Aidan,

You may not be aware that the ST 4040 can be configured with load and
unload stations.  This does make the instrument a continous stainer. Since
you already have the instrument these stations can be purchased separately.
The load station provides you five more stations to your staining line-up
at the beginning of your staining line-up.  The unload station allows for
six racks stored in xylene before you have to go over and remove any rack
from the stainer.  With the double track configuration you are able to set
up another H&E line-up or in some labs the second track is set -up for
cytology staining.  For more information you can contact your sales
representative or in the United States call the Technical Assistance Center
or your local sales representative for more information.

Cathy Locallo B.A. HTL(ASCP) HT(ASCP)
Director Technical Assistance Center
Leica Microsystems
1-(800) 248-0123




Aidan Schurr  on 01/09/2002 02:26:54 AM

To:   histonet@pathology.swmed.edu, jhofecker@yahoo.com
cc:

Subject:  Re: automatic stainers


Hi Jennifer

I have the Leica ST4040 Linear Stainer.  It is not quite continuous
loading, but you can load a new batch every 60 seconds (in my case - this
will vary depending on how you have the machine set up).  For me a batch is
20 slides - and they are stained in the Tissue Tek racks that fit my
coverslipper.  That is one of the huge advantages.

In basic mode this has a theoretical limit of 1200 slides per hour.  This
can easily be doubled  by adding an extra staining track on the back.  This
does not take any extra space.  This extra track could also be used for a
special stain of some description.  The unit is self contained and fumes
can be directed through a charcoal filter or into extraction system.  It
requires external water and to be plumbed into waste water.

Really nice machine, some great features, very robust and versatile, and a
good price.  Only drawback I have found so far was the original water
trough was plastic coated and bubbled very badly when xylene dripped onto
it.  Leica replaced this *very* smartly, no questions asked, with a
stainless steel one.  This is I believe standard now.

Great Machine, and I thoroughly recommend it!

Best of Luck

Aidan


__

aidan schurr  b.m.l.sc
section head, histology
hutt valley district health board
lower hutt
new zealand

aidan.schurr@hvh.co.nz
++64 4 570 9173

>>> Jennifer Hofecker  9/01/2002 >>>
Hi everyone,

I am curious... What automatic stainers are folks
using that feature a continuous loading capability? I
am looking for an "H&E workhorse".
Any advantages and drawbacks of particular stainers
would be appreciated.  Vendors are welcome to reply.

Thanks,

Jennifer Hofecker

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