Coplin Jar

Quick Answer: A Coplin Jar is a slotted glass or plastic staining jar used in histology and microbiology labs to hold multiple microscope slides upright for staining, fixing, or washing in a shared reagent bath.

Description

The Coplin Jar is a laboratory staple wherever microscope slides need to be processed in batches. Its internal grooves hold slides vertically and separated from one another, so reagent can flow freely around every slide surface during staining, fixing, or rinsing steps.

A close-fitting lid reduces evaporation of the reagent bath and limits exposure to fumes from solvents or stains, which is particularly useful during longer staining protocols or when jars are left on the bench between steps.

Coplin jars are widely used in histopathology, cytology, and general microbiology teaching labs for routine stains such as haematoxylin and eosin, Gram stains, and other multi-step slide preparations.

Specifications

Applications

• Batch staining of microscope slides with haematoxylin and eosin, Gram stain, or other multi-step protocols
• Fixing slides in alcohol or other fixative solutions before staining
• Washing and rinsing slides between staining steps without handling each slide individually
• General teaching demonstrations of slide preparation technique in biology and microbiology courses

Care & Handling

• Keep the lid closed between steps to limit evaporation of reagents and reduce fume exposure.
• Load and remove slides carefully by the edges to avoid chipping the internal grooves or the slides themselves.
• Rinse the jar thoroughly between different stains to avoid cross-contamination of reagents.
• Clean and dry completely after use, and store with the lid on to keep the interior free of dust.

Why Choose LabEquip

LabEquip supplies Coplin jars alongside a wide range of lab glassware and general chemistry lab equipment for schools, colleges, and diagnostic and teaching laboratories. Our team can help you confirm the right slide capacity and material for your staining workflow. For bulk orders, institutional procurement, or technical questions about this product, please contact us and our team will assist promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many slides does a Coplin jar hold?

Coplin jars are made with internal grooves for several slides at once; please confirm the exact slot count for this listing when you enquire.

Is the jar made of glass or plastic?

Coplin jars are available in laboratory-grade glass or chemical-resistant plastic depending on the variant; please confirm the material for this listing when you enquire.

What is the jar used for?

It is used to hold multiple microscope slides upright in a shared reagent bath for staining, fixing, or washing steps in histology and microbiology work.

Does the jar come with a lid?

Yes, Coplin jars are supplied with a close-fitting lid to reduce evaporation of the reagent bath and limit fume exposure during use.

Can different stains be used in the same jar?

Yes, but the jar should be rinsed thoroughly between different stains or reagents to avoid cross-contamination affecting your results.

How should the jar be cleaned and stored?

Clean and dry the jar and lid thoroughly after use, and store with the lid on to protect the interior grooves from dust and damage.

Last Updated: September 2026