Durability Test of Microtome Blades with the High-Precision Tissue-Sectioning Machine

In this study, the durability of microtome blades, used for sectioning paraffin blocks, was evaluated with the goal of improving the quality of sections in pathology tests. First, for the durability test of microtome blades, a sectioning test device that realizes stable sectioning operations was developed. This device comprised precise stages supported by cross-roller guides, achieving sufficient rigidness. This device allowed automated repetitive sectioning and simultaneously measured the principal and thrust cutting forces. Samples embedding porcine kidney and rib tissues were used for the durability test. Two types of blades with different blade edge angles were used. Additionally, the rake face and cross-section of blades, as well as H&E-stained sections, were observed. In the durability test with porcine kidney tissue, good quality sections were obtained even after 100 times of sectioning with both microtome blades, showing sufficient durability. However, in sectioning porcine rib tissue, the microtome blade with a large blade edge angle produced good-quality sections in the initial phase of the durability test; however, defects such as overlapping of folds were observed after 100 times of sectioning. Meanwhile, the microtome blade with a small blade edge angle experienced blade damage from the early phase of the durability test, resulting in the production of unsuitable preparations for pathology tests. These results indicated that the microtome blade with a small blade edge angle lacked durability against hard tissues such as porcine ribs.