Re-embedding of plastic impregnated tissue blocks is easily accomplished when a combination of carnuba and Tenax dental waxes is used. This method is particularly helpful when combined with capsule flat end embedding, because the entire orientation range of the microtome can be utilized for final exact positioning of the specimen. A demonstration of both techniques will be given.The advantages of re-embedding are: 1, complete freedom in orientation of the tissue, and 2, multiple segments of the same block can be used for various orientations. Re-embedding involves: 1, removal of a tissue block from the surrounding plastic (Fig. 1), and 2, orientation and embedding of the tissue into wax which has suitable support properties for sectioning.Equipment and materials needed for re-embedding include: dissecting microscope; wax mixture ( carnuba 35%, Tenax 65%); empty gelatine capsules; dental carvers; dissecting needles; #7 Dupont forceps; Pasteur pipettes; specimen holders; razor blades; and gas flame.
