The tissue processor automates fixation, dehydration, clearing, and paraffin infiltration using validated Histology Stains and Reagents. Reagent management tracks cassette counts and solution purity.

After processing, cassettes move to an automated embedding center with heated paraffin, cold plate, and barcode tracking. Tissue is oriented in molds, filled with paraffin, and solidified into blocks for microtomy.

This tracked workflow reduces misidentification risk and ensures consistent processing for all specimen types.

Technical Note: Paraffin baths must be kept 2 to 4 C above melting point. Overheating causes shrinkage and hard blocks. Retorts require monthly cleaning.

High precision microtomes cut 3 to 5 micron sections, which are floated on a warm water bath and mounted on charged slides.

The automated stainer performs the full H and E protocol with controlled timing and agitation for consistent nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. Slides are then coverslipped automatically using xylene substitute mounting medium.

Technical Note: Water bath temperature should be 5 to 10 C below paraffin melting point to avoid chatter artifact. Stainer reagent lines must be primed daily.

An automated IHC stainer applies primary antibodies, detection polymers, and chromogenic substrate after antigen retrieval. Targets include ER, PR, HER2, Ki 67, and PD L1.

Slides are counterstained and coverslipped, and pathologists score staining intensity and percentage according to standardized guidelines. IHC also supports infectious disease detection such as Helicobacter pylori.

Technical Note: Retrieval buffer pH must match each antibody. Incorrect buffer causes weak or false negative staining. Reagent dispensers must be checked daily.

Flow Cytometers analyze blood, marrow, lymph nodes, and body fluids using multi laser, multi detector systems. Cells are stained with fluorochrome conjugated antibodies targeting CD markers such as CD45, CD3, CD19, and CD34.

Scatter and fluorescence data generate dot plots and histograms used to identify abnormal populations, supporting WHO classification of leukemias and lymphomas.

Technical Note: Fluidics must be cleaned daily with detergent sheath fluid. Optical alignment and detector sensitivity must be verified daily with calibration beads.

Liquid based cytology replaces conventional smears with thin layer preparations. Specimens are collected in preservative, processed by vortexing, centrifugation, and filtration, and transferred as a monolayer onto slides.

Slides are stained with Papanicolaou stain. Residual material can be used for Molecular POCT such as HPV testing or for immunocytochemistry.

Technical Note: Filter membranes must be inspected for defects before use. Vacuum pressure must be checked monthly.

Grossing stations use downdraft Biosafety Cabinets and Fume Hoods to remove formalin vapors and aerosols. Distillation Systems supply purified water for processing and reagents.

Voice recognition dictation and overhead cameras capture images linked to the LIS for permanent documentation.

A centralized Temperature Control system monitors processors, paraffin dispensers, cryostats, and refrigerators, sending alerts for out of range conditions.

Technical Note: Downdraft face velocity must be maintained between 80 and 120 feet per minute. Formalin exposure should be monitored with dosimeter badges to meet OSHA requirements.