Dako Autostainer Plus - Manual (Page 81)

Dako Autostainer Plus | User Guide 81
Section 13 | Loading and Scanning Slides
After programming is completed and the reagents have been loaded, you are ready to load the slides
on the slide racks and scan the slides. When the bar code feature is disabled, print the Slide Layout
Map by selecting the PRINT button in the SLIDE LAYOUT MAP:LOAD SLIDES screen. This map
provides a guide for loading slides and can be saved as part of your staining record. When the Bar
Code feature on Autostainer Plus is enabled, you may load the slides in random order. The Bar Code
system will track them in the order they were assigned on the PROGRAMMING GRID.
Loading Microscope Slides
NOTE: The slides should soak in a buffer solution containing 0.05% Tween 20 for a minimum of 5
minutes prior to loading on the Autostainer Plus.
1. Tilt the slide rack at a 30° angle away from you, allowing the back of the rack handles to
rest in the loading slots.
2. Hold the slide by placing your thumb and forefinger on each side of the slide’s unfrosted
end.
3. Load the slide into the slide rack by gently pushing the frosted end into position. The slide
is securely held to the rack (see photo).
4. Once all of the slides have been loaded into the slide rack, secure the slide rack in the
instrument by aligning the holes in the handles over the pins in the sink frame. Gently
flood the slides with buffer containing 0.05% Tween 20 using a squirt bottle to prevent the
slides from drying while loading additional slides.