I think justification is also easier if you have a top-notch negotiating team in your purchasing department.  After evaluation different instruments we knew we wanted the Ventana ones.  Then our cut-throat negotiators went to work on the reagent contracts, and we have a pretty good contract.  I'm not saying it's inexpensive, but we're worth it! 

Sally Ann Drew-MT(ASCP)
Univ. of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
IHC/ISH Laboratory 
600 Highland Ave. VAH-DM223
Madison, WI 53792-2472
608-265-6596
sa.drew@hosp.wisc.edu