Instruments used to cut histology slides and/or maintain low temperatures of samples or devices mounted within them. Products also include cryostat accessories and replacement parts such as specimen chucks, freezing sprays, and blade carriers.

Cryostats are typically located in the surgical area of a healthcare facility to allow for immediate examination of tissue pathology, usually during surgical procedures. The examination of tissue during a surgical procedure helps the surgeon determine whether additional tissue should be removed or further surgery is required.

Cryostats operate like microtomes for tissue sectioning, but the tissue is not processed chemically to prepare it for sectioning. Instead, freezing makes the tissue solid enough to be sliced. Excess tissue from the frozen section sample is then sent to the histology laboratory for chemical tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and more extensive evaluation by a pathologist.

The excised tissue is embedded in frozen section media for faster freezing and to create a bond between the tissue and the specimen stage or specimen chuck that holds it. The media also helps reduce tissue curling and artifacts from ice formation.

Cryostats may be electrical or, less commonly, use liquid nitrogen or helium to rapidly freeze the tissue specimens. Although more frequently used in healthcare, cryostats may also be used in research settings.

Current models may also feature:

• Automatic UV disinfection
• Motorized handwheel
• Peltier temperature controls
• Multiple freezing stations
• Touchscreen operation
• Ergonomic design
• Emergency stop via foot pedal or control panel
• Debris removal systems

Additional cryostat accessories and replacement cryostat parts and blades are also available