Laboratory Equipment

Benchtype Fume Absorber

The TAZ 19 is a mobile safety workstation with underfloor exhaust ventilation for use as a tabletop device. It is perfect for
use for manual cover slipping of microscope slides, for histological and pathological preparations, or for filling and decanting
solvents. The continuously variable adjustment of the exhaust ventilation power enables an optimal adaption to the respective
requirement. Due to the different perforation of the work area, the exhaust ventilation is about equal all over the work
surface.

Underfloor exhaust ventilation is ideal because many reagent vapours are heavier than air. The device can be used
independently with an activated carbon filter or with a connection to an existing ventilation air system. In order to even
better prevent vapours emitting from the work area, an optionally available acrylic glass hood can be added to the TAZ 19.
Necessary filter changes are indicated by an optical signal.

Cryostat

An extensively equipped laboratory device for high-speed cryo sections with a powerful cooling unit and a high-precision, semi-automatic microtome. The comes with a specimen clamp with fine adjustment, and UV light disinfection, with plenty of free room at knee height, it can be used in a sitting position as well as standing position – two fixed height adjustments are available, in order to adjust it to the comfort of the main user.

The cooling chamber is illuminated with an LED light strip, the brightness of which can be dimmed up or down. The powerful cooling unit reaches a temperature of down to -35 °C. Inside the cooling chamber is a deep freezing
rail with 15 positions for tissue samples. This includes two quick freeze positions that can cool down to 20 °C below chamber temperature and can be set separately. Additionally, an electronically cooled specimen clamp (separately available) can be used that reaches down to -45 °C (at a cooling chamber temperature of -35 °C). This means that the tissue sample can be cooled down even faster for sectioning when necessary. The cooling chamber is closed with a safety glass pane that is heated and thus prevents the formation of condensation on the pane. Microtome and cooling chamber are operated and set using two separate touch displays. They are positioned above the
cooling chamber for easy access and intuitive to use. The Cryostat can be defrosted automatically using a timer function or manually, the smooth stainless steel surfaces of the cooling chamber allow easy cleaning and disinfection. Any condensation that may arise during operation is drained to a collecting bottle via the integrated drainage system.

An easy-going handwheel is included for using the microtome. It is lockable to prevent unintentional movements, protecting samples and users. The horizontal feed and sample retraction are motorized.

Ultrasonic Accelerated Decalcifier

The ultrasonic technology of the USE 33, crystalline structures of calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and calcium carbonate are shattered quickly and in a targeted manner. This enables quick and cell-friendly decalcification when using suitable fixation and decalcifying solutions. Infiltration processes of fixation, decalcifying or intermediate media are accelerated considerably. In conjunction with the MEDITE solutions, the decalcification time is shortened to 25% of the regularly needed time for bone marrow biopsies, femoral heads, nasal and auditory cartilages, and a reduction to 40 to 60% for material containing a lot of corticalis can be reached. The heat generated by the input of ultrasonic energy is compensated for by an integrated cooling unit. Consequently, the digital temperature controller ensures a constant temperature range that is ideal for the descaling process, which is usually around 16 – 18 °C. As a result, the morphology and antigenicity are 100% preserved. Neither shrinkage artefacts nor swelling of the tissue can be seen. The morphology is retained very well thanks to the ultrasound-accelerated decalcification, so that,
among other things, immunohistochemical examinations are also possible.

Closed Tissue Embedding System

A closed tissue embedding system for the simultaneous processing of two or three protocols. With its great efficiency, the TPC 15 replaces two pumping embedding machines for the price of one.
Our system is very flexible and enables the parallel processing of two or three protocols running at the same time. Each protocol offers a capacity of up to 220 standard embedding cassettes. With that, the TPC 15 contributes to a significant increase in productivity, and keeps maintenance costs and reagent consumption at a very low level. Magnetic stirrers in the baths ensure rapid infiltration of the reagents. The TPC 15 has a pressure-vacuum function that can be selected for each step, as well as bath and draining times. The results are impressing with their excellent morphology. Rapid biopsies are possible in less than an hour. All parameters including beginning and end of a protocol can be selected for each bath station. The TPC 15 has a built-in exhaust for solvent vapours, with an integrated carbon filter for independent convectional operation, and a connection for external ventilation. The working area of the TPC 15 is covered by a transparent hood. Each station of the device is also closed with a stainless steel lid.

Embedding Centre

The Paraffin Embedding Center TES Valida features innovative technology and appears in a modern design. It consists of three different units – cooling, dispensing and thermal – that can be arranged according to personal needs, e.g. for lefthanded operation. Each unit works independently with timer and temperature control and is set via touch control units. This also enables the units to be used as individual devices in the laboratory.

The thermal unit of the TES Valida has a spacious preheating chamber for embedding moulds in its upper area. In the lower area of the work surface is a cassette depot made of stainless steel with a removable tray. It is deep enough to accommodate embedding cassettes and almost any type of processing baskets. A stainless steel cover that can be opened and closed ensures that the temperature of the cassette depot remains constant even during long periods of operation. The dispenser unit has a large paraffin tank with a volume of 4.6 liters. The dispensing process can be initiated either by hand or by foot switch via the outlet tap. Blocks that already solidified can be placed onto the flat heated outlet tap to melt them again. Optionally, the tap can be equipped with heat protection. For perfect illumination of the work area, the TES Valida dispenser unit comes with an adjustable lamp. Optionally, a magnifying glass can be added to the lamp. A total of four connections (two on the front and two on the rear) for heated forceps and six forceps slots are available. There is also an easy-to-clean drawer underneath the dispenser unit that collects excess paraffin. The cooling unit has a generous stainless steel surface. Up to 100 paraffin blocks can be stored on it at the same time at a maximum cooling temperature of -15 °C. The underlying refrigeration technology ensures long-lasting temperature stability.

