Dako Autostainer - Manual (Page 41)

Section 9
Loading Slides
After programming is complete and the reagents are loaded, you are ready to load the
slides on the slide racks. Print the Slide Layout Map: Load Slides screen by selecting
the Print button at the bottom of the screen. This map provides a guide for loading slides
and can be saved as part of your staining record.
Note: Soak slides in a buffer solution containing 0.05% Tween-20 for a minimum of five
minutes prior to loading the Autostainer.
Load Slides
Autostainer has four slide racks that hold up to twelve slides each. Slide racks 1-4 have
slide positions 1-12, 13-24, 25-36, and 37-48, respectively. The first rack is located
toward the front of the instrument. Racks two, three, and four are located behind the first.
1. Load slides into the racks by inserting the label end of the slide (with the specimen
facing up) into a slide clip. The rack may be positioned in the angular setting to
facilitate slide loading.
2. Load each slide, in numerical order from left to right, into the slide rack according to
the Slide Layout Map: Load Slides printout.
3. Once all of the slides have been loaded into their correct slide positions and the slide
racks are properly positioned on their locating pins, gently pour buffer over the slides
to keep them from drying out. For best results, pour buffer over the slide label
instead of directly over the specimen. The buffer will then flow over the specimen
without washing it off.
Note: When the slides have been loaded, put the rack back to its horizontal position.
Autostainer Handbook 33