Automated sample preparation system HistoCore CHROMAX

for histology laboratorieslaboratoryfor slide staining

The HistoCore CHROMAX is an automated workstation from Leica Biosystems combining slide staining and coverslipping to streamline routine H&E and special stain workflows with improved productivity, reagent optimization and digital documentation. It provides modern graphical user interfaces for both the stainer and coverslipper, enabling easy operation, protocol transfer from previous Leica instruments and workflow tracking.

Key features

• Integrated automated slide staining and coverslipping in a single workstation for streamlined specimen preparation.
• Modern graphical user interfaces on stainer and coverslipper for easy access to settings, monitoring and interaction.
• Digital documentation and workflow tracking via the HistoCore CHROMAX ST (detailed logs for compliance and communication).
• Optimized reagent consumption through automated slide counting to reduce waste and increase cost efficiency.
• Smooth upgrade path for existing Leica ST5010 and CV5030 customers: identical bath layout and transferable protocols or pre-validated protocols for quick integration.
• Versatile coverslipper (CHROMAX CV) supporting a variety of mounting media (including xylene-free options), multiple coverglass sizes and compatibility with common slide racks used by routine stainers.
• Glass coverslips option to provide high optical clarity for downstream digital scanning and image archiving.

Technical specifications

• HistoCore CHROMAX Workstation: Instrument dimensions, hood closed: 1714 x 670 x 650 mm; Workstation weight with reagent and accessories: 188 kg.
• HistoCore CHROMAX CV (Coverslipper): Instrument dimensions, hood closed: 578 x 640 x 650 mm; hood open: 578 x 640 x 900 mm. Weight (with accessories): 72 kg (standalone) and 81 kg (workstation configuration).
• CV Loading capacity: 30 slides; Unload capacity: 60 slides; Throughput: 260 slides per hour. Mounting medium types: commercially available types. Mounting medium bottle max fill level: 200 ml.
• Cover glass sizes supported: 22-24 mm x 40-60 mm; #1.0 or #1.5 (ISO DIN 8255-1). Cover glass magazine capacity: 120-160 (depending on thickness). Specimen slides: all commercially available specimen slides per ISO standard 8037-1. Coverslipping parameters: individually configurable. Output rack capacity: max. 60 slides. Nominal supply voltages: 100 - 240 V AC +/- 10%.
• HistoCore CHROMAX ST (Stainer): Instrument dimensions, hood open: 1136 x 670 x 870 mm. Weight: 88 kg; Weight with reagents: 97 kg. Load/unload stations: 1/1. Throughput: 240 H&E slides per hour with pre-validated protocol. Capacity of slide rack: 30 slides.
• ST reagent cuvette volume: 450 ml. Water flow stations: 5. Reagent stations: 18. Drying oven: 1. Nominal supply voltages: 100 - 120 VAC / 220 - 240 VAC +/- 10%.
• Reagent Management System (ST): by slide counting and by days. Reports (last 3 years) include slide counting (daily/monthly), reagent exchange and user run log.