Freida L. Carson, PhD, HT(ASCP)
Department of Pathology (retired), Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Christa Hladik, AA, HT(ASCP)^cm, QIHC
Neuropathology and Immunohistochemistry, UT Southwestern Clinical Laboratories, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX

Keywords: conventional processor, closed tissue-processing; microwave processor, staining oven, stainer, coverslippers

Upon completion of this activity, you will be able to:

• describe the mechanisms of closed tissue-processing systems.
• identify critical factors in processing tissue on a short cycle.
• describe 2 applications in which a microwave oven can be useful.
• describe the principle of microwave-generated heat.
• describe the types of automatic stainers used in histopathology.