What Are Cryostats?
Cryostats are specialist pieces of equipment that maintain subzero conditions while sectioning to prepare frozen tissue samples for microscopic examination. Similar to microtomes, both are used to section tissues, however, cryostats are designed specifically for frozen tissue sections and producing rapid results. Each sectioning instrument serves a unique purpose in histology, pathology, and research. But why are cryostats used and why is cryo-sectioning so much faster?
The History of Cryostats
Where the need to analyse samples has to be accurate yet rapid, the Cryostat remains the stand out piece of equipment for real-time pathology. Founded in the early 1950s, Slee Medical is well-known for it’s high-precision products. Company founder, Heinrich Slee alongside Prof. Anthony Pearse, pioneered the development of the cryostat for use in histology and pathology. Over the last half century, we have seen how this instrument has revolutionised intraoperative diagnostics and research workflows.
1958: Kenneth Slee and Prof. Anthony Pearse develop the first freezing microtome

Top 5 Benefits of Using Cryostats
Preservation
Rapid freezing helps to preserve cellular details. It is also effective at preserving antibody activities and enzymes.
Swift Diagnostics
Frozen tissue can be sectioned directly inside the cryostat, this allows pathologists to obtain sections for analysis within minutes of freezing the sample.
Immediate Decisions
In both clinical and research settings, immediate access to sections minimises delays in experiments and diagnoses. Cryostat-prepared sections are essential for intraoperative consultations, where surgeons need real-time pathology results to aid immediate surgical decisions.
Convenience
Unlike traditional paraffin processing, which involves multiple time-consuming steps from fixation to sectioning, cryostat processing follows a more concise pathway, saving hours. Additionally, rapid staining techniques for cryostat sections further accelerate the process.
Efficiency
A number of cryostats, including the Slee MNT Cryostat, feature automated functions that speed up operations and reduce manual handling. With cryostats able to process multiple samples simultaneously, throughput is improved in busy labs.
Cryo-sectioning vs Paraffin Processing
Streamlining the Process
Cryostats are effective tools for speeding up tissue processing, significantly reducing turnaround times and making them invaluable in clinical and research environments where speed and accuracy are critical.
Our Slee Cryostats stand for reliability, precision, safety and convenience. To find out more about our full Slee range please get in touch.