Tape-transfer Technique for Large Paraffin Blocks

A tape-transfer technique for reducing technical problems associated with the sectioning of large paraffin blocks is described. Ten different tapes were attached to the surface of tissue blocks containing decalcified bone, and sections were cut with a microtome. The tapes were evaluated for adhesion to the block face, ease of handling during sectioning, and removal before staining without disruption of the tissue. 3M Company tape numbers 3710–2 and 3750-G were found to be the most satisfactory. This tape-transfer technique yields excellent quality sections with greater ease, less distortion, and fewer artifacts than unsupported sections do. ( The J Histotechnol 13:207, 1990)