[Histonet] H&E Stainer Leica vs Sakura (Sophia Lin)

[kgrobert <@t> rci.rutgers.edu]

I have the Leica stainer and coverslipper, and I don't have anywhere near
as many problems with the coverslipper as  described by "Contact" below. 
Mine alerts once in a while; if his alerts that much, then something is
seriously wrong.  (The last time mine alerted that much, it needed a new
"brain"-this is an older machine that had 5 circuit boards and one gave
out-and one new sensor.  Still worth it to us to fix it.)  Anything as
complex as staining and coverslipping robots will be fussy from time to
time.  But I love my Leica!

Kathleen

Principal Lab Technician
Neurotoxicology Labs
Molecular Pathology Facility Core
Dept of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Rutgers, the State University of NJ
41 B Gordon Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(848) 445-1443
FAX (732) 445-6905

> We have both and love them both. IF you are using tape coverslips then
> perhaps Sakura is your best bet. We use glass coverslips on BOTH the Leica
> and Sakura and find fewer problems with the Leica.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Contact
> HistoCare
> Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 6:49 PM
> To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] H&E Stainer Leica vs Sakura (Sophia Lin)
>
> Both stainers are powerhouses. The Leica has a plain menu screen with a
> simple interface while the Sakura has a LCD screen with detailed
> information about what stage the staining process a rack is along with
> multiple menus.  The difference between the performance changes
> drastically when the respective coverslipper attachments become involved.
>
> The Leica is seriously no match for the Sakura in this respect. The
> Leica's coverslipper is its Achilles heel and requires a LOT more
> attention and alerts frequently, very frequently. It takes a separate rack
> for staining the slides at the beginning of the process and eventually
> transfers them to a different rack one the cover slip is complete. This
> one uses glass and frequently drops glass, creates bubbles, drops and
> breaks slides. You will have to frequently purge the system and clean the
> cover medium needle dropper.  Once done, it only holds. Two racks of 30
> slides and will alert until you remove it. You can't leave this one alone
> for more than 5 minutes without an alert. Seriously.
>
> The Sakura's coverslipper uses cover tape which won't need to be replaced
> not even remotely as soon as the glass in the Leica.  Finished slides
> remain in a carousel at the top and can hold about 10 racks of 20 before
> it alerts. For high volume, the Sakura pair wins hands down. You won't
> lose productivity time by needing to check on this machine pair.
>
> HistoCare.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi,
>
> We are currently looking to switch out our linear MKII stainer for either
> a Leica XL autostainer or the Sakura Tissue-Tek Prisma. Any
> recommendations?
> Are quantity of H&Es is increasing and we need adequate equipment to meet
> our workload. The incorporated oven seems excellent on both stainers. Any
> pros/cons would be greatly appreciated! Also, if you are currently using
> the stainer, does it meet your workload and what is your volume?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Sophia
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