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Aperio GT 450 1.3 - Automated, High Capacity Digital Pathology Scanner with 3 New Features

Integrating Innovation with Automation for the Research Laboratory

At Leica Biosystems, we aim to enable researchers to accelerate their journey, transforming scientific exploration into translational outcomes. Our goal is to shape the future with novel technologies that inspire every researcher’s exploration of biology.

The Aperio GT 450 v 1.3 is proven scanning technology that consists of three upgrades that improve image quality and flexible scanning solutions in research settings: Z-Stack Scanning, Automatic Narrow Stripe, and 20x Magnification.

Z-Stack Scanning
Multiplane scanning that produces a composite, 3D image that enables research pathologists to review slide samples at varied levels of thickness, similar to a traditional microscope.

Automatic Narrow Stripe Scanning
Quality control that enables an automatic rescan of a slide when the system detects image quality issues resulting from a tilted slide or tilted tissue. Allows users to save time in their workflow by not re-preparing or readjusting slides, thus reducing labor hours.

20x Magnification
In addition to 40x magnification, operators will have the option to scan slides at 20x magnification – our solution to saving space.

The Aperio GT 450 v 1.3 enables researchers to complete scanning tasks quickly and with confidence delivering high quality images with Leica optics and with an IT architecture that is secure and scalable. From the research lab to the IT room, the Aperio GT 450 is designed to integrate innovation with automation for the research laboratory

  • Improve case turnaround with no touch during scanning and continuous loading of the racks directly from the HistoCore SPECTRA Workstation (Stainer & Coverslipper)
  • Help increase IT security and control with a dedicated SAM (Scanner Admin Manager) server and software that allows you to set up and monitor multiple Aperio GT 450s at a time. No more single workstations for each scanner
  • Ensure excellent image quality with Leica optics
Contact us to get a quote. Call +44 800 011 9620 to speak with a representative.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
*Scan speed assumes 15mm x 15mm area at 40x

Aperio is a trademark of the Leica Biosystems group of companies in the USA and optionally in other countries. GT and GT 450 are trademarks of Leica Biosystems Imaging, Inc. Other logos, product and/or company names might be trademarks of their respective owners.

 

Fast and Easy to Operate for Researchers

The Aperio GT 450 is simple to operate and helps researchers deliver rapid results with confidence. Complete scanning quickly and easily, so you can focus on other tasks in the lab: 15 racks of 30 slides (450 slides total) can be loaded directly from HistoCore SPECTRA CV Coverslipper into the Aperio GT 450. The slides are then automatically scanned at 81 slides per hour at 40x for a 15mm x 15mm area.

  • No touch continuous loading during scanning
  • Z-Stack Scanning
  • Automated IQ checks during each scan to ensure quality
  • Assign priority cases
  • Every slide is calibrated with each scan
  • Automated Narrow Stripe (Quality Control)
  • 450 slide capacity packed into a small size fits on the lab bench
  • 20x and 40x magnification
  • 99.5% accurate tissue finder that allows you to adjust if needed*
  • 100% first-time barcode scan success rate*

*VP-0450 validation results

From the lab to the IT room to the office, the Aperio GT 450 was designed to integrate innovation with automation for researchers, IT professionals, and scientists.

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Fast and Easy to Operate
The products, shown above, HistoCore SPECTRA Workstation, in conjunction with Aperio GT 450 are for Research Use Only (RUO).

Secure, Scalable Architecture for IT Professionals

The Aperio GT 450 offers fast, secure, and flexible IT architecture. A centralized Scanner Admin Manager (SAM) server and dedicated software provides you with a data management solution that can remotely set up and monitor multiple Aperio GT 450s at a time.*

  • Comprehensive cybersecurity including encryption and login controls
  • Centralized scanner management to set up and monitor multiple scanners
  • Two 10GB network connections on the SAM server
  • Scalable set up for hub and spoke configurations
  • HL7 compatible for easy integration into LIS , LIMS or PACS
  • Supports dedicated logins for each Aperio GT 450 scanner

*See Resources > FAQ for more info on SAM

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Secure, Scalable IT Architecture

Excellent Image Quality for Scientists

The Aperio GT 450 uses a high-performance objective manufactured by Leica Microsystems, which has produced world-class optics since 1847. This historic craftmanship is now built into the today’s Aperio GT 450, which is designed to rapidly deliver images with exceptional quality for Scientists.

