The Milestone HistoDream EW is an Embedding workstation with biospecimen traceability when paired with the Milestone HistoDrean TS-tracking system.
The HistoDream EW is a modern, cost effective, efficient alternative to standard embedding systems. The three independent modules offer flexibility and ergonomics, allowing labs to arrange the embedding workflow in the direction that best suits their daily needs. The HistoDream Tracking System (optional) allows for visual validation of tissue consistency at the time of embedding.
The HistoDream Dispensing Module is compatible with all cassette types including Mega and Super Mega cassettes, has two built in paraffin trimmers, heated forcep wells and programmable heating. The paraffin reservoir as a capacity for 5 liters of molten paraffin. The reservoir and conduits are always heated and ready for urgent operation.
The HistoDream Thermal Module has the storage capacity of up to 400 molds, programmable heating, and space suitable for Mega and SuperMega cassettes. The Thermal Module also accommodates up to 300 cassettes and is compatible with Milestone tissue processing racks or any standard rack on the market.
The HistoDream Cold Embedding Module provides even temperature distribution over the entire cooling surface, has an optional temperature range from O to -12 degrees Celsius, enough space for 60 standard molds and uses an environmentally safe refrigerant (R134a). The HistoDream Cold Embedding Module and be placed on either side of the dispensing console or can be used as a stand-alone unit.
Milestone offers a tracking system, magnifying glass, foot pedal and heated forceps and optional accessories.
The HistoDream Tracking System empowers Histotech to visually match grossed specimens to processed specimens before embedding by retrieving the digital images of each cassette taken at the time of grossing and compare those images to the cassette at the time of embedding. Detection of mismatched numbers, tissue size or type of specimen before embedding allows for early corrective actions. The HistoDream Tracking System is available for all types of embedding stations.
HistoDream EW (Embedding Workstation) is a highly efficient instrument to embed wax-infiltrated tissue specimens for use in pathology laboratories.
Only for the following operations:
– Dissolve solid wax for specimen embedding and to keep it melted at the required temperature.
– Fill the molds where the tissue specimens have been placed with wax.
– Heat and keep the temperatures of the molds and tweezers.
The instrument is intended for laboratory use (indoor use) only.
HistoDream EW can be easily programmed.
You can program:
– The actual date and time (internal clock / calendar)
– The temperature in each zone
-The days and time when to automatically start up and shut down the unit
– Holidays: dates on which the unit does not switch on even if, according to the automatic cycle daily setting, it should switch on (e.g. company closures, etc.)
If the display is in energy saving mode (backlight off), press the MANUAL MODE key to
switch the backlight back on in any screen.
The temperature values for other HistoDream EW zones can be then changed using the Dispensing Module control panel. Please note that, for safety reasons, some values are internally limited by the unit. This is why no temperature values exceeding certain limits can be selected.
The zones consist of the Wax Storage Tank, Working Area, Dispensing Valve, Front Chamber (cassette storage), Rear Chamber (mold storage), Duct (this is a tube conveying wax from the storage tank to the solenoid valve), Cold Module and Auxiliary Forceps.
If the cold module operates as a standalone unit, the temperature is adjusted via the potentiometer located on the back of the instrument.If the unit is not programmed for automatic startup, manual startup and shut down is enabled when the manual key is pressed.HistoDream EW offers several options for programming the unit’s operating times:
– The same times from MONDAY to FRIDAY
– Different operating hours (or shutdown) on SATURDAY and SUNDAY
– Individual programs for each day of the weekHistoDream EW will be ready for operation at the scheduled time as the heaters will have
already been connected automatically, so that the different areas are at the required temperature.HistoDream EW can be programmed in such a way that it does not automatically start on certain dates even if scheduled to start up by the automatic setting. This option is ideal for saving energy when the unit is not in use (e.g. on holidays or during company closures).To fill a mold with wax, simply place it under the injection nozzle and lightly press the operating lever or
press the pedal. The position of the operating lever can be easily adjusted by loosening the fastening knob and moving the lever to the most appropriate position for the size of the molds to be filled, e.g. if Supermega cassettes and related molds are used.The wax flow can be adjusted by turning the knob above the injection nozzle.
The flow has three levels:
-For maximum flow rate, turn the knob so that the larger circle is at the top.
– For medium flow rate, turn the knob counter clockwise so that the middle circle is at the top.
-To close the wax flow, turn the knob so that the smaller circle is at the top.The work area includes the embedding area, two grates to remove any excess wax from the blocks, eight tweezer holders and the cooling point. The work area temperature can be adjusted between 40°C (104°F) and 70°C (158 °F). Around the work area there are grooves and two drainage holes to quickly drain any excess wax. Below the work area there are two collection drawers for excess wax that are indirectly heated when the unit is on. A maximum of 8 tweezers can be housed in the tweezer housing holes.The cooling point is an integral part of the work area for adjusting the specimens; each mold is filled to
about one third with molten wax. Molten wax begins to solidify quickly at the cooling point. While wax is semi-molten, the specimen can be adjusted as required. Finally, the mold can be quickly filled
with wax.A LED light system provides consistent diffused lighting in the embedding area and cooling point. This
assures an optimal view of the dispensing process and tissue position. The light can be turned on by pressing the corresponding LIGHT button on the keypad. The brightness of the light can be adjusted by pressing and holding the relevant LIGHT button on the keypad.HistoDream EW routine maintenance prevents the onset of serious problems. Minimal routine maintenance is required from laboratory personnel using HistoDream EW. The following procedure is recommended to assure optimal performance for HistoDream EW.

