Chatter artifacts are most often caused by what?

• A. Dull blades or improper microtomy
• B. Over-staining
• C. Under-fixation
• D. Excessive clearing

Answer: (A)

Chatter artifacts come from the cutting process in microtomy. When the blade is dull or the microtomy technique isn’t right, the tissue doesn’t slice cleanly. The knife can catch, vibrate, or repeatedly cut as it advances, creating a regular pattern of surface ridges and troughs—the saw-like, wavy appearance you see on the section. A sharp, properly set knife, correct clearance angle, and steady cutting speed help the tissue be sliced smoothly and reduce chatter.

Over-staining, under-fixation, or excessive clearing affect how the tissue looks after staining or its preservation, but they don’t produce the characteristic mechanical roughness from cutting.