  • Leica optics deliver exceptional image quality
  • Z-Stacking enables scientists to review slide samples at varied heights
  • Every slide is calibrated during scanning to ensure the best quality image
  • Automated image quality assessment so you don’t have to send slides back for re-scans
  • 99.5% accurate tissue finder finds faint tissue while excluding pen marks, dust, and residue
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Achieve "Perfect Image Quality”
Custom-made Leica high performance objective for next generation scanning,

Image Quality Tested by Scientists for Scientists

(for best viewing results we recommend the Aperio Viewing Station which includes a calibrated monitor)

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Mitotic Events (Breast)
Mitotic Events (Breast)
Image
Intercellular Bridges
Intercellular Bridges
Image
Chromatin
Chromatin
Image
Nucleoli
Nucleoli

Precision, Potential to Scale, and Peace of Mind

Digital pathology scan speeds have not always been fast enough at 40x magnification to keep up with high-volume scanning (120k+ slides per year). Real-Time Focusing (RTF)** offers a potential solution to this problem. It’s a novel method to capture a digital image that combines an imaging line sensor and a focusing line sensor.

  1. While scanning, the focusing line sensor receives focusing data of the tissue.
  2. Proprietary algorithms determine the best focus value.
  3. Then, each best focus value is treated like a control loop with the mechanics, feeding the best focus value to the objective height on the fly.
  4. The positioning adjustments of the objective are performed continuously (in real time) in order to enable the imaging line sensor to capture the image at its best possible focus. Hence, real time focusing.

**US Patent no. 9,841,590

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Cellular Groves (Thyroid)
Cellular Groves (Thyroid)

Excellent Image Quality with Custom-Made Leica Objective

The high-performance objective included with the Aperio GT 450 is specifically designed to maximize field of view for high speed digital pathology scanning. Most objective are designed similar to the human eye: round, which focuses light in the center and limits field of view. The objective on the Aperio GT 450 includes an extra-wide flat field correction that enables a much larger field of view (1mm) that can accommodate extremely large digital images for fast scans and 0.26 um/pixel resolution at 40x magnification.

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Excellent Image Quality with Custom-Made Leica Objective

Scientist’s Viewing Station

Product Code: 23VS101

Experience Excellent Image Quality Using the Aperio Viewing Station

The Aperio Viewing Station enables Scientists to view whole slide images with excellent image quality, created from the Aperio GT 450, on calibrated monitors. The viewing station includes a proprietary color calibration file that calibrates Aperio GT 450 image colors with the pixel colors of the monitor resulting in an excellent viewing experience for Scientists.*

What’s included:

  • One Dell medical grade calibrated 2k monitor.
  • Dell workstation loaded with:
    • Proprietary Image color correction (ICC) profile
    • Aperio Image Scope viewing software (v12.4 or higher)
    • Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System (64 bit)
  • Mouse and keyboard

*VP-0450 image quality scores of 3.94/4.0,. Validation included calibrated ICC profile, Dell monitors and ImageScope12.4.

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Pathologist Viewing Station

Product Specifications

IMAGING, CAPACITY & OPERATIONS

Magnification: 40x magnification (20x available)
Scan Speed: 32 sec/slide (@ 40x for 15mm x 15mm area)
Scan Throughput: 81 slides/hr (@40x for 15mm x 15mm area)*
Scan Resolution: 0.26 µm/pixel at 40x
Scan Output: DICOM compatible and SVS
Scanning Region: ≤ 23.6 mm x 58 mm
Field of View (FOV): 1mm
Z-Stack Scanning: Multiplane scanning that produces a composite, 3D image
Objective Lens: Custom-made by Leica Microsystems

*VP-0450

Slide Capacity: 450 slides (15 racks of 30)
Slide Loading: Automatic Continuous Load up to 450 1-inch x 3-in (2.54 cm x 7.62 cm) slides
Racks Accepted: Leica Universal Rack (30-slide capacity), validated and recommended for use with HistoCore SPECTRA Workstation
  Sakura Prisma Stainer and Coverslipper Rack (20-slide capacity)
Automated Narrow Stripe Scanning: Quality control enabling an automatic rescan of a slide when the system detects image quality issues resulting from a tilted slide or tilted tissue

