Quick Answer: The Automatic Tissue Processor with Microprocessor is a histology instrument that takes fixed tissue through dehydration, clearing and paraffin wax infiltration automatically, with the timing of each step held in a microprocessor programme. An automatic tissue processor with microprocessor control replaces the manual transfer of cassettes between jars overnight.
What Tissue Processing Does
Before tissue can be cut on a microtome it has to be firm enough to section thinly, and that means replacing the water in the tissue with paraffin wax. The standard sequence is fixation, then dehydration through a series of increasing alcohol concentrations, then a clearing agent such as xylene that mixes with both alcohol and wax, and finally two or more baths of molten paraffin. Done by hand, this means moving cassettes from jar to jar at set times, often overnight.
An automatic processor carries out the same schedule on its own. With microprocessor control, the time in each station is stored as a programme that can be edited for small biopsies or large blocks, and such controllers often allow a delayed start so that processing finishes when staff arrive. This distinguishes it from LabEquip’s Automatic Tissue Processor with Thermostat, which the listing describes by its temperature control rather than a programmable controller. The number of stations, wax baths and basket capacity are not given in the listing.
After processing, the cassettes go to embedding in wax blocks and then to a microtome such as the Rotary Microtome for sectioning.
Specifications
| Instrument | Automatic tissue processor for paraffin histology |
| Control | Microprocessor, with programmable step timing |
| Process stages | Fixation, dehydration, clearing, paraffin infiltration |
| Typical reagents | Formalin, graded ethanol, xylene or a substitute, paraffin wax |
| Stations, wax baths and basket capacity | Confirm at enquiry |
Care & Handling
- Place the automatic tissue processor with microprocessor in a ventilated area or under extraction; formalin and xylene vapours are hazardous, and each reagent’s SDS gives handling and exposure advice.
- Change alcohols and clearing agent on a regular schedule, rotating fresher reagent towards the final stations, since carried-over water spoils dehydration.
- Keep the wax baths topped up and free of debris, and do not let wax set in drain lines or on seals.
- Check the programme before loading, especially after a power cut, and never leave cassettes in a station longer than planned.
Applications
- Overnight processing of tissue blocks in histopathology and research laboratories
- Preparing animal and plant tissue for sectioning in histology teaching labs
- Running short programmes for small biopsies and longer ones for dense tissue
- Producing wax-infiltrated tissue for making prepared slides
Why Choose LabEquip
Pathology departments, veterinary and medical colleges and research histology units that process tissue in routine batches choose the microprocessor version. It is listed in the LabEquip Microscope & Optics range; state your typical daily cassette load on the contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does microprocessor control add over a simple timer?
It stores the time for each station as an editable programme, and many controllers hold more than one programme, for example a short one for small biopsies and a long one for fatty tissue. Simpler models need more manual setting between runs.
Which reagents are used in a tissue processor?
A typical paraffin schedule uses 10% neutral buffered formalin, graded ethanol rising to absolute alcohol, a clearing agent such as xylene, and molten paraffin wax. Laboratories adjust the schedule to tissue type and size.
How long does processing take?
Routine schedules for standard blocks usually run overnight, while small biopsies can be processed in a few hours. Thick or fatty tissue needs longer in each station.
Why is thorough dehydration important?
Paraffin wax does not mix with water. If water remains in the tissue, the clearing agent turns cloudy and wax cannot penetrate, leaving soft, crumbly blocks that tear on the microtome.
What temperature should the wax baths be?
Wax baths are kept a few degrees above the melting point printed on the paraffin in use. Overheating wax makes tissue hard and brittle, while wax that is too cool infiltrates poorly.
Is ventilation needed for a tissue processor?
Yes. Formalin and xylene give off harmful vapours, so the processor should stand in a well-ventilated room or be connected to extraction, and reagents should be changed wearing gloves and eye protection.
Last Updated: September 2026
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