Description
Specifications
Parameter | Detail |
Model | RD-2018 |
Equipment Type | Combination of Flotation Bath; Slide Dryer; and Oven |
Temperature Range (Bath; Dryer; Oven) | 0ā to 75ā (0ā to 99ā option available) |
Temperature Control | Computer precise temperature control (Microprocessor-controlled) |
Screen | Medical-grade high-definition color touch screen |
Flotation Bath Volume | 2 Liters (2L) |
Dryer Capacity (Plate) | 60 tissue sections simultaneously (Wear-resistant; multi-layer bevel design) |
Oven Capacity | 180 slides simultaneously (Holds 6 standard staining racks of 30 slides each) |
Heating Time | Reaches 75ā in up to 10 minutes |
Product Dimensions (W x D x H) | 570 mm x 430 mm x 180 mm |
Water Bath Dimensions | 210 mm x 170 mm x 55 mm |
Oven Dimensions | 240 mm x 152 mm x 110 mm |
Power Supply | AC220V±10%; 50Hz±1Hz |
Power | 600 VA |
Additional Features | Separate heating for Oven/Dryer; Programmable timing switch function; Unique timing reminder function. |
Introduction
This Integrated Flotation Bath & Dryer is a streamlined workstation designed to consolidate the critical paraffin section mounting process into a single, unified instrument. It seamlessly transitions tissue ribbons from a heated water bath for gentle expansion, to a warm drying surface for adhesion, and finally into a dedicated oven for accelerated curing. By integrating these three key steps, this system standardizes workflow, saves valuable bench space, and enhances preparation efficiency for high-quality histological slides.
Apparatus and Equipment
The CS-RD-2018 is used in conjunction with the following equipment and materials in the histopathology laboratory:
Complementary Equipment
Microtome
Slides
Standard glass slides for mounting the sections.
Staining Racks
Used to transport and hold slides within the Oven section.
Key Components of the RD-2018
Flotation Bath
A 2L container for distilled water, where tissue sections are “stretched” to remove wrinkles.
Beveled Drying Plate
An inclined, wear-resistant surface designed to drain excess water and rapidly dry up to 60 sections.
Oven
Touch Control Panel
Glass Cover
To increase the heating efficiency of the flotation bath.
Training Protocol
Objective: To properly flatten, adhere, and dry paraffin sections onto glass slides using the integrated system.
Procedure:
1- Preparation:
- Ensure the unit is powered on and has reached setpoint temperatures.
- Flotation Bath: Set to 40-45°C (or as determined by your lab’s SOP for your specific paraffin).
- Dryer & Oven: Set to 60-65°C.
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2- Section Flotation:
- Using forceps, carefully place the paraffin ribbon(s) onto the surface of the heated water bath.
- Allow the sections to float for 30-60 seconds, or until all wrinkles have fully expanded.
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3- Slide Mounting & Draining:
- Gently submerge a pre-labeled slide at an angle into the bath beneath the floating sections.
- Slowly and steadily lift the slide, allowing the sections to settle onto the slide surface.
- Carefully place the slide onto the inclined, heated drying surface. The beveled design will allow excess water to drain away.
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4- Drying & Curing:
- Allow slides to remain on the dryer until the sections appear fully set and the surrounding water has evaporated (typically 3-5 minutes).
- For final curing and to remove residual moisture, transfer the slides into the pre-heated oven.
- Bake slides for 10-15 minutes before proceeding to staining protocols.
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SUMMARY:
The water flotation bath and dryer is an integrated system designed for efficient spreading, drying, and curing of paraffin-embedded tissue sections used in histology and pathology labs. It combines a heated water bath for wrinkle-free ribbon flotation, a drying surface for secure slide adhesion, and an oven for final curing in one compact unit.
All three modules operate within a temperature range of 0°C to 75°C or 0°C to 99°C. The flotation bath has a 2.0-liter capacity for smooth section spreading, the dryer accommodates up to 60 slides on a beveled surface for effective drainage, and the oven holds six slide racks for up to 180 slides.
The system enhances workflow efficiency, saves bench space, and supports high-throughput slide preparation. It ensures consistent results by standardizing the flotation, drying, and curing processes within a single unit.
It is suitable for moderate to high-volume histology laboratories requiring precise and reliable performance. Users should follow proper temperature settings and safety procedures to ensure high-quality slide preparation and operator safety.
Data Analysis
The CS-RD-2018 is a processing and preparation instrument; therefore, it does not generate direct analytical data. The primary “data” that is evaluated is the quality of the final product (the slide), which is subsequently analyzed under a microscope.
Quality Parameters to Evaluate (Output Data):
Section Integrity: Absence of wrinkles, folds, or tears in the tissue.
Tissue Adhesion: The firmness with which the tissue is adhered to the slide, preventing lift-off during subsequent staining procedures (H&E, IHC).
Consistency: Uniformity in the stretching and drying of the sections, achieved through the equipment’s precise temperature control.
The quality of the slide preparation is a critical factor that directly impacts the validity and interpretation of histological data (microscopic images and measurements).
Literature Review
The combination flotation bath and dryer is a de facto standard in modern histopathology laboratories. Reference literature in histotechnology, such as the National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) manual or Bancroft’s texts, emphasizes the necessity of precise temperature control.
Scientific Context: Temperature control is vital for:
Flattening: Keeping the bath water just below the paraffin melting point allows for stretching without causing distortion or cellular damage.
Adhesion: Oven drying is a necessary “curing” step to form a strong bond between the tissue and the slide. The oven temperature must be high enough to melt the paraffin, but not so high as to damage the tissue’s protein structures (antigens), especially in preparations intended for Immunohistochemistry (IHC). The RD-2018, with its temperature ranges up to 99°C, provides the flexibility to meet the most rigorous adhesion standards.
Strengths and Limitations
3-in-1 Combination Design
High Capacity
Precision Digital Control
Programmable Functions
Voltage Sensitivity
Maintenance Dependence
Potential for Cross-Heating
References
Shenyang Roundfin Technology Co., Ltd. (2024). Product Data Sheet: RD-2018 Combination Tissue Flotation Bath and Slide Dryer. Retrieved from: https://www.roundfin.com/product/roundfin-rd-2018-combination-tissue-flotation-bath-and-slide-dryer
Carson, F. L., & Hladik, C. (2009). Histotechnology: A Self-Instructional Text. 3rd ed. ASCP Press. (Standard reference for tissue flotation and drying protocols).