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Dimensions (W x L x H): 52,83cm W, 71,12 cm D, 49,53cm H
Weight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)

IT REQUIREMENTS & INTEGRATION

Network Bandwidth Requirements (Aperio GT 450 to SAM Server): 1 gigabits per second (Gbps)
Network Bandwidth Requirements (SAM Server to image repository/DSR): 10 gigabits per second (Gbps)
Compatibility: HL7 and DICOM (for LIS, LIMS, PACS integration)
Image File Formats: DICOM compatible images, SVS, TIFF

SECURITY FEATURES

SSL for SAM User Interface
Assign User Specific PINs per Scanner –includes automatic timeouts
Secure Sign-On to SAM Server Software
Log Data & Events from Mirth Connect to File System
Remote Access to Scanner Status
Create User Groups and Assign Permissions –password for client software and PIN for scanner

SLIDES, COVERSLIPS & LABELS

SLIDES  
General: The tissue/smear is embedded between supported slide and coverslip
Standard: 1-inch x 3-inch (2.54 cm x 7.62 cm) microscope slides. Measurements comply with ISO 8037/1.
Minimum Slide Size (W x L): 25 mm x 75 mm
Maximum Slide Size (W x L): 26 mm x 76 mm
Thickness: Optimized for range of 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm, excluding coverslip
Special Instructions: The coverslip/label shall not protrude beyond the edge of the glass microscope slide. The entire coverslip and label must be glued to the glass microscope slide. There must be no lifted edges or parts of the coverslip/label. The outer surface of the slide must be dry. No liquid shall flow out of the specimen area.
Slide Preparation:

Slides are prepared typically using:

  • Glass coverslip with mounting media, Eukitt
  • Film coverslip with integrated glue
Maximum Tissue/Smear Thickness: Optimized for tissue thickness of 3-5 μm (including mounting media)
COVERSLIPS  
Coverslips Accepted: Optimized for coverslip with thickness of .17 mm, made of typical coverslip material: Standard microscope cover glass or Cellulose Tri-Acetate film (microscope cover film).
LABELS  
Label Area (W x L): 25 mm x 25 mm. Handwritten/printed non-transparent, matt (paper-like reflecting) sticker.
Label Special Instructions: Labels shall not protrude beyond the edge of the slides or be lifted. Labels shall not be attached to the bottom of the slide, but only attached to the coverslip-side of the slide.
BARCODES  
Barcodes Engines: 1D and 2D Symbology
Barcodes Supported: NW7, QR Code, Data Matrix, Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39, Code 128, PDF417, MicroPDF417

Quick Compare Chart

Product

Aperio GT 450 1.3

Aperio AT2

Aperio AT Turbo

Aperio XT

Maximum Slide Capacity 450 400 400 120
Scan Speed (15mm x 15mm area at 40x) ~32 sec ~155 sec ~310 sec ~600 sec
Continuous Rack Loading while Scanning        
Priority Rack Scanning      
Automated Image Quality Check      
Racks compatible with Leica HistoCore SPECTRA CV Coverslipper        
Rack Capacity 15 racks of 30 slides
15 racks of 20 slides
10 racks of 40 10 racks of 40 8 racks of 15
Magnification 40x 20x and 40x 20x and 40x 20x and 40x
Resolution 0.26 μm/pixel at 40x 0.25 μm/pixel at 40x 0.25 μm/pixel at 40x 0.25 μm/pixel at 40x
Sustained Throughput @ 40x ~81 slides/hr ~20 slides/hr ~10 slides/hr ~5 slides/hr
Sustained Throughput @ 20x N/A ~50 slides/hr ~25 slides/hr ~20 slides/hr
Objective Lens Custom made by Leica Microsystems in Germany 20x/0.75 NA Plan Apo (40x scanning with 2x optical magnification changer) 20x/0.75 NA Plan Apo (40x scanning with 2x optical magnification changer) 20x/0.75 NA Plan Apo (40x scanning with 2x optical mag changer)
Slide Sizes Accepted 1x3 1x3 and 2x3 (1 slide) 1x3 and 2x3 (1 slide) 1x3 and 2x3 (autoloader)
Field of View (FOV) 1mm 0.5mm 0.5mm 0.5mm
Barcode Engines 1D and 2D Symbology 1D and 2D Symbology 1D and 2D Symbology 1D and 2D Symbology
Dimensions (W x L x H) 52.83 cm x 58.43 cm x 49.53 cm
(20.8 in x 23 in x 19.5 in)
Approximately 23.5 inches (H) x 16 inches (W) x 25.5 inches (D)
59.7 cm (H) x 40.6 cm (W) x 64.7 cm (D)
Approximately 23.5 inches (H) x 16 inches (W) x 25.5 inches (D)
59.7 cm (H) x 40.6 cm (W) x 64.7 cm (D)
Approximately 23.5 inches (H) x 16 inches (W) x 25.5 inches (D)
597 mm (H) x 406 mm (W) x 648 mm (D)
Weight 140 lbs (63.5 kg) 140 lbs (63.5 kg) 129 lbs (58.5 kg) 105 lbs (47.6 kg)

