CRYOEMBEDDING - Electron Microscopy Equipment LEICA - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Cryoembedding system for electron microscopy
Brand	Leica Microsystems
Model	Precision Cryoembedding System
Use	Embedding and orientation of samples for frozen sections in a cryostat
Included components	3 well bars (18, 24, 30 mm), 6 small stages, 4 large stages, 4 heat extractors, 1 storage tray, 16 distribution blades, 1 cutting board/freezing grid, 1 raised heat extractor, 1 angled embedding forceps and accessories
Supported techniques	Face Down Cryoembedding, Frozen Block Cryoembedding, Paper Cryoembedding
Material	Stainless steel (bars, stages, freezing blocks)
Dimensions	Well bars: 18, 24 and 30 mm; stages of various sizes
Weight	Approximately 1.5 kg (complete kit)
Power supply	None (manual system using cryostat temperature)
Operating temperature	Typical cryostat temperatures (-20°C to -30°C)
Freezing time	20 to 60 seconds depending on sample size and technique
Main functions	Precise sample orientation, rapid embedding, orientation preservation during trimming
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean components with a soft cloth after use; store cold in the cryostat
Safety	Use only in a cryostat; wear protective gloves; handle blades with care
Spare parts	Individual components available (bars, stages, etc.)
Repairability	Repair possible by Leica Microsystems or an authorized dealer
Warranty	Standard Leica warranty (not specified in the manual)
Compatibility	Designed for Leica cryostats (e.g., CM1850); compatible with most standard cryostats
General information	Developed by Dr. Stephen Peters; trusted brand in microscopy

Frequently Asked Questions - CRYOEMBEDDING LEICA

What is the Precision Cryoembedding System?

The Precision Cryoembedding System is a cryoembedding kit developed by Leica to facilitate the orientation and embedding of samples for frozen sections. It includes well bars, stages, and stainless steel accessories, allowing rapid freezing (20 to 60 seconds) and precise orientation.

What are the components included in the kit?

The kit contains 3 well bars (18, 24 and 30 mm), 6 small stages, 4 large stages, 4 heat extractors, 1 storage tray, 16 distribution blades, 1 cutting board/freezing grid, 1 raised heat extractor, 1 angled embedding forceps and accessories.

How to perform a Face Down embedding?

Place the sample face down on a distribution blade, touch the edge to the cold bottom of the well, gently remove the blade, fill the well with embedding medium, place a stage on top and a freezing block, wait 20 to 60 seconds, then remove the block and tap the stem to release.

What is the Frozen Block Cryoembedding technique?

This technique consists of embedding and freezing the sample as a whole block, then cutting it into flat pieces on a cold cutting board. The pieces are then re-embedded on edge in a well. Ideal for tubular, curved samples or for resection margins.

How to use the Paper Cryoembedding technique?

Dip a small piece of lens paper in embedding medium, place it on a distribution blade, place the delicate sample on it, then transfer the paper to the cold well by removing the blade. Cut through the paper during trimming before sectioning on a clean part of the blade.

How long does it take to freeze a sample?

Freezing time ranges from 20 to 60 seconds, depending on sample size and technique used. Since components are stored cold, freezing is rapid.

What types of samples can be embedded with this system?

The system allows embedding almost all types of samples: single or multiple, large or small, solid or liquid. It is particularly suitable for delicate, tubular or curved specimens.

Is the system compatible with cryostats other than Leica?

Although designed for Leica cryostats (such as the CM1850), the stainless steel components are compatible with most standard cryostats. Check the dimensions of your cold chamber.

How to maintain the kit components?

After use, clean the components with a soft cloth. Store them cold in the cryostat to keep them ready for use. Avoid shocks and scratches.

Where can I find spare parts?

Spare parts are available from Leica Microsystems or its authorized dealers. Contact Leica customer service to order specific bars, stages or other accessories.

USER MANUAL CRYOEMBEDDING LEICA

Frozen Sections Become a Work of Art!