Together, the three units of the TES Valida make for a high-performance system with a modern look. The work surfaces are ergonomically designed with a view to user-friendliness in order to prevent signs of fatigue after long use. The housing is made of powder-coated metal and can be cleaned easily.

Heated Forceps

The eCep is a handy tool for use in the tissue embedding process. It consists of a control unit and electrically heated forceps. When in use, the forceps reach a temperature of between 65 °C and 75 °C. Only the tip heats up while the handle remains pleasantly cool. The concentrated warmth prevents damage to the tissue. It is also warm enough to melt the paraffin it comes in contact with, making it easy to adjust the tissue within the embedding mould with no paraffin sticking to the tip. Forceps and control unit are available as a set or separately as addition to existing devices. Every control unit comes with two connectors, making it easy to be shared between two users at a time. The forceps, available in different tip sizes, can also be connected to the TES 99 and TES Valida Dispenser Units.

Rotary Microtome

The semi-automatic Microtome is the standard device for use in histology and histopathology as well as in research laboratories and in industrial quality assurance. Horizontal feed and retraction are motorized while the vertical cutting stroke is carried out manually, using a smooth-running handwheel. This enables an adapted and sensitive cutting movement, controlled by the user. The handwheel can easily be locked in any position using a spring lever. The proven, high-precision microtome mechanics of the Microtome M530 are developed and produced in Germany, and ensure maximum sectioning quality for continuously high sample throughput.

The device impresses with its high functionality and attractive design that is focused on offering optimal ease of use. Relevant settings can be adjusted via the intuitively operated membrane keyboard with digital display. You can switch between fine and coarse adjustment at the push of a button. Up to three sectioning positions can be saved with the memory function and approached again at the push of a button. The retraction can be selected variably. Sections are automatically counted. A fine adjustment mechanism is already integrated as standard feature of the specimen clamp holder. The specimen clamp can be aligned horizontally and vertically and is characterized by its particular stability. The blade holder can be easily corrected using an angle mark. The blade clamp is adjustable via grids for precise and complete use of the blade and has
a manual guard. Section waste is collected in the large tray at the front of the Microtome M530 to keep the work area free. It can easily be
removed for emptying and cleaning.

Overall, the Microtome M530 enables high-quality sections to be produced quickly and safely thanks to its precise operation.
Included in the delivery is a pack of sample blades, and a helpful brush with a magnet that makes it easier to safely replace
the sharp microtome blades.

Multi-Stainer

The programmable Multi-Stainer combines flexibility with speed. Up to 12 protocols for routine and special staining can be processed at the same time. The TST 44 has a total of 44 stations, including loading and unloading stations, water baths and 30 staining stations. Alternative models with an integrated drying station are also available. Thanks to the large number of available workstations, different staining protocols can be processed in parallel. Neither the
reagent change nor individual steps such as deparaffining need to be done externally. Up to twelve baskets with 30 slides each can be processed at the same time. There are four stations each for loading and unloading. In this way, large quantities of slides can be processed continuously and the laboratory routine becomes more efficient. The TST 44 also has a backup power feature to prevent interruption and reset of the ongoing process, protecting the sample material from damage.

The fully automatic sequence of the staining protocols is another important factor in efficient work organisation. Up to 20 staining protocols can be saved, with a maximum of 40 steps each. The transport head moves in the X, Y and Z directions. It includes a drip tray that reliably prevents liquids that are still sticking to slides or baskets from being carried over. The drip tray automatically slides under the slide basket when it is transported to the next station. Cellulose paper in the tray absorbs the liquids. The TST 44 can be used with an activated carbon filter or connected to an external ventilation system. The device supports resource-saving work with the integrated water-saving function. In addition, the current reagent status can be displayed in the menu, enabling an efficient reagent management. The TST 44 is operated via an LCD display at a comfortable viewing height. The user interface is designed to be simple and enables the protocols to be created easily and quickly called up. The protocol status is shown on the display during operation and can be viewed at any time.

Film Coverslipper

The modern automatic film cover slipper Twister® offers high performance and reliable cover slipping with excellent results in optical quality. Up to 1,200 slides can be processed per hour. It particularly works very well for slides that are digitalised by using a slide scanner. The Twister® is quick and easy to use. It has a large, clear front for protection against contamination that also provides a good orientation about the process status and the remaining capacity (slides, xylene, coverfilm). Cut outs in the front enable the quick exchange of consumables and new slide baskets without interrupting the cover slipping process.

Slides are processed at a speed of about 3 seconds. Each slide is automatically taken from the starter basket, carefully covered and then placed in the second basket for finished slides. When the basket is filled with covered slides, it is automatically dispensed into the output area below the operating area. The start basket is also automatically placed in the output area as soon as it is empty. A collection bottle that catches any excess xylene during the coverslipping process is placed in the output area as well. The Twister® is operated via an intuitive, easy-to-read menu. Various parameters, e.g. cutting length of the coverslip are individually adjustable. The amount of xylene required can be regulated individually (even during the coverslipping process). The bright colour touch display at the top in the middle of the device is easy to reach and operate at any time. It is protected by touch-sensitive glass and is xylene resistant.

The standard model of the Twister® works with slide baskets with a capacity of 30 slides. Another model is available that can be used with baskets with
a capacity of 20 slides. MEDITE slide baskets can be used directly with the Twister®. Adapters for other brands of slide baskets are available on request. The Twister® can be connected to an external ventilation system in the laboratory or used with the integrated carbon filter.