The orthopedic histology lab houses a variety of tools for embedded specimen mounting, sectioning, and preparation. These tools also aid handling of non-embedded bone samples to be prepared for further use in other biomechanics and other imaging modalities such as MicroCT, Raman, NMR etc. Additional information can be seen below:
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EXAKT 310 Diamond Band Saw
The Exakt system is used to produce thick sections of resin-embedded tissues containing ceramic and metal implants for microscopic examination. It has the ability to provide clean, plane-parallel cuts with minimal burrs. This system is also used to support numerous preclinical and translational studies such as, those aimed at developing new materials for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, hardware for fracture stabilization or joint fusion and ceramic bone void fillers. It can also be used to examine clinical specimens retrieved during joint replacement or other hardware revision surgeries.
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EXAKT 400CS Grinding System
The EXAKT 400CS plate grinder system has the ability to create thin ground sections with plane-parallel and outstanding surface quality. Sample thicknesses in the range of 20 µm can be achieved easily. The deviation of the sample thickness after the grinding lies within a precision of approx. +/- 1.5 µm. It is equipped with the AW110 controller that can have force, speed presets making it easy to process a variety of materials and hard/soft combinations.BUEHLER Vibromet 2 Vibratory Polisher
This polishing tool is used to prepare high quality polished surfaces on a wide variety of materials, including EBSD applications. The 7200 cycles per minute horizontal motion produces a very effective polishing action, providing superior results, exceptional flatness and less deformation. A 12" [305 mm] bowl size helps accommodate several samples simultaneously.
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Fisher Scientific FS110D Ultrasonic Cleaner with timer is powerful enough to remove heavy oils, buffing compounds, proteins, consistent enough to manage difficult laboratory cleaning, and safe enough for delicate samples.
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The histology lab has specific tools and chemicals for aiding specimen embedding and potting procedures, such as a ProSpat Vacuum spatulator (Model 107SP) to efficiently mix potting materials and help in securing the various sample preparations for either biomechanical testing or to be able to rigidly hold them during the embedding or sectioning procedures.
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- Vacuum oven - max temp = 260°C (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Model: VO914A)
- Furnace oven - max temp = 1200°C (Themolyne Corp., Model: F-A10525P)
- Vacuum desiccators x 3 (Bel-Art inc., Model: UX-06514-30)
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VanGuard 1200ECM-Series Fluorescence, Phase Contrast, & Bright field Microscope with Precision Optics for general imaging purposes.
