Debris must be avoided in which devices?

• A. Debris must be avoided in both devices.
• B. Debris is acceptable in the flotation bath.
• C. Debris is not a concern for cryostat.
• D. Debris is only problematic for the cryostat.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that cleanliness matters in both flotation and cryostat operations because particles can ruin results and damage equipment. Debris in the flotation bath can become attached to tissue sections, cause folding or uneven mounting, and introduce staining artifacts or contamination on slides. In the cryostat, debris can dull or damage the microtome knife, scratch or contaminate freshly cut sections, and lead to inconsistent thickness or artifacts. Because debris can compromise quality in either device, it must be avoided in both.