Slide Draining Tray

The tray holds up to 200 standard 25mm x 75mm (1 x 3) microscope slides when using both positions in each of the 100 slots. If using only one slide per slot (for applications requiring more space between slides), the capacity is 100 slides. This flexibility allows users to choose the appropriate density for their specific application.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is an engineering thermoplastic that offers exceptional chemical resistance to the wide range of stains and reagents used in histology—including alcohols, xylene, hematoxylin, eosin, and special stains. It also provides excellent impact resistance (preventing breakage if dropped) and dimensional stability (maintaining precise slot dimensions over decades). These properties make ABS the best material choice for draining trays exposed to harsh laboratory chemicals.

The tray features permanent numbering on each of the 100 slots (typically 1-100). Each number corresponds to both slide positions within that slot. Users can maintain simple or sophisticated indexing systems correlating slot numbers with specimen information, enabling systematic organization of even 200-slide batches. This ensures traceability and efficient retrieval—the best system for high-volume workflow management.

The slots are designed with generous spacing that allows users to gently tilt or slide individual slides forward or backward within their slots. This enables convenient recognition by allowing better viewing of labels and specimen areas without removing slides from the tray. Its particularly valuable during quality control checks, allowing rapid assessment of staining quality across large batches without disturbing slide organization.

The tray is designed with a slightly recessed or channeled surface that directs excess stains, reagents, and wash solutions away from slides. When placed on a level surface, liquids drain to the edges or to collection points. The tray can also be tilted (using integrated supports or by placing one edge on a raised surface) for active drainage. This prevents slides from sitting in pooled reagents, which can cause uneven staining or cross-contamination—ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

ABS offers excellent resistance to a wide range of laboratory chemicals including: alcohols (ethanol, methanol, isopropanol), xylene, formalin, hematoxylin, eosin, and most common histology and cytology stains. It also resists dilute acids and bases. However, prolonged exposure to strong oxidizing agents, concentrated acids, or some organic solvents like acetone may affect the material. For specific chemical compatibility, consult standard ABS resistance charts.

ABS is not suitable for steam autoclaving, as the high temperatures will cause warping and damage. For decontamination, use standard laboratory disinfectants compatible with ABS plastics. These trays are designed for routine staining procedures where chemical disinfection, rather than heat sterilization, is appropriate.

Cleaning is straightforward due to the non-porous ABS surface. After use, rinse thoroughly with running water to remove residual stains. For deeper cleaning, wash with mild laboratory detergent and warm water using a soft brush if needed. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water. The trays can be air-dried or wiped dry. The smooth surface resists stain absorption, making cleaning quick and effective even after exposure to strong stains.

Code 62502 is supplied in packs of 6 pieces. This economical pack quantity allows high-throughput laboratories to dedicate multiple trays for different staining protocols (H&E, special stains, IHC) or to process multiple batches simultaneously. The 6-piece pack delivers exceptional value for laboratories with significant slide processing volumes.

Yes, these draining trays feature a stackable design that allows multiple trays to be stacked when not in use. The robust ABS construction supports stacking without deformation, and the design includes features that prevent sticking. This stackability maximizes storage efficiency when trays are not in active use.

Yes, these versatile trays are suitable for virtually all manual staining procedures including routine H&E, special stains (PAS, trichrome, reticulin, etc.), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and cytology stains. The chemical-resistant ABS withstands the reagents used in these protocols, while the draining design ensures consistent results. The dual-slide capacity is particularly valuable for high-volume routine stains, while the numeric indexing supports traceability for all applications.

Standard staining dishes typically hold slides vertically in fixed positions with limited capacity. These Polylab draining trays offer significant advantages: 200-slide capacity for high-throughput processing; dual-slide design doubles capacity without increasing footprint; numeric indexing enables systematic organization; adequate slide movement allows convenient recognition; draining functionality prevents pooling; and durable ABS construction withstands harsh reagents. For laboratories processing large numbers of slides, these trays are the best choice and the top rated solution.

These slide draining trays combine multiple features that make them exceptional for high-volume processing: the premium ABS construction ensures decades of chemical resistance; the dual-slide capacity provides 200-slide throughput in minimal space; the numeric indexing maintains organization for large batches; the adequate spacing enables convenient slide movement for quality checks; the draining design ensures consistent staining results; the easy-clean surface simplifies maintenance; and the economical 6-piece pack delivers outstanding value. This comprehensive design, focused on the real needs of high-throughput laboratories, makes these trays the best choice and the top rated solution among histology professionals.