Downloads

Brochure

Flyer

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.3 - English

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.3 - Simplified Chinese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.3 - Traditional Chinese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.3 - Portuguese-Brazil

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.3 - Japanese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.3 - Korean

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.1 - English

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.1 - Simplified Chinese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.1 - Portuguese-Brazil

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.1 - Korean

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.1 - Japanese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3.1 - Traditional Chinese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3 - English

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3 - Japanese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3 - Korean

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3 – Simplified Chinese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3 – Traditional Chinese

Aperio GT 450 Release 1.3 – Portuguese Brazil

Aperio GT 450 Patch Notices

Resources

Videos

 
Introducing the Aperio GT 450 (click to play video; turn speakers up)
Training - Aperio GT 450 - Slide Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Aperio GT 450
How many slides per hour can it scan?

81 slides per hour @ 40x (15mm x 15mm area).

What is the scan speed?

32 seconds at 40x for 15mm x 15mm area

Does it have a workstation?

No, Aperio GT 450 has a scalable IT architecture solution …where a centralized SAM server is used to set up and monitor multiple GT 450 scanners from the IT professionals' office.

What is a SAM server?

Scanner Admin Manager (SAM) is a high performance server installed in the IT room that enables a centralized admin hub that is connected to multiple GT 450 scanners in the pathology lab. The GT 450 scanners stream DICOM files to the SAM server after which they are converted to an SVS file. SAM includes Mirth for data and event handling and HL7 for integration. SAM server client application software is loaded on the SAM server and enables IT professionals and lab directors to log in via secure network access and then set up and monitor GT 450 scanners in the lab, including dashboard status views, PIN controls for each scanner and log out times for each scanner.

Can I adjust the tissue finder?

Yes, in the rare case you need to adjust the tissue finder, the user can simply select “Scan Entire Slide” and the GT 450 will automatically scan the entire slide.

Do I need to perform pre-snaps?

No, this is automated with the Aperio GT 450 because it uses Real-Time Focusing.

Do I need to use calibrated monitor?

Yes, GT 450 images are designed to be viewed on calibrated monitors for the best possible viewing experience as it relates especially to color. We highly recommend that you use the Aperio Viewing Stations, which include monitors that are calibrated and haven been validated for use with the GT 450 images. The Aperio viewing station includes a proprietary image color correction (ICC) profile on the workstation that calibrates the monitor for use with GT 450 next generation images.

Is every slide calibrated during scanning?

Yes, during each scan, the scanning workflow includes a system calibration. This calibration is included in the 32 sec scan speed at 40x for a 15mm X 15mm area.

What is the resolution?

0.26 µm/pixel

Does it offer continuous loading while scanning?

Yes. This unique open face design allows up to 14 additional racks to be added or removed while scanning is in progress.

Are the Aperio GT 450 slide racks compatible with other devices from Leica Biosystems

Yes, these racks can be used across 3 of our devices, including Aperio GT 450, HistoCore SPECTRA workstation ST Stainer, and HistoCore SPECTRA workstation CV Coverslipper.

Note: HistoCore SPECTRA workstation ST Stainer, and HistoCore SPECTRA workstation CV Coverslipper, in combination with the Aperio GT 450, are for Research Use Only (RUO).