First sight of same day histology system in UK

Standardises every aspect of tissue processing, reducing the number of steps involved from 15 (in traditional methods) to just four

The 'revolutionary' new Tissue-Tek Xpress continuous rapid tissue processing and Tissue-Tek AutoTec automated embedding systems, which are available from Bayer Diagnostics, are said to have caused great excitement when they were shown for the first time in the UK at the recent IBMS exhibition.

"We were delighted with the numbers of enquiries and interest in the Tissue-Tek Xpress and Tissue-Tek AutoTec systems from visitors to our stand at the IBMS exhibition", says Simon Cutts, Bayer Diagnostics's senior product manager for cellular pathology.

"Visitors were excited by the fact that the new systems make it possible to reduce turnaround time for all tissue specimens from 48 hours or more to less than a day.

"Specimens can be loaded continuously on to the Tissue-Tek Xpress and when used in conjunction with the Tissue-Tek AutoTec automated embedding system that can continuously output blocks at the impressive rate of 120 per hour, the pressure on overworked laboratory staff is further reduced.

"The development of these two systems represents an important first step along the path to full automation in all routine areas of histology".

As well as seeing the equipment on Bayer's stand, a series of lunchtime presentations entitled 'New Technology Modernising Pathology' were given to over 150 delegates by Andrew Clarke, chief biomedical scientist, histopathology department, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust who undertook trials of the system.

During his presentations, Clarke highlighted how the Tissue-Tek Xpress and Tissue-Tek AutoTec systems provide the potential for changing working days or shifts; allow laboratories to process all work in a single working day with existing staff levels; eliminate usual backlogs normally seen in the laboratory; and use staff more efficiently.

The Tissue-Tek Xpress standardises every aspect of tissue processing, reducing the number of steps involved from 15 (in traditional methods) to just four.

Unlike the variable elements that are inherent in traditional processing, this standardised approach uses fixed protocols which do not need to be altered by system operators, minimising the potential for errors and assuring consistency of results.

In contrast to traditional vacuum infiltration technology (which normally requires specimens to be loaded in batches and left for processing overnight) the Tissue-Tek Xpress processes up to 120 cassettes in one hour with no loss of tissue quality.

Specimens can be loaded on to the system continuously and all types of specimen - routine or biopsy, fresh or fixed - can be processed together in the same run.

Baskets of up to 40 cassettes are loaded on to the system every 15-20 minutes and are automatically moved between different processing stations by a robotic arm.

Tissue-Tek Xpress uses just four proprietary reagents which are not xylene-based and therefore reduce the potential risk to human health.

Combining breakthrough microwave technology with a new molecular-friendly reagent system and traditional vacuum infiltration techniques, consistent, high-quality results are delivered in record time.

Tissue-Tek Xpress utilises patented microwave technology to accelerate the diffusion of solvents into tissues, operating continuously at low wattage instead of pulsing high levels of microwave energy.

This approach ensures that tissues are processed very evenly and gently, avoiding any potential risk of damage experiences in other microwave technology.

The unique Tissue-Tek Xpress and AutoTec transform the whole approach to workflow processing in a novel manner which paves the way for pathology modernisation, opening up the very real possibility of specimens being processed, reviewed and signed off on the same day they are received.

Bayer says such a development has to be excellent news for patients - and good news for laboratories too as skilled professionals are no longer required to spend hours each day tackling backlogs of routine processing work.

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