Q: What are your best-selling Compresstome models?

Our VF-510-0Z is our most popular Compresstome® model. The VF-510-0Z is our newest Compresstome model and is fully automated. Our vibratome comes calibrated with Auto Zero-Z patented technology, which gives you healthier live slices and smoother fixed sections**. This model comes with a one-touch unlocking mechanism on the sliding control box that allows for rapid sample loading and cutting, saving you time.**Our Compresstome VF-510-0Z vibratome is equivalent to the Leica VT1200S model. Our Auto Zero-Z Technology is patented and is equivalent to the VibroCheck. However, our Auto Zero-Z Technology is already included in the price of your VF-510-0Z!

Q: I want a fully automated model, should I choose the VF-300 or the VF-510-0Z model?

Both of these models are fully automated, utilize a sliding control box for ease of loading and unloading the specimen tube and are built under strict QA procedures. The most significant differences between these models is the Auto Zero-Z technology and the warranty time, and their recommended experimental applications. The VF-510-0Z is precisely aligned during manufacturing to eliminate any deviations in the Z-axis during the cutting process. This patented technology results in “zero Z-axis” stability that helps to produce slices with smooth surfaces that are even and filled with healthy cells. Another key feature of the VF-510-0Z is the oscillating motor cover which protects the oscillating parts from any aerosolized buffer solution coming in contact with it. This assists in the longevity of those moving parts.In addition, the VF-510-0Z has a 5-year warranty which is the best in the industry. The VF-300 has a 1 year warranty which is an industry standard.Finally, we recommend the VF-510-0Z as the key model for electrophysiology experiments, precision-cut tissue slices, and organotypic culture slices.

Q: What size specimen tubes do you offer for your Compresstome models?

The VF-210-0Z, VF-300, and VF-510-0Z models all accommodate either a 15.5 mm or 20 mm diameter specimen tube. Each Compresstome® order includes two (2) specimen tubes of the same size. We also sell additional specimen tubes and specimen tube kits for purchase, which include two specimen tubes, one buffer tray, and one chilling block of the same-size diameter.For larger tissue samples, such as macaque brain, our VF-800-0Z model is made with either a 75 mm or 100 mm diameter specimen tube and this size is fixed on the machine.

Q: What is the maximum length of tissue that can fit in a specimen tube?

For the Compresstome® VF-210-0Z, VF-300, and VF-510-0Z models, the maximum length of tissue you can fit within the specimen tube is 2.5 cm.

Q: What do I do if the white plunger gets stuck inside the stainless steel specimen tube?

If the white plunger gets stuck inside the stainless steel specimen tube, do not worry! This is an easy fix, all you need is a few drops of acetone. Simply drop a few drops of acetone into the specimen tube, or take a paper towel dipped in acetone and scrub the specimen tube. This will clean the glue off the plunger, releasing it from the specimen tube! The white plunger gets stuck when an excess of glue builds up on the plunger. To avoid this getting stuck in the future, make sure you are only using a drop or two of glue when gluing your tissues onto the white plunger. We recommend 5 µL of glue to keep the tissue on the white plunger, without it building up over time.

Question 1

What is a Compresstome®?

Accepted Answer

Precisionary Instruments Compresstome® tissue slicers are a type of vibrating microtome, otherwise known as a vibratome. We call ours the Compresstome® because our models utilize a patented compression technology that no other tissue slicer on the market possesses. This technology is found in the way our slicers are designed (cutting vertically as opposed to horizontally) and more importantly, in our specimen tubes.

The specimen tube is the stage for your sample to be cut when using the Compresstome®.It is a two-part system consisting of an inner plastic plunger and an outer metal tube. The metal tube has a slightly indented, compression lip at the one end of the tube and this is what is gently compressing your agarose-embedded sample as it exits the tube to be cut.

Your sample sits on the plastic plunger and gets pulled down within the metal tube to then be embedded with a low-melting agarose. The agarose is then chilled with a Compresstome® chilling block and the agarose assists with the compression technology. As the agarose-embedded sample exits the tube, the blade comes down and makes a cut right at that site of compression. This is how the Compresstome® creates even, consistent slices every time you cut.

Question 2

What are the general steps for using the Compresstome to make tissue sections?

Accepted Answer

Your sample sits on the plastic plunger and gets pulled down within the metal tube to then be embedded with a low-melting agarose. The agarose is then chilled with a chilling block and the agarose assists with the compression technology. As the agarose-embedded sample exits the tube, the blade comes down and makes a cut right at that site of compression. This is how the Compresstome® creates even, consistent slices every time you cut.

