Abstract A method for staining biological material on flat slides is disclosed. A group of slides is successively dipped in vessels containing different liquids conventionally used in staining. All the slides in the group are held in vertical parallel relationship while the slides are in the successive vessels. The time a group of slides is in any given vessel is controlled in accordance with the staining technique desired. One of the vessels has a de-colorizing agent in it. In at least this vessel a laminar flow of de-colorizing liquid is directed over the flat faces of the slides to create a chimney effect that minimizes cross-contamination. The de-colorizing liquid is withdrawn continuously from its vessel, filtered and re-introduced into the vessel.
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said step of imparting relative movement comprises moving the slides along a serpentine path that includes successive high and low points in a manner such that the slides are dipped in the different liquids at successive low points of the serpentine path.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 wherein one of the liquids is a decolorizing agent and further including the steps of filtering the decolorizing agent and recirculating said agent through the associated vessel at a controllable flow rate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method in accordance with claim 3 wherein said filtering step comprises the step of passing the decolorizing agent through an ion exchange resin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 further including the step in at least one of the vessels of directing a laminar upward flow of liquid between the flat surfaces of the slides in a group containing the material to create a chimney effect whereby contaminants are removed therefrom with minimal cross-contamination.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method in accordance with claim 5 including the step of controlling the flow rate of said liquid.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
79 words
A method for staining biological materials on a group of flat faced slides which method includes dipping the slides in at least one liquid contained in a vessel and leaving the group of slides therein temporarily with their flat faces mutually parallel and vertical, including the improvement of directing a laminar upward flow of said liquid between the flat surfaces of the slides containing the materials to create a chimney effect whereby contaminants are removed therefrom with minimal cross-contamination.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as set forth in claim 7 including the step of controlling the flow rate of said liquid.