Sakura Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 User Manual

Revised 10/02/2012 A.1
Appendix
TISSUE-TEK
®
XPRESS
®
X120
RAPID TISSUE PROCESSOR APPLICATIONS MANUAL
Overview
Tissue Processing on the Tissue-
Tek
®
Xpress
®
x120 Rapid Tissue
Processor
Tissue samples that will be processed on the Tissue-
Tek
®
Xpress
®
x120 Rapid Tissue Processor require proper
preparation and handling to ensure acceptable results.
Specimen preparation begins shortly after the specimen is
excised from the patient. The tissue is sent to the
pathology laboratory, either fresh or in an appropriate
fixative, such as Molecular Fixative or Formalin. The
Pathologist or Pathology Assistant grosses the tissue
sample and places the desired selection in a cassette for
processing. At the completion of the processing program,
the tissue is embedded in paraffin, preparing it for
microtomy and subsequent staining and coverslipping.
This Appendix provides guidelines and techniques
related to the following critical areas:
• Preparation of appropriate-sized tissue samples for
Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 processing, and selection of
the appropriate immersion program
• Use of Molecular Fixative and its effect on routine and
special staining and procedures
• Use of Pre-Processing Reagents
• Embedding practices for Tissue-Tek Xpress x120-
processed tissue
• Microtomy practices for Tissue-Tek Xpress x120-
processed tissue blocks
• Staining of Tissue-Tek Xpress x120-processed tissue
slides
• Microscopic evaluation of Tissue-Tek Xpress x120-
processed tissue slides
• Reprocessing of Tissue-Tek Xpress x120-processed
tissue
• Reagent replacement and frequency
• Do’s and don’ts
• Disposal of Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 processing
reagents
Preparation for Processing
The Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 can be configured for
operation using one of two immersion time settings for
tissue processing based on the thickness of the grossed
tissues: either 2 mm maximum or 3 mm maximum.
Use of Tissue-Tek Xpress x120
Pre-Processing Solution or
Pre-Processing Fixative
Pre-Processing Solution is used to firm and pre-
condition the tissue specimens prior to Tissue-Tek Xpress
x120 processing. Some types of tissue (such as breast,
skin, etc.) grossed at 2 mm may require a longer immer-
sion time in the Pre-Processing Solution.
Pre-Processing Fixative is used for long term storage
and transport or to precondition tissue specimens prior to
Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 processing. Pre-Processing
Fixative is more readily compatible with poorly formalin-
fixed tissue specimens. Pre-Processing Fixative is not
compatible with all molecular pathology techniques, it is
however compatible with IHC techniques.
Use a container capable of holding at least 500 mL of
reagent. Change the Pre-Processing reagents every 3
hours. If excessive debris or cloudiness occurs, change
more frequently.
Tissue Preparation for the 2 mm
(15min/station) Standard Immersion
Program
Tissue specimens of up to 2 mm in thickness are pro-
cessed using the 2 mm (15 min/station) Standard
immersion program. The total processing time, including
robotic transfer of the basket between stations, is
approximately 67 minutes. The 2 mm Standard program is
appropriate for use only with tissue samples that are not
larger than 2 mm in thickness. The length and width of the
tissue should allow for space between the tissue and
cassette walls.
Fixed tissues that cannot be initially trimmed to 2 mm
thickness must be grossed to a thickness no greater than
3 mm, placed in a cassette, and immersed in a container
filled with the Pre-Processing Solution for a minimum of 15

Sakura Tissue-Tek Xpress x120 Specifications

General

Brand	Sakura
Model	Tissue-Tek Xpress x120
Category	Computer Hardware
Language	English