Laboratory Protocols

• Cryotomy
• Histological Staining Techniques
• Histological fixatives
• Peroxidase-anti-peroxidase Technique
• Preparation of tissue section adhesives
• Processing tissues for light microscopy (basics) (PDF 1.1mb)
• Processing tissues for light microscopy (detailed)
• Sample collection guidelines
• Setting up the light microscope
• Specimen preparation for electron microscopy

Tragacanth Gum For Cryotomy

1. Mix 5g tragacanth powder into 100ml of distilled water.
2. Add a crystal of thymol to prevent mould growth.
3. Allow a few hours for the gum to dissolve and then mix again before use.

This preparation does not keep for extended periods.

It is useful when freezing some specimens in that it allows for more precise orientation while freezing takes place.

It has a thicker consistency than OCT at this concentration.