Coverslipper Maintenance: Why It Matters for Slide Quality and Lab Efficiency
Quick Background: What’s a Coverslipper?
In histology and pathology labs, a coverslipper is an automated instrument that applies a thin glass or film coverslip to stained microscope slides. This protects the tissue section, preserves staining, and ensures clarity under the microscope.
A Coverslipper in Your Lab
In a busy histology or pathology lab, your coverslipper might not be the first piece of equipment you think about—until it causes a problem. From smudged coverslips to machine breakdowns that stall slide production, a neglected coverslipper can quickly become the bottleneck of your entire workflow.
At Mercedes Scientific – Histology Equipment, we specialize in servicing and supplying refurbished and new coverslippers from trusted manufacturers. Here’s why coverslipper maintenance should be a top priority in your lab.
What Does a Coverslipper Do?
After tissue has been processed, embedded, sectioned, and stained, the final step before microscopic examination is coverslipping. This seemingly simple task is essential for:
- Protecting the tissue section and stain from damage and oxidation
- Ensuring optimal clarity for diagnostic review
- Maintaining the archival quality of slides for future reference
Automated cover slippers like those from Leica, Sakura, Slee, and Thermo Fisher streamline this process—but only when they’re running properly.
Common Coverslipper Issues Caused by Poor Maintenance
Failure to maintain your coverslipper can lead to several frustrating (and costly) problems, including:
- Bubbles under the coverslip
- Misalignment or shifting of the coverslip
- Excess or insufficient mounting medium
- Glue or resin buildup inside the instrument
- Unexpected breakdowns or inconsistent performance
- Broken or damaged slides
These issues affect slide quality, delay lab output, require rework, and even compromise diagnoses.
Key Maintenance Tasks for Coverslippers
Every lab’s usage pattern may be different, but here are some universal best practices for coverslipper upkeep:
1. Daily Cleaning – Always refer to the user manual for the Coverslipper
- Xylene-free coverslipping is difficult but requires the most maintenance.
- Most coverslippers require xylene in at least one area of the instrument. Fill the xylene required areas.
- Check for any mounting media drips or slide debris.
- Clean slide trays and slide transport arms
2. Weekly Preventive Tasks
- Clean and inspect mounting medium reservoirs and nozzles
- Check alignment and operation of slide handling mechanisms
- Review the user manual for your particular coverslipper.
3. Scheduled Professional Servicing
- Regularly scheduled maintenance from Mercedes Scientific technicians ensures calibration, firmware updates, and proactive part replacement.
Mercedes Scientific offers warranty-backed servicing and refurbishing options for most major coverslipper brands, including Slee, Leica, Sakura (tissue-tek), and Epredia.
Why Coverslipper Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable
Preserve Diagnostic Integrity
Tiny bubbles, misplaced coverslips, or drying artifacts can affect stain visibility and slide interpretation.
Protect Your Investment
Proper care helps you avoid premature part failure or complete system breakdowns—saving thousands in repair or replacement costs.
Ensure Workflow Consistency
One faulty coverslipper can halt slide production.
Partner With the Experts in Histology Equipment
At Mercedes Scientific, we know that behind every perfectly prepared slide is a well-maintained instrument. Whether you’re running high-throughput clinical samples or delicate research tissue, our team offers
- Refurbished coverslippers with Rapid Response warranties
- Scheduled servicing and support – Service Contracts Available
- Technical expertise in Leica, Sakura, Slee, and more
- The Leica CV5030 and Sakura Tissue Tek G2 are Glass coverslippers. Mercedes Scientific refurbishes and tests using 1000’s of slides before shipping. A 1-year rapid response coverslipper with a full warranty is included.
- The Sakura Tissue Tek 4740 and SCA 4764 coverslipper are both refurbished by Mercedes Scientific and are great examples of quality film coverslippers.
- The Slee MCS coverslipper is one of many options that you will find connected to a Slide stainer. This Glass coverslipper is loved by those who have it and the Slee german quality is superior.
Need Maintenance Support or a Refurbished Coverslipper?
Contact Mercedes Scientific—Histology Equipment for expert advice, servicing options, or to upgrade your coverslipper today.
