the catch position.
- Ensure the lid catch lines up perfectly with the slot on the base.
- Apply light pressure to the front of the lid until it clicks securely into place.
Rear tab orientation
- Slide the front tab of the lid into the slot at the front of the cassette base.
- Gently press the rear of the lid to guide to the catch position.
- Ensure the lid catch lines up perfectly with the slot on the base.
- Apply light pressure to the rear of the lid until it clicks securely into place.
DO NOT apply pressure to the middle of the lid. Doing so may cause the lid catch to pop out of alignment in some cassettes and forcing it back in may lead to the lid catch to fracture.
Watch this video to see correct closure in action.
Trim it right for a smooth finish.
After embedding, use a heated paraffin trimmer to neatly remove excess paraffin from your cassettes. It’s the perfect way to keep your printed text and barcodes safe from accidental scrapes or scratches – no knives or other tools needed for scraping! There is no need to scrape the cassette across the heated grooves of the paraffin trimmer. Simply press the cassette face gently onto the surface and let the heat do the magic; watch the paraffin melt away with zero effort. PiSmart cassettes used with the PiSmart Cassette Printer are designed with patented pips on the corners of each print face. These features protect the printed surface during dewaxing while also allowing wax to be cleared away easily.
