Repair of Fractured or Thin Tissue Microarray Paraffin Blocks

Abstract

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are a valuable resource that have been used for molecular profiling and biomarker development. The high throughput and cost savings make TMAs well suited for the rapid screening of large patient populations and for use in multitissue studies. Construction and casting is time consuming and the most important step in the use of a TMA. Occasionally, improper casting of a TMA leads to failure of the block. Similarly, repeated sectioning can cause the block to become too thin to collect additional sections. Considering the increased use of TMA and their occasional failure, we developed a method to repair fractured blocks or blocks worn thin from repeated sectioning. (The J Histotechnol 28:245, 2005)Submitted August 25, 2005; accepted with revisions September 28, 2005