Question 3

What are the best cutting parameters to use for cutting speed and oscillation frequency?

Accepted Answer

The best cutting parameters to use for cutting speed and oscillation frequency are:

Cutting speed: 1 to 2 (the “Advance” knob)
Oscillation frequency: 3-4

These parameters work best for cutting fixed tissue, and will not yield any chattermarks! If these parameters do not suit your needs, contact us today! We will be happy to discuss with you what works best based on your experiments and what you are cutting.

Question 4

​​I get chattermarks on tissue slices. How can I achieve better slices?

Accepted Answer

The Compresstome is a unique tissue slicer with patented compression technology. It was made to produce slices faster than other market slicers without chattermarks. If you are getting chattermarks on your tissue slices, there are a few diagnostic keys you can try:

Set the speed lower (try “Advance” setting of 1-1.5) and set the oscillation frequency higher (try setting of 3-4).
Make sure that you are using 2-3% agarose, and that there are no air bubbles in the agarose surrounding the tissue.
Ensure that the blade is lined up correctly with the specimen tube (within a few microns from it). If the blade is too far from the specimen tube, this will disrupt your slices.
Try changing the cutting blade in case it has nicks on the edge that interfere with cutting.

- Stainless steel blades should be swapped out after each use.
- Ceramic cutting blades last a month or two, depending on how frequently you cut tissue.

If you are working with tissue that have open cavities inside, make sure to inject/infuse the cavities with agarose or gelatin to ensure that all air spaces have been filled up.

If you cannot diagnose the problem based on these tips, give us a call or email and we will be happy to help!

Question 5

I am getting uneven tissue slices of inconsistent thickness. How do I fix this?

Accepted Answer

If you are getting uneven tissue slices of inconsistent thickness, it may be that the ratio of agarose density to tissue density does not match. For example, agarose that is too soft (<2%) will not provide enough stability for firmer tissue (i.e. cardiac or lymph node tissue which is more fibrous) when being cut. This in result could produce chatter marks in slices. If this is happening, use a higher percent of agarose to accommodate the tissue (3%). Another fix for inconsistent slice thickness will be to lower the cutting speed (“Advance” to 1-1.5) and to increase the oscillation frequency (try 4-5).

Question 6

What are the advantages of using a Compresstome vibrating microtome compared to other tissue slicers?

Accepted Answer

The advantages of the Compresstome outweigh other market slicers for many reasons. These reasons include:

The speed of cutting while using a Compresstome is 5x faster than other market slicers! You will get superior slices, without chattermarks, using a speed that is faster than the competitors’ slicers. Other market slicers require slower speeds to reduce the amount of chattermarks on slices. With the Compresstome, you will get twice as much work done in half the amount of time as using other market slicers.
The surface of slices using the Compresstome are much more clear, flat, and chattermark free! The Compresstome stabilizes tissue samples throughout the entire sectioning process using patented compression technology. In short, the Compresstome tissue slicer prevents damage to the tissue microstructure.
The Compresstome has flexible temperature conditions compared to other market slicers that need to freeze the slices before they are sectioned. The Compresstome can section tissues from a range of temperatures (0 to 37 degrees celsius), without the need to freeze tissues before-hand.
The protocol for the Compresstome is more simple and repeatable compared to other market slicers. The Compresstome tissue slicer only requires agarose tissue embedding before cutting. No liquid nitrogen freezing is necessary, like the other market slicers, saving you time and money on completing your experiments.
We have models that are fully automated! Which means no more tedious wheel cranking for slices that other market slicers require.
The Compresstome tissue slicer offers a wide range of tissue thicknesses, from 4µm to 1000 µm precision. Other market slicers have smaller ranges (5µm to 40µm), or can only cut larger thicknesses of tissue. Super thin slices are optimal for electron microscopy, which can expand your experimental possibilities!
The Compresstome tissue slicer is portable and convenient. Weighing just under 12-15lbs, it can easily be moved throughout a lab by one person. Other market slicers are large (~300lbs) and need multiple people to move.
The Compresstome tissue slicer offers superior quality slices at much lower prices than the other market slicers. Save money and get better results using the Compresstome!