Precision Cryoembedding System

Easily achieve proper specimen orientation and perfect embedding with the unique Precision Cryoembedding System. The Precision System was developed by American pathologist, Dr. Stephen Peters, to expedite and improve frozen sections and shorten the learning process for pathology residents. The system's individual components can be used in a variety of embedding procedures to perfectly embed and properly orient almost any type of specimen. The process is comfortably performed inside the cryostat using stainless steel well bars, chucks, and freezing blocks. Since the Precision Cryoembedding System's components are stored at cold temperatures, most specimens freeze in 20 to 60 seconds, depending upon their size and the selected freezing technique. This significantly reduces turn-around time. And, your well-oriented, flat specimens will be conserved during the trimming process! What else could you ask for?

The Precision Cryoembedding System consists of:

• 3 well bars in 3 sizes (18, 24 and 30 mm )
• 6 small stages (chucks)
  4 large stages (chucks)
  4 over-stage heat extractors
• 1 storage bin for stages
  16 dispensing slides
• 1 cutting board/freezing griddle
  1 elevated heat extractor
• 1 pair of angled embedding forceps and accessories

Cryoembedding components in the Leica CM1850 cryochamber

Precision cryoembedding accessories

Face Down Cryoembedding

Perfect, Flat Orientation

Any specimen, whether it is single or multiple pieces; large or minute; solid or liquid, can be embedded flat and in a single plane.

Technique

1. Precisely orient the specimen(s), face down, on a thin plastic dispensing slide.
2. Touch the edge of a specimen to the cold base of the embedding well and gently withdraw the dispensing slide while positioning the specimen. Repeat as necessary.
3. Slightly overfill the well with embedding medium.
4. Place a chuck over the well.
5. Place an over-chuck freezing block over the stem of the chuck.
6. Remove freezing block and tap the chuck stem when freezing is complete (usually 20 to 60 seconds) to remove the embedded block from the embedding well.

The Results

A: Trimmed block
B: Stained section on slide
C: Photomicrograph

Frozen Block Cryoembedding

Precise, On-edge Orientation

Specimens are embedded and frozen in their entirety, then mapped and cut into firm, flat pieces. The still frozen, flat pieces are then embedded on edge. This technique is perfect for flimsy, tubular, curled, or angular specimens and it is particularly useful for margin resections.

Technique

1. Place the specimen face down on the freezing griddle.
2. Cover the specimen with a layer of embedding medium.
3. Cover the specimen with the appropriate elevated freezing block.
4. When completely frozen, map the specimen.
5. Cut the embedded block into pieces on the cold cutting board, keeping pieces cold on the adjacent metal surface. (The main photo, #5 to the left, shows the central section while the inset shows a longitudinal margin.)
6. Place the cut pieces face down (pieces are face up in the inset photo #6) in the embedding well and freeze using the procedure described under Face Down Cryoembedding.

The Results

A: Trimmed block
B: Stained section on slide
C: Photomicrograph (sections repositioned in photograph)

Paper Cryoembedding

Proper Positioning of Difficult Specimens

This technique is used to maintain the orientation of delicate or flimsy specimens or to arrange multiple specimens so they will remain in the same plane for sectioning.

Technique

1. Soak a small piece of lens paper in embedding medium and flatten it to the dispensing slide.
2. Place the specimen(s) on the lens paper and orient appropriately. Allow an end of the paper to overhang the edge of the dispensing slide.
3. Touch the lens paper to the cold floor of the embedding well and gently pull the dispensing slide away. The specimen will remain correctly positioned on the lens paper.
4. Trim through the paper on the trimming portion of the blade and then move to a clean, sharp portion to section the specimen. (Untrimmed block in upper portion of photo #4, trimmed block in lower portion.)

The Results

A: Large undissected specimen, dispensing slide and lens paper
B: Specimen dissected with inked border
C: Embedded block
D: Stained sections on slide

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