Before/after every embedding
Ensure HistoDream EW is kept generally clean after each use. Do not use any abrasive or sharp material
that may damage the casing. Before each process, cleaning up the mould and tweezers is very important to prevent the block or tissue from sticking together.

Daily
The wax collection drawers must be checked every day, and must be emptied at least daily or whenever
they are full. To avoid contamination, do not re-use the wax collected in these drawers.

The procedure described here must be done at least once a day or following the regulations in use in the laboratory. For reasons of safety, any operation without the required personal protection equipment
is to be avoided.

The personnel involved in cleaning up HistoDream EW and its optional parts (if any) must wear personal
protective equipment, specifically:
• HI-RISK type single-use protection gloves (100% latex or equivalent material). Personal protection
system compliant with standard EN 374 and Directive 89/686/EEC.
• Antibacterial mask for surgical/operating theatre uses and a white coat. Personal protection system
compliant with standard EN 149 Grade FFP3D and Directive 89/686/EEC.

By its very nature, HistoDream EW requires careful cleaning up every day after use.
Do not use solvents, aggressive detergents or sharp or pointed objects to clean the unit. Use the wax
scraper supplied with the instrument. Citric acid-based detergents and/or hot soapy water are also suitable for cleaning up the unit. The work area has drainage channels conveying any excess wax into the excess wax collection drawers. Before emptying the wax collection drawers, any excess wax in the work area must be removed to prevent wax from seeping into the instrument. To clean drainage channels and outflow holes, use a cotton pad.
Regularly empty the wax collection drawers. Emptying frequency may vary depending on use but is strongly recommended at least once a day. If the wax collection drawers are not emptied according to the previous instructions, excess wax will flow into the instrument and may damage it. Removing any wax from the excess wax collection drawers is made much easier by covering the whole bottom of each drawer with a simple piece of paper. Carefully remove the paper when required, but at least once a day.
Before extracting the removable drawers to empty them, remove any traces of molten wax from the work area with extreme care to prevent them from seeping into the equipment. On completion of the cleaning up operations, wait at least 5 minutes before connecting the unit to the power supply line and using it.

When using the heated forceps:
– Never insert the heated tips of the tweezers into two different holes because this would cause damage to the insulating layer, thus making the tweezers unusable.
– Join both tips of the tweezers and then place them into the hole. This will prevent damage to the insulating layer.
– Regularly check the insulating layer of the heating element.
– If heated tweezers are used to handle metal parts such as molds, make sure you only touch them with the end tips of the tweezers, avoiding any contact with the heating element.
Failure to comply with this indication may cause a deep abrasion in the insulating
layer with a consequent short circuit and loss of warranty.

Tissue embedding is a tissue preparation technique used when a technician needs to be able to cut very small samples of tissue with a device known as a microtome. The tissue is supported in a medium, allowing the technician to create even, accurate cuts without crushing or otherwise damaging the tissue. The slices of tissue can be examined under a microscope to study their characteristics and collect information for use in diagnostic evaluations and other studies.
Samples of tissue can come from surgical biopsies, autopsies, and many other sources. The technician places the tissue into a cassette designed to be submerged in the embedding medium. Paraffin, plastics, epoxies, and some types of gel media can all be used. Once the medium has set, the sample can be pulled back out, inspected to confirm the embedding went smoothly, and sliced as desired. Thanks to the support of the medium, very fine tissue slices are available, allowing the technician to visualize a high level of detail.
Placement of samples in the cassette requires some training and experience, as the tissue needs to positioned appropriately for the type of study being conducted. If it is not placed right, it will be difficult to cut the desired cross sections and the sample may be ruined. Care must also be taken to process samples before embedding, following the appropriate protocol for the type of tissue and the treatment. Most labs have their own manuals for tissue embedding and other procedures and they expect technicians to follow these manuals.
Devices designed specifically for tissue embedding are available for labs in need of such equipment. These machines vary in size and design depending on the number of samples they are designed to process. Some are designed for specific embedding media, including proprietary compounds intended for specific kinds of histopathology applications. Tissue embedding equipment tends to be expensive and manufacturers have sales representatives who can provide information and advice when a lab is selecting new or replacement equipment. (1)

(1) wiseGEEK: What is Tissue Embedding?

Written By: Mary McMahon
Edited By: Kristen Osborne
Last Modified Date: 15 December 2019
Copyright Protected: 2003-2019 Conjecture Corporation