Hi,
Some weeks ago I sent some paraffin blocks and sections (mouse tissues from a very important experiment) to another lab and just today I was informed that the person who received the package stored all the samples at -20°C by mistake. Could this affect the further processing of the samples, or the results of the stainings?
Thanks in advance!
Put the blocks back to the fridge (4°C) for the day befor you start sectoning. Then it should work. In case the cracks are to big melt the paraffin again and produce new blocks. You can store paraffin blocks at room temperature in a box for years. But before you start sectioning again put them into the fridge for a couple of hours. This makes sectioning easier. Paraffin section which are not mounted on glas slides could also stored in flat boxes at room teperature over years.
-20 is cold for paraffin and can cause cracking of the paraffin. This can have an negative effect on your slicing. Only way is thaw your blocks and try. If you can slice them fine I think results will be the same as without freezing.
no problem. now ask that person to store at 4 degree or chiller because i have stored at -10 and it did not make any difference.
I agree with Bianca Catharina Raafs that it -20 may cause damaging of the paraffin. So you should try slice one block. if you get good section it is ok and if not you must melting the paraffin block and replace the sample in new one.
Thanks to all for your valuable answers! I feel much more relieved now!
Put the blocks back to the fridge (4°C) for the day befor you start sectoning. Then it should work. In case the cracks are to big melt the paraffin again and produce new blocks. You can store paraffin blocks at room temperature in a box for years. But before you start sectioning again put them into the fridge for a couple of hours. This makes sectioning easier. Paraffin section which are not mounted on glas slides could also stored in flat boxes at room teperature over years.
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