Patent ID: 8007719

Claim:
A method for disinfecting a microtome cryostat having a cryostat chamber, the method comprising the steps of: a) selecting a disinfection agent that is effective below 0° C.; b) introducing the disinfection agent selected in step a) as a mist into the cryostat chamber, the cryostat chamber thereby having a temperature which is below 0° C. and which is also sufficiently low as to induce collection of the disinfection agent on surfaces of the cryostat chamber as a disinfection agent frost deposit; c) waiting a period of time sufficient to permit action of the disinfection agent frost deposit in the cryostat chamber; d) displacing the frost deposit into a colder area of the cryostat chamber by sublimation; e) converting the disinfection agent to liquid by sporadic defrosting phases of the colder area; and f) removing the disinfection agent by drainage, away from the colder area.