Pathology and Histology Storage

High-Density Storage Systems

High-density storage systems are efficient long-term solutions for pathology slide storage, perfect for facilities running low on storage space. In these mobile storage systems, shelving units slide on floor tracks, eliminating the wasted aisle space between traditional static pathology slide storage cabinets. A high-density storage system can increase your pathology lab storage capacity by over 100%, comfortably accommodating your current storage needs and creating room for future growth.

High-density pathology storage systems are designed for efficiency. The shelving units can be built to the full height of your facility, leaving no wasted overhead space. The heavy-duty shelves are adjustable to store glass slide boxes, paraffin blocks, or trays of test tubes and other lab samples. To maximize storage density, you can store each item with the least amount of excess space between shelves.

The heavy-duty steel shelves will handle the weight of heavy pathology slide storage boxes. Though we recommend storing heavier glass slides on lower shelves and lighter paraffin blocks on higher shelves, which makes for easier and safer access and retrieval for staff. For optimal organization and fast retrieval, label aisles with reference numbers so staff can quickly locate the needed samples.​

Due to its compact nature, a high-density storage system is best for long-term pathology and histology storage where the slides and blocks have less activity. The system usually leaves space for one or two moveable access aisles, easily opened by an ergonomic manual handle or the push of a button for powered systems. The electronically powered systems are recommended for heavier-duty applications like pathology slide storage. High-density systems can also be installed in refrigerated storage areas, a wise choice for maximizing your storage capacity in expensive climate-controlled space.

And regarding security, both manual and powered high-density systems have locking options. An electronic keypad provides the maximum access control; you can program it to lock the entire system or individual aisles and restrict access to authorized employees only.

Vertical Carousels

Vertical carousels are another efficient solution for pathology and histology slide storage. A vertical carousel is an enclosed system of vertically arranged carriers that rotate automatically for quick and convenient access to stored specimens. The carriers support trays of slides, and the heavy-duty system utilizes your facility’s overhead space to maximize your storage density in a limited footprint, saving up to 75% of floor space compared to traditional pathology slide storage cabinets.

Vertical carousels are safer and more convenient than a high-density shelving system because all the carriers are accessible at an ergonomic work counter. The staff doesn’t have to risk personal injury or damage to specimens by climbing ladders or bending down to store or retrieve heavy boxes of glass slides. Instead, the desired carrier travels directly to the operator, who can slide the tray of specimens onto the ADA-compliant adjustable work counter—no heavy lifting necessary.

In terms of security, vertical carousels have locking doors to keep stored specimens secure within the system, protecting them from unauthorized access, dust, and other contaminants. Software integration options provide access control, inventory management, and pick-to-light capabilities for quicker and more accurate slide retrieval.

Vertical carousels have a flexible design, with up to 31 carriers depending on your space constraints and storage needs. Vertical carousels can also be used for climate-controlled and cold storage environments. In addition to storing pathology slides and paraffin blocks, they can store other items such as histology cassettes, microscope slides, blood bags, test tube racks, pharmaceuticals, and other general lab supplies.

In terms of security, vertical carousels have locking doors to keep stored specimens secure within the system, protecting them from unauthorized access, dust, and other contaminants. Software integration options provide access control, inventory management, and pick-to-light capabilities for quicker and more accurate slide retrieval.

Vertical carousels have a flexible design, with up to 31 carriers depending on your space constraints and storage needs. Vertical carousels can also be used for climate-controlled and cold storage environments. In addition to storing pathology slides and paraffin blocks, they can store other items such as histology cassettes, microscope slides, blood bags, test tube racks, pharmaceuticals, and other general lab supplies.

Pathology and Histology Drawer Cabinets

Pathology slide storage cabinets with drawers are an excellent alternative for smaller applications or temporary pathology specimen storage. The cabinets consist of fixed shelving with modular drawers for storing trays of glass slides or blocks. The customizable drawer cabinets keep slides organized and provide easy access during the processing and testing stage. Afterward, the trays will transfer to a long-term storage solution, such as a high-density storage system or vertical carousel.

Improving Histology Slide Storage

Even with efficient pathology and histology storage solutions like these, sorting and keeping track of histology and pathology slides is often a pain point for labs. The histology slide sorting machine alleviates this problem by automating the sorting and filing of specimen slides for storage. Staff can load up to 200 slides into the device at a time; the machine automatically sorts the slides into magazines and tracks each slide’s storage location in a database for future reference. Staff then transfer filled slide magazines to a long-term storage solution, such as a high-density shelving system. Visit our online store to see our healthcare storage products.