The Compresstome tissue slicer has many advantages over other tissue slicers. With a wide range of slicing capabilities, it is ideal for many tissue types, animal types, and experiments. Contact us today to see how the Compresstome tissue slicer can benefit you!

Question 7

What are your best-selling Compresstome models?

Accepted Answer

Our VF-510-0Z is our most popular Compresstome® model. The VF-510-0Z is our newest Compresstome model and is fully automated. Our vibratome comes calibrated with Auto Zero-Z patented technology, which gives you healthier live slices and smoother fixed sections**. This model comes with a one-touch unlocking mechanism on the sliding control box that allows for rapid sample loading and cutting, saving you time.

**Our Compresstome VF-510-0Z vibratome is equivalent to the Leica VT1200S model. Our Auto Zero-Z Technology is patented and is equivalent to the VibroCheck. However, our Auto Zero-Z Technology is already included in the price of your VF-510-0Z!

Question 8

What is the difference between the VF-210-0Z, VF-300, VF-510-0Z, and VF-800-0Z models?

Accepted Answer

The biggest differences among these models are the automation, warranty time, and Auto Zero-Z technology.

Compresstomes® with Auto Zero-Z technology have Z-axis vibration of less than 1 micron, as confirmed by a precision laser measuring system with 0.25 micron resolution. This low Z-axis vibration is possible due to the use of precision manufactured components, 100% inspection, and careful assembly methods. Unlike other slicers there are no adjustments to slip, and no Z-axis calibration necessary by the user. The Compresstome models VF-210-0Z, VF-510-0Z, and VF-800-0Z have this Auto Zero-Z technology.

The Compresstome® VF-300 and VF-510-0Z models are fully automated models, which means that there are both ‘Single’ and ‘Continuous’ cutting modes when operating them. The micrometer sits in the control box and automatically advances your sample forward to be cut, depending on the slice thickness display that the user sets on the control box. These units can cut either one slice at a time or continuous slices and the mode is easily set via a switch on the control box. For these reasons, the VF-300 and VF-510-0Z models are excellent options for producing super thin sections, down to ~10 µm however the VF-300 only has a 1-year warranty whereas the VF-510-0Z has an industry leading 5-year warranty.

The VF-510-0Z has a sliding control box for easier access to removing and inserting the specimen tube. This means the buffer tray and the blade holder stays in place while you load the specimen. Additionally, the VF-510-0Z also has an oscillating motor cover to protect those oscillating parts from any aerosolized buffer solution coming in contact with it. This assists in the longevity of those moving parts. Because the control box is smaller in the VF-510-0Z, there is no display for the slice count or the total µm distance.

On the other hand, the VF-210-0Z is a semi-automated model meaning it can only cut one slice at a time. There is no continuous cutting mode as this model’s micrometer is a manual dial that the user needs to turn to their desired slice thickness in between each slice that is produced. Because of this manual micrometer, this model is recommended for fresh tissue slicing or producing sections >20 µm. The VF-210-0Z also has a 5-year warranty.

The VF-800-0Z is a vibrating microtome that is designed for sectioning the tissue of larger samples. It is also the only vibratome that can section large organs without freezing. With a diameter of up to 100mm, it allows the brain sectioning of cats, dogs, pigs, and monkeys. Many neuroanatomy and neuropathology experiments require sectioning entire brains from these animals. The VF-800-0Z is capable of sectioning slices for these large primates down to 40 microns. It produces even and consistent slices and it’s 5X faster than other vibratomes on the market. It also has our patented compression technology and agarose embedding process that eliminates chattermarks. The patented Auto Zero-Z technology reduces Z-axis deflection to <4 μm. The VF-800-0Z has a 1-year warranty.

Question 9

I want a fully automated model, should I choose the VF-300 or the VF-510-0Z model?

Accepted Answer

Both of these models are fully automated, utilize a sliding control box for ease of loading and unloading the specimen tube and are built under strict QA procedures. The most significant differences between these models is the Auto Zero-Z technology and the warranty time, and their recommended experimental applications.

The VF-510-0Z is precisely aligned during manufacturing to eliminate any deviations in the Z-axis during the cutting process. This patented technology results in “zero Z-axis” stability that helps to produce slices with smooth surfaces that are even and filled with healthy cells. Another key feature of the VF-510-0Z is the oscillating motor cover which protects the oscillating parts from any aerosolized buffer solution coming in contact with it. This assists in the longevity of those moving parts.

