The issue in the image will most likely produce which artifact?

• A. Venetian blind artifact
• B. Needle-like artifact
• C. Crescent artifact
• D. Salt-and-pepper artifact

Answer: (A)

Venetian blind artifact appears as evenly spaced, parallel lines running across the tissue section, like the slats of blinds. This is a microtomy-related problem, usually caused by a dull or nicked knife, or by improper blade clearance or handling during sectioning. When the blade interacts with the tissue in a way that produces small, regular advances, those repetitive ridges show up across the section. That mechanical origin distinguishes it from staining or fixation artifacts, and is why this choice fits best when the image shows those straight, parallel bands.

In contrast, needle-like artifacts are needle-shaped crystalline features, crescent artifacts are curved or wedge-shaped disruptions, and salt-and-pepper artifacts are speckled nuclear patterns. Those patterns align with different underlying issues, not the uniform parallel bands seen with a Venetian blind effect. To prevent it, use a sharp, clean blade, verify blade clearance and knife angle, and ensure proper embedding and stabilization of the tissue to cut smoothly.