Tips for Choosing an Embedder

First, the instrument needs to be simple to use. This includes being easy to configure - including the temperature, scheduling and timing. A touch screen with an easy-to-use interface is also important because it offers a “one-stop shop” to configure and operate the instrument. This will allow for minimal training of staff and increased productivity.

Consider the size of the paraffin tank needed in your lab. A large tank will allow for fewer paraffin refills, less melting wait time, and allow for enhanced efficiency. In addition, ergonomic & insulated wrist pads helps provide added user comfort, and protection from the temperature of the hot plate and chill of cold plate.

A smooth workflow is all about making life easier for the user, while providing higher throughput. This includes using an instrument that is easy to maintain, but also easy to clean. Be sure the instrument uses high quality material on the workspaces because removing wax from plastic surfaces can be a difficult task. An effective scraper can help you clean and maintain the surfaces of your embedder, even for those hard to clean areas.

Customizable hot plate/cold plate set up – Consider a symmetric design that allows the instrument to be configured for left or right-handed lab personnel. This provides the additional flexibility to customize your workflow.

An automatic starter for the hot plate saves time by allowing you to program the start time based on your lab schedule. Normally, it can take 2-3 hours to heat the wax to the optimal temperature. For instance, if you plan to use the embedder at 8:30 am, the automatic start will initiate the heating process at 5:00 am, allowing you to save time and maximize efficiency in the lab. An automatic starter can also provide cost savings by only using electricity while the instrument is in use, and not during idle periods.

A consistent surface temperature for the hot & cold plate is critical during the embedding process. Without this temperature consistency, samples could freeze at different times, impacting quality of the sample and disrupting the workflow.

An LED light gives the operator the best view of the sample. These lights are much brighter and whiter than previous bulb types, providing better visibility during sample handling. Traditional lights can create a yellow tint that can change the color of the tissue. A pure white LED light provides a more natural and realistic representation of the tissue color.