Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced that its new Thermo Scientific STP 420ES Tissue Processor 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 65°C, not 85°C, 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 laboratories can deliver patient results faster. The Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle Hospitals, laboratory is a new ultramodern pathology facility, four times the size of a standard UK hospital laboratory, and it is adhering to lean principles by using xylene-free protocols.

"We see lean processing as being the most efficient means of delivering reduced turnaround times for patient results, and xylene-free tissue processing is a key contributor to achieving this," explained Jim Smith, Chief Biomedical Scientist, Royal Victoria Infirmary. "In our evaluation of the Thermo Scientific STP 420ES tissue processor using our current xylene-free protocols it performed very well, delivering excellent quality resulting preparations, whilst maintaining the validity of all subsequent immunohistochemistry results."

The new STP 420ES tissue processor also meets Royal Victoria Infirmary's lean requirements since 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. "Having the second chamber in effect gives two processors for the price of one, as workflow need not be stopped in the main chamber if a STAT or difficult tissue sample is required," added Jim Smith.

A copy of the RVI validated xylene-free protocols for the STP 420ES Tissue Processor is available on request from applications.ap.emap@thermofisher.com. 

For further information, please visit www.thermoscientific.com/pathology.