Critical point drying for scanning electron microscopy: a semi-automatic method of preparing biological specimens.

Slow, controlled, rates of critical point bomb heating and of gas venting have been shown to improve the preservation of biological specimens in critical point drying. A procedure that represents a balance between avoidance of specimen damage and speed of operation has been developed for use with CO2 as the transitional fluid. Bomb heating is automated and controlled electronically, and manual venting of the gaseous CO2 is monitored using a gas flow meter.