Hi Gudrun, It’s a really interesting concept. The demonstration I was able to watch showed large and small specimens. As with any new technology, I am sure their entire process is very controlled (reagents controlled, processing controlled, etc). I do know that they’re using a technology that involves tape over the water method, which I believe most automated microtomes are using at this point. Clarapath presented at the Executive War College this year, which is where I witnessed their demonstration. It’s really fascinating because the operator can work remotely. The only limitation I would see to this is of a malfunction occurs. I found the unit fascinating, like a glimpse into the future. To answer your questions I would say this: Automation requires a tradeoff. A technician can overcome poor quality while a robot may be less capable of this, however, when we have under processed tissue that explodes on a waterbath, that won’t happen with this tape method. The technician still has ALOT of control with their units, and this means microtomy of hard or tiny specimens can be adjusted. All of the automated microtomes promise this. A demo would be the only way to be sure, though. Have a great weekend! M
________________________________ From: Gudrun Lang <gu.l...@gmx.at> Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2025 2:06 AM To: 'Michelle Bell' <mcoke...@gmail.com> Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu <histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu> Subject: AW: [Histonet] Clarapath Hi Michelle, I would like to know, if there are limitations of the autonomous microtome. Hard blocks? Tiny specimens? Underprocessed tissue? Have you got information about this? Thanks Gudrun -----Ursprüngliche Nachricht----- Von: Michelle Bell via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Gesendet: Dienstag, 8. Juli 2025 19:55 An: Michael Bradley; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Betreff: Re: [Histonet] Clarapath I have seen the instrument and have talked with them. Great group and very interesting concept. What info are you looking for? ________________________________ From: Michael Bradley via Histonet <histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu> Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:58 PM To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu <histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu> Subject: [Histonet] Clarapath Hello Histonet Does anyone know anything about Clarapath? They have an truely automated microtome called the Sectonstar. Has anyone seen it or demoed it? Thank you _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
