Method for Staining and Washing Thin Sections on Support Films

A procedure is described for staining large numbers of thin sections on support films for use with one-hole grids. The film is picked up, carried and protected using easily made plastic blocks. Loop-tipped forceps are then used to transfer tissue ribbons from the knife boat to the support film. A large number of tissue sections can then be stained and washed simultaneously in a modified Pyrex dish without damaging the film. After staining, the slot in the one-hole grid is centered over the tissue ribbon, and the grid is attached to the film. The method is suitable for serial reconstruction and the unobstructed viewing of large thin sections in the TEM.