Description
Product details
The RF-XH-1001 Tissue Flotation Bath is an essential piece of equipment in histology laboratories, designed to smooth out wrinkled paraffin wax tissue sections after cutting. It provides a warm water bath with a non-stick coating and a precise temperature control system. This ensures that the tissue sections flatten out completely before they are mounted onto microscope slides, a critical step for preparing high-quality samples for microscopic examination. The device features an intelligent digital display for easy temperature monitoring and control.



Specifications
Parameter | Value |
Model | RF-XH-1001 |
Display | LED Digital Display |
Product Size | L340mm x W340mm x H110mm |
Heating Material | Carbon Fiber |
Temperature Range | Ambient to 90° |
Temperature Precision | ±1°C |
Capacity | 2000ml |
Voltage & Frequency | AC220V±10% - 50Hz±1Hz |
Description
A tissue flotation bath, also known as a histology water bath, is a laboratory instrument used to float and flatten out paraffin sections. After a tissue block is cut on a microtome, the resulting sections often have wrinkles or folds. Placing these sections on the surface of a warm water bath causes the paraffin wax to soften and the tissue to expand and flatten out. This process is vital for creating a smooth, artifact-free sample that can be easily mounted onto a glass slide. The controlled temperature of the water bath is crucial to ensure the paraffin softens just enough without melting completely, which would compromise the integrity of the tissue section.
Introduction
In the preparation of histological samples, a key step after microtomy is the flattening of tissue sections. This procedure is performed using a tissue flotation bath. The RF-XH-1001 is designed to provide an optimal environment for this task, utilizing a carbon fiber heating element to ensure even and rapid heat distribution. By providing a stable and accurate temperature, it helps technicians efficiently prepare slides for staining, ultimately leading to more accurate and reliable diagnostic results. The instrument’s simple operation and robust design make it a reliable tool for any histopathology workflow.
Characteristics
Parameter | Value |
Model | RF-XH-1001 |
Display | LED Digital Display |
Product Size | L340mm x W340mm x H110mm |
Heating Material | Carbon Fiber |
Temperature Range | Ambient to 90° |
Temperature Precision | ±1°C |
Capacity | 2000ml |
Voltage & Frequency | AC220V±10% - 50Hz±1Hz |
Components
The main components of a tissue flotation bath are:
Water Bath: The basin or tank that holds the water where the tissue sections are floated.
Heating Element: The internal component responsible for heating the water. In the XH-1001, this is a carbon fiber material.
Control Panel: The interface with an LED digital display and control buttons for setting and monitoring the temperature.
Temperature Sensor: A probe or sensor located in the bath to provide real-time temperature feedback to the control unit.
Casing: The outer housing of the device, which protects the internal components and provides a stable base.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
Improved Sample Quality: Effectively flattens tissue sections, eliminating wrinkles and folds that could interfere with microscopic analysis.
Efficiency: The controlled heating and large capacity (2000ml) allow for the quick processing of multiple samples at once.
Consistency: Provides a uniform temperature, which ensures reproducible results from one sample to the next.
User-Friendly Design: Simple digital controls and an easy-to-clean tank streamline the workflow.
Limitations
Risk of Contamination: If the water is not changed frequently, it can become a source of contamination for tissue samples.
Limited Functionality: The device is designed for a single, specific purpose (flotation) and cannot be used for other lab tasks.
Melting Point Variation: Users must manually set the temperature based on the specific type of paraffin wax used, as different waxes have different melting points. Incorrect temperature can damage the tissue.
References
Histology & Pathology Services. “How to Use a Tissue Flotation Bath” (A practical guide to the procedure) – https://www.histologyservices.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-tissue-flotation-bath/
Leica Biosystems. “What is a tissue flotation bath?”. (General information on the use and importance of the device in histology) – https://www.leicabiosystems.com/knowledge-hub/what-is-a-tissue-flotation-bath/