TRAGACANTH GUM FOR CRYOTOMY:

1. Mix 5g tragacanth powder into 100ml of distilled water.
2. Add a crystal of thymol to prevent mould growth.
3. Allow a few hours for the gum to dissolve and then mix again before use.

• This preparation does not keep for extended periods.
• It is useful when freezing some specimens in that it allows for more precise orientation while freezing takes place.
• It has a thicker consistency than OCT at this concentration.