New H&E Tissue Staining Solution Sets New Standard in Histopathology

A new hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining system provides exceptionally high tissue staining quality and efficiency that enhances patient care as well as lab technician safety.

The new “VENTANA HE 600” staining system from Roche (Basel, Switzerland) delivers fresh reagents on each individual slide without relying on user-supplied alcohol and deionized (DI) water, resulting in improved consistency and quality. This individual slide staining technology mitigates the risk of specimen cross-contamination that can occur with other technologies, helping to reduce patient misdiagnosis.

Elimination of xylene and alcohol and utilization of ready-to-use reagents reduce technician exposure to harmful chemicals. Workflow is improved by eliminating the need to manually mix reagents and track product expiration dates. The system offers over 400 individual staining protocols and is highly customizable, allowing for laboratory and pathologist preferences and tissue variables.

In a recent global test, over 4,000 slides from laboratories in 12 countries were stained on VENTANA HE 600 and reviewed by 67 pathologists with excellent results. Evaluation of the criteria, including nuclear detail and stain quality and intensity, resulted in a score of 3.7 on a scale of 4.0.

Robert C. Babkowski, MD, the lead pathologist on a recent 4-week beta-test conducted at Stamford Hospital where he reviewed over 1,000 slides, said, “When we compared our current system, the VENTANA HE 600 system is easier to use, the slides are exquisite, and the consistency is solid. The new system provides beautifully stained slides every time and has allowed me, as a working pathologist, to be even more efficient. Because the instrument is so easy to operate, my histo-technologists are now able to focus on other key histology functions.” Stamford Hospital is one of 4 beta-test sites.

“Approximately 80% of a pathologist's diagnostic report comes from the H&E stain. The VENTANA HE 600 system will help change the standard of care for laboratories, pathologists and, most importantly, cancer patients, who rely heavily on the H&E test,” said Roland Diggelmann, COO, Roche Diagnostics Division, “The system reflects Roche’s commitment to delivering innovation that meets the labs’ needs of today and tomorrow through meaningful advancements in staining quality, patient and laboratory safety, and workflow.”

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