Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that its STP 420ES tissue processor, designed for high-throughput tissue processing, has been independently validated for xylene-free protocols.
Scientists at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed the successful application of a standard xylene-free protocol on the STP 420ES.
The tissue processor delivered quality results using existing protocols, with the exception of the requirement for a lower temperature of 65C, not 85C, for the initial wax step.
Elimination of xylene from tissue processing can cut costs, save time and improve the laboratory environment.
Using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as an alternative wax miscible dehydrant removes the risks of cumulative exposure and the high disposal costs associated with xylene, which is a hazardous chemical.
Using IPA also shortens cycle times and enables leaner workflows, so that laboratories can deliver patient results faster.
The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals, laboratory is a modern pathology facility that is four times the size of a standard UK hospital laboratory.
It is adhering to lean principles by using xylene-free protocols.
The STP 420ES tissue processor also meets Royal Victoria Infirmary's lean requirements, because it enables faster turnaround times for same-day diagnosis and leaner workflows through operational flexibility.
Its dual-chamber design features unique rotational agitation that increases flow of traditional reagents by seven-fold to reduce processing times.
