I have been having a problem during "drop" staining of grids for TEM: I place my slot grid on a drop of stain. Sometimes the formvar which holds the sections in place detach from the grid - the formvar (and sections) float on the drop of stain and the grid sinks to the bottom.Has anyone out there been having a similar problem? Do you know of any solution. I have taken a number of "remedial" measures but I am not sure whether they have worked since the problem re-occurs from time to time. For example I have :

- stained grids after allowing them to "stand" for at least 24 hours after sectioning.
- tried multiple grid staining
- used a glue pen
- pre-dipped grids in formvar before picking up sections
- cleaned grids thoroughly in acetone-HCl- DW
-used acetone-stored grids
-left grids with sections (on formvar plates) in a desiccator for extended periods
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Leo
leo@spine.med.utoronto.ca

Detachment of formvar films from grids during staining is a common problem. We recommend use of the SynapTek grid stick kit, which holds the grids during staining in the same plane as the solution flow, minimizing the chances of losing the films (or collecting surface debris). The grids are held to the grid stick with a special adhesive which is not attacked by solvents, and which will not remain on the grid once it is removed from the stick. Please contact me directly for specific ordering information.

Steven Slap, Vice-President
Energy Beam Sciences, Inc
75767,640@compuserve.com

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