In our laboratory, we have also experienced this, especially with microtomes. As Jennifer has said, it seemed decal solution containing RDO was the culprit, when used in proximity to microtomes. Techs who used RDO for surface decalcification had more rusting on exposed metal parts of the microtome, probably due to incomplete rinsing of the block after immersion in the RDO. Parts of the microtomes not exposed, where the acid seems to have been penetrated, included locking mechanisms and under the blade clamp. I would suggest anyone using RDO surface decal do so by immersing the block in a shallow dish of RDO (square Coplin jar lid works well). We now store RDO away from the microtomes. We have no data on how the techs may have been rusting as well. Effects may rival fixation of techs by close proximity to formalin x years. It's Friday :) Eric Gagnon MLT Histology Laboratory Kingston General Hospital Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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