Mohs surgery labs rely on a specific set of histology instruments that must perform flawlessly during active surgical cases. We service the complete range of equipment found in Mohs and dermatopathology lab environments.

Cryostats

The cryostat is the most critical instrument in any Mohs lab. We service all major brands and models used in Mohs surgery settings including:

• Sakura Tissue-Tek Cryo3 FLEX and PLUS – the most common cryostats in Mohs labs nationwide
• Leica CM1950 and CM1860 – widely used in hospital-based Mohs programs
• Thermo Fisher Cryostar NX70 and NX50 – common in academic and research-affiliated Mohs programs

Cryostat Accessories & Related Equipment

• Blade holders and anti-roll plates
• Specimen chucks and object heads
• Embedding molds and cold plates

Supporting Histology Equipment

• Tissue processors for dermatopathology specimen processing
• Embedding centers for permanent section preparation
• Slide stainers for H&E and special stains
• Cover slippers for finished slide preparation
• Microtomes for permanent section cutting

Mohs lab equipment operates under significant pressure — high case volumes, tight turnaround times, and continuous daily use accelerate wear on every component. Our technicians are experienced in diagnosing and resolving the failures that affect Mohs lab workflows most.

Cryostat Failures

• Cryostat not reaching or holding temperature before morning cases
• Compressor failure or refrigerant loss
• Inconsistent section thickness affecting margin assessment
• Blade holder misalignment or anti-roll plate problems
• Drive mechanism wear causing sectioning difficulty
• Control panel errors and error codes
• UV light failure

Tissue Processor & Embedding Center Failures

• Processing cycle errors or mid-cycle stops
• Paraffin bath temperature control issues
• Cold plate failures on embedding centers
• Vacuum pump failure on tissue processors
• Fluid leaks and valve failures

Slide Stainer & Coverslipper Failures

• Staining inconsistency affecting slide quality
• Robotic arm and conveyor malfunctions
• Reagent dispense failures
• Coverslipping alignment and adhesive feed problems

Not sure what’s causing the issue? We perform a full diagnostic on arrival and walk you through our findings before any work begins.

A cryostat failure on a surgery day is a clinical emergency. Rankin Services maintains emergency response capabilities specifically for Mohs labs and surgical environments where equipment downtime directly impacts patient care.

Same-Day Response

For Mohs labs in our on-site service states — Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, and California — same-day emergency response is available when your cryostat fails before or during a surgical schedule. We dispatch the nearest available technician with the parts most likely needed based on your reported symptoms.

Loaner Cryostats

For repairs that cannot be completed same-day, we keep loaner cryostats available to keep your Mohs program running. Service contract customers receive free loaners as part of their coverage. Contact us to check current loaner availability in your area.

After-Hours Support

Equipment failures don’t follow business hours and neither do we. If your cryostat fails before an early morning start or develops a problem the evening before a full schedule, contact us and we’ll assess the situation and coordinate the fastest possible response.

Learn more about our emergency response capabilities on our emergency repair page.

The best time to find a problem with your cryostat is before a surgery day — not during one. Preventive maintenance is the most reliable way to avoid emergency repairs and keep your Mohs lab running without interruption.

Our Mohs lab PM visits include:

• Full cryostat inspection — refrigeration system, cutting mechanism, blade holder, and drive components
• Temperature calibration and verification against your lab’s required sectioning range
• Anti-roll plate and object head alignment check
• Lubrication of all moving parts per manufacturer specifications
• Electrical and control system verification
• Inspection of supporting equipment including embedding centers and slide stainers
• Detailed service report for compliance and audit records

We offer flexible PM scheduling that works around your surgery schedule. Many Mohs programs schedule PM visits on non-surgery days or during low-volume periods to avoid any workflow disruption. Learn more on our histology equipment preventive maintenance page.

• We understand Mohs workflows — our technicians know that a cryostat failure at 7am means cases are waiting. We treat Mohs lab calls with the urgency they deserve.
• 75+ years of combined experience — across every cryostat brand and model used in Mohs and dermatopathology labs, including Sakura, Leica, and Thermo Fisher equipment.
• Parts in stock — we maintain an inventory of over 40,000 parts. When your cryostat compressor fails or your blade holder needs replacement, we have what’s needed to fix it on the first visit.
• Loaner equipment available — we keep loaner cryostats on hand so your Mohs program doesn’t have to cancel cases during a longer repair.
• Full documentation — every repair includes a detailed service report suitable for CAP, CLIA, and internal compliance records.
• Service contracts built for Mohs labs — priority response, annual PM, and free loaners bundled into a predictable annual cost. Learn more about our histology equipment service contracts.

How fast can you respond if our cryostat fails on a surgery day?

For Mohs labs in our on-site service states, same-day emergency response is available. We understand that a cryostat failure during a surgical schedule is a clinical emergency and we prioritize these calls accordingly. Contact us immediately and we’ll dispatch the nearest available technician.

Do you service all cryostat brands used in Mohs labs?

Yes. We service all major cryostat brands used in Mohs surgery settings including Sakura Tissue-Tek, Leica, and Thermo Fisher Epredia models. Our technicians are trained across all platforms so you don’t need a different service provider for each brand.

Can you service our entire lab in one visit?

Absolutely. We can service your cryostat, embedding center, slide stainer, and other lab equipment during a single technician visit. Bundling saves time and reduces overall service costs significantly.

Do you offer loaner cryostats if our unit needs extended repair?

Yes. We keep loaner cryostats available for labs that cannot afford extended downtime. Service contract customers receive free loaners as part of their coverage. Contact us to check current availability in your area.

What does a Mohs lab service contract include?

Our service contracts include parts, labor, travel, unlimited repair tickets, an annual preventive maintenance visit, and priority scheduling. Free loaners are included for contract customers during extended repairs. Learn more on our service contracts page.