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Image paths corrected during migration. All 8 images on this page were linked as ../img/… in the source, one directory level too high, so none displayed on the lab docs site.

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Materials

• Kimwipes
• OCT
• 70% ethanol
• Anti-roll glass
• Forceps
• Razor blades
• Gloves
• Eliminase
• Embedded parasite samples

General cryostat operation

1. Press the circle button on the top panel of the machine to set the temperature. Set it to -26°C with the up and down arrows.

   

   Temperature panel

2. Unlock the machine by tapping the metal lever on the handwheel toward the machine.

3. Move the embedded sample block all the way back by pressing the double arrow button. Once the holder is all the way back, the light in the top right corner of the button will blink yellow.

   

   Double arrow button

4. Open the main window of the cryostat. Remove the instrument tray from inside. Clean the inside with 70% EtOH — avoid Eliminase, as it will freeze in the machine. Check the main stage for an old blade from previous use and remove it if needed.

5. Optional: clean the anti-rolling glass with Eliminase. This glass is very expensive, so handle with care. Turn the tiny screw on the back of the glass holder to the left; the glass should slide into the grooves of the holder. Tighten the screw by turning it to the right.

6. Adjust the angle of the main stage to zero using the lever on the right side of the stage.

   

   Stage angle lever

7. Move the stage forward or back so that you have enough space between the blade and the embedded sample. Use the lever on the bottom left to move the stage, and the lever on the top left to centre the stage with the embedded sample holder.

   

   Stage positioning levers

8. Align the embedded sample block holder using the two knobs on top of the block holder, so that the holder is centred with the stage.

   

   Block holder alignment knobs