When forming paraffin ribbons, which adjustment helps prevent compressed sections?

• A. Adjusting blade tilt
• B. Increasing block temperature
• C. Slowing the microtome feed
• D. Decreasing knife sharpening

Answer: (A)

Adjusting blade tilt changes the knife’s cutting angle relative to the block, which directly affects how the tissue shears off and exits the blade. When the tilt is set correctly, the knife creates a favorable shear plane that minimizes drag and squeezing, producing smooth ribbons and preventing the tissue from being compressed as it forms. Other options don’t address this cutting geometry: increasing block temperature softens tissue but can cause other artifacts and doesn’t reliably prevent compression; slowing the microtome feed alters speed rather than the cutting angle; and dulling the knife worsens drag and compression. The best way to prevent compressed sections is to optimize blade tilt.