Histopathology Artifacts Quiz
ANSWER CASE 15
The fine parallel cracking seen throughout this slide is usually
caused by tiny vibrations in the knife edge as it passes through
hard, brittle blocks. It is most often seen with disposable blades
particularly where the blade is standing too high in the holder or
is not properly clamped. Excessive hardness and brittleness in
blocks can be caused by over-processing, over-heating during
infiltration and embedding, or cooling the block too much before
cutting. Rough or rapid cutting can also produce this effect. The
correct answer is called chatter.

© Roy C. Ellis 2004