Automation in Staining of Cytologic Specimens

With continuous automatic staining procedures, it is now possible to stain hundreds of cytologic specimens per hour with a minimum of effort, and with reproducible optimum results. Two automatic and continuous polychrome staining procedures for cervical-vaginal specimens, and two automatic and continuous hematoxylin-eosin staining procedures for abrasion biopsies are presented. The continuous and automatic procedures reduce the number of solutions and the number of procedural steps needed for cytologic staining. They are simpler, less time-consuming, less costly and give fewer chances for error. They assure reproducible staining results even with less experienced technicians. They permit the technician to be occupied with other activities while the greater part of the staining is being done. They require only the part-time use of the Autotechnicon. They permit variation in staining intensity and color differentiation to suit individual preferences. Their use may be of critical importance in the development of effective electronic screening.