In addition, the VF-510-0Z has a 5-year warranty which is the best in the industry. The VF-300 has a 1 year warranty which is an industry standard.

Finally, we recommend the VF-510-0Z as the key model for electrophysiology experiments, precision-cut tissue slices, and organotypic culture slices.

Question 10

What size specimen tubes do you offer for your Compresstome models?

Accepted Answer

The VF-210-0Z, VF-300, and VF-510-0Z models all accommodate either a 15.5 mm or 20 mm diameter specimen tube. Each Compresstome® order includes two (2) specimen tubes of the same size. We also sell additional specimen tubes and specimen tube kits for purchase, which include two specimen tubes, one buffer tray, and one chilling block of the same-size diameter.

For larger tissue samples, such as macaque brain, our VF-800-0Z model is made with either a 75 mm or 100 mm diameter specimen tube and this size is fixed on the machine.

Question 11

What is the maximum length of tissue that can fit in a specimen tube?

Accepted Answer

For the Compresstome® VF-210-0Z, VF-300, and VF-510-0Z models, the maximum length of tissue you can fit within the specimen tube is 2.5 cm.

Question 12

What do I do if the white plunger gets stuck inside the stainless steel specimen tube?

Accepted Answer

If the white plunger gets stuck inside the stainless steel specimen tube, do not worry! This is an easy fix, all you need is a few drops of acetone. Simply drop a few drops of acetone into the specimen tube, or take a paper towel dipped in acetone and scrub the specimen tube. This will clean the glue off the plunger, releasing it from the specimen tube!

The white plunger gets stuck when an excess of glue builds up on the plunger. To avoid this getting stuck in the future, make sure you are only using a drop or two of glue when gluing your tissues onto the white plunger. We recommend 5 µL of glue to keep the tissue on the white plunger, without it building up over time.

Question 13

Is agarose embedding safe? Can I use the Compresstome without agarose embedding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, agarose embedding is safe when using the Compresstome®! This has been our protocol for over 15 years and has been tried and true in over hundreds of labs all around the globe. We provide low-melting agarose tablets with all Compresstome® orders (in our Starter Kit of consumables) as well as for purchase in quantities of 10, 20, 50 and 100 tablets. The agarose embedding is safe for all tissue types because of our protocol to use the chilling block immediately after embedding your sample within the metal tube. The chilling block gels the agarose and takes ~30 seconds or less to do; while keeping your sample at biologically safe temperatures throughout the entire process.

We do not recommend using the Compresstome® without agarose embedding as the agarose provides 360˚ stability within the specimen tube, aids in the compression technology, and ultimately assists in producing the high-quality sections the Compresstome® cuts.

Question 14

Will the temperature of the agarose damage my tissue?

Accepted Answer

The temperature of the agarose will not damage your tissue. After heating up your agarose solution in 10 second bouts (heat, then shake, heat again & shake if necessary until the agarose is dissolved), it will need to be cooled for 5 minutes in a 32 degree C bath. Using agarose with a low transition temperature will keep the agarose in a “liquid-like” state, without it congealing at low temperatures. This is ideal for preparing your tissue samples, because the agarose will be ready when it’s time to section the possible several different specimens for sectioning. The agarose tablets we provide are ideal for embedding tissue samples, as they help produce consistent slices throughout sectioning and eliminate weighing agarose for individual experiments.

Question 15

What agarose concentration should I use for embedding tissue?

Accepted Answer

The agarose concentration needed for embedding tissue depends on the volume of buffer or water solution you want to use. If you want a stronger gel strength, you will add a higher concentration of agarose.

We provide 10 agarose tablets with our Starter Kits (also can be found in our E-Store). Each tablet contains 0.5 mg of agarose. We recommend 1 tablet of agarose for 25 mL of buffer/water solution, which gives you 2.0% concentration of agarose in your solution for embedding.

Using less or more buffer/water solution? Not a problem! We are happy to assist you in finding the concentration of agarose that suits your embedding needs. Contact us today!

Question 16

I want the tissue slice to stay in the agarose after I cut. Can I do that?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can do that! Unlike the procedure of detaching the agarose from the tissue, keeping the agarose rim around the tissue is quite simple. To preserve the agarose rim around each tissue slice, use a slightly lower concentration of agarose, 1.5% to 1.8%. Keeping the agarose rim around the tissue helps keep the slices protected after cutting. This also allows for easy maneuvering of tissue slices to mount on slides without damaging the tissue itself.

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