Microtome Cryostat Dual Compressor, MC5000

The MC5000 is a high-performance cryostat engineered by Histo-Line Laboratories, meticulously designed to provide stable temperature control, unparalleled cutting precision, enhanced operator safety, and ease of instrument maintenance. Primarily utilised in healthcare and research settings—including hospitals, medical schools, and research institutes—the semi-automatic cryostat is designed for rapidly freezing pathological sections of both human and animal tissues for diagnostic purposes in biological, medical, and industrial applications. Moreover, the MC5000 is compliant with in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) standards, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of applications.

What sets the MC5000 apart is its innovative dual-compressor design. This semi-automatic cryostat is equipped with a double cooling circuit, allowing users the flexibility to independently set the specimen temperature separately from that of the cryochamber and the freezing shelf.

The instrument is composed of four key components:

• A touch-screen control panel situated at the top provides real-time data on temperatures, adjustable settings, and the overall operating status of the device.
• The cryochamber is wide and spacious, maintaining a constant low temperature. It features ergonomic storage and a flat freezing shelf that accommodates a high number of specimen positions.
• A highly efficient microtome arm features an external stepper motor for feed-in. The encapsulated microtome and sealed cryochamber contribute to simplified cleaning and maintenance.
• Finally, the lower area houses the essential refrigeration system with the compressor units.

Notably, the stainless-steel freezing chamber offers ample space, owing to the strategic placement of the microtome mechanism outside the chamber. This design choice allows for easier maneuverability within the chamber. In addition, the sliding window is equipped with anti-fog and anti-reflection coatings. When opened, the window's design automatically deactivates the UV lamp for safety.

For added convenience, holder disks are situated on the left side of the chamber and can be stored on the freezing shelf area in 18 refrigerated places and 6 Peltier positions for maximum cooling efficiency. The frontal touch-screen display provides easy access to an array of customizable settings. Users can effortlessly adjust key parameters such as cut thickness, temperature, sample retraction, and more to ensure optimal cutting performance.

The MC5000 microtome cryostat is designed with ergonomic flexibility, allowing users the convenience of working in both standing and seated positions. This is made possible by the spacious legroom it provides for operators. On the top of the cryostat, it is possible to store essential accessories, such as slides and containers for immediate staining, which can be easily accessed. Furthermore, the cryostat is fitted with wheels, making the instrument's positioning and movement effortless. For enhanced safety and efficiency, the handwheel can be securely locked into any position, facilitating the quick and safe replacement of disposable blades.

Operating the MC5000 is straightforward thanks to its intuitive control panel, which features easy-to-understand symbols. The panel houses a 10-inch color LCD touchscreen, which displays a multitude of variables, ranging from the total number and thickness of slices to sample retraction values and temperature controls, as well as date, time, and other specialized functions.

The control panel serves as the central hub for modifying and adjusting all essential cutting parameters. It offers:

• Real-time and preset temperature controls for the cryochamber
• Temperature control for the sample holder arm
• Temperature control for the sample positioning bar

Additional functionalities are accessible via dedicated buttons on the side pillar of the instrument, aiding in optimal operation. These include:

• Illumination controls for the chamber
• UV disinfection lamp activation
• Quick advance and retreat options
• Standard forward and backward movement controls

• The MC5000 features a spacious, stainless-steel cooling chamber designed with smooth surfaces for easy cleaning and sterilisation.

Rapid sample freezing is facilitated by pre-cooled discs that have a large back surface in direct contact with the freezing bar. The support discs are located on the left side of the chamber and can be placed in an area that allows you to house 24 refrigerated seats. The sample discs have a large freezing surface and are designed with multiple grooves. These features ensure maximum stability during the cutting phase.

Equipped with a robust blade holder featuring a dovetail attachment system, the cryostat offers stability, enabling the precise sectioning of both regular and hard tissues, as well as large samples. The blade holder is versatile and compatible with both low- and high-profile disposable blades. It ensures an even distribution of clamping pressure along the full length of the blade, guaranteeing vibration-free sectioning.

Crafted by Histo-Line Laboratories, the MC5000 sets a new benchmark in cryostat technology, combining innovative features with user-friendly design to meet the demands of modern diagnostic and research applications.