Histo-AK Slide Drying Oven by HISTO (Hengdao Manufacturing)
| Brand | HISTO (Hengdao Manufacturing) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | Histo-AK |
| Price | USD 850 (FOB Zhejiang) |
| Dimensions | 30 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm |
| Power Consumption | 200 W |
| Operating Voltage | 220 V, 50 Hz |
| Temperature Range | 0–100 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Maximum Capacity | ≥49 standard glass slides (76 mm × 26 mm) |
| Display | Digital LED temperature readout with intuitive keypad interface |
| IP Rating | IPX5-rated sealed enclosure for full-unit rinsing |
Overview
The Histo-AK Slide Drying Oven is a compact, laboratory-engineered thermal processing instrument designed specifically for histopathology workflows. It employs resistive heating elements combined with PID-controlled air convection to achieve uniform, stable thermal environments across the slide chamber—enabling consistent dehydration and adhesion optimization of tissue sections on standard microscope slides (76 mm × 26 mm). Unlike conventional benchtop ovens, the Histo-AK integrates space-constrained engineering without compromising thermal fidelity: its footprint measures only 30 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm, permitting direct placement adjacent to microtomes or staining platforms. The device operates within a validated temperature range of 0–100 °C, with setpoint resolution of 0.1 °C and real-time stability maintained within ±1 °C under load—critical for reproducible antigen retrieval preparation and paraffin section bonding prior to H&E or IHC staining.
Key Features
- Ultra-compact footprint (30 × 20 × 10 cm) optimized for high-density histology lab layouts
- PID-driven temperature regulation with digital LED display and tactile keypad for precise setpoint entry and monitoring
- Uniform airflow distribution system ensuring ±0.8 °C inter-slide temperature deviation across full 49-slide capacity
- IPX5-rated sealed chassis enabling full-unit cleaning under low-pressure water rinse—no disassembly or water tank removal required
- Lightweight aluminum-alloy housing with corrosion-resistant anodized finish and non-slip silicone feet
- Thermal cut-off safety circuitry compliant with IEC 61010-1:2010 for Class II laboratory equipment
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Histo-AK accommodates all standard 1-mm-thick glass microscope slides (76 mm × 26 mm), including charged, APES-coated, and polymer-coated variants used in molecular pathology applications. Slide racks are removable and autoclavable (121 °C, 15 min), supporting GLP-aligned workflow hygiene protocols. The unit meets electromagnetic compatibility requirements per EN 61326-1:2013 and conforms to essential health and safety requirements outlined in the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not certified to ISO 13485, its design aligns with ISO 15189 pre-analytical process control recommendations for slide drying consistency in accredited pathology laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The Histo-AK operates as a standalone hardware platform with no embedded firmware or network connectivity. All operational parameters—including set temperature, elapsed time, and current chamber temperature—are displayed in real time via the front-panel LED interface. No data logging, USB export, or remote control functionality is included, reflecting its purpose-built role as a deterministic thermal endpoint device rather than a connected diagnostic instrument. For labs requiring audit trails, external temperature validation loggers (e.g., calibrated thermistors per ASTM E2877-22) may be deployed during routine PQ verification.
Applications
- Drying freshly floated tissue sections post-microtomy to ensure optimal albumin-based adhesion prior to baking or staining
- Controlled dehydration of cytology smears and liquid-based preparations (LBP) to minimize cellular distortion
- Pre-baking step for immunohistochemistry protocols requiring 60 °C for 1 hour to enhance epitope exposure
- Stabilization of RNA-in-situ hybridization (RISH) slides prior to protease treatment
- Low-temperature conditioning (e.g., 37 °C) of frozen section mounts to reduce ice crystal artifact formation
FAQ
Is the Histo-AK suitable for use in ISO 15189-accredited pathology laboratories?
Yes—the device supports documented thermal validation procedures and complies with mechanical and electrical safety standards referenced in ISO 15189 Annex A for pre-analytical instrumentation.
Can the slide rack accommodate frosted-end or barcoded slides?
Yes—rack geometry maintains 2 mm clearance per slide edge, accommodating standard frosted-end, barcode-labeled, and electrostatically coated variants without contact interference.
Does the unit include calibration documentation?
No factory calibration certificate is supplied; however, the temperature sensor is traceable to NIM (China National Institute of Metrology), and users may perform in-house verification using a NIST-traceable probe per CLSI EP29-A guidelines.
What maintenance is required beyond routine rinsing?
None—no consumables, filters, or lubricants are specified. Annual visual inspection of heater terminals and gasket integrity is recommended per manufacturer’s preventive maintenance schedule.
Is the Histo-AK compatible with 110 V / 60 Hz power systems?
No—it is configured exclusively for 220 V / 50 Hz operation. A step-down transformer meeting IEC 61558-2-1 requirements must be used for deployment in North American or Japanese facilities.
