Microwave-assisted tissue processing: real impact on the histology workflow.

Tissue processing is just one of many tasks in the histology workflow and accounts for 3% to 34% of the total time; it is technology dependent, but all other tasks are independent of this step and constitute the remaining 66% to 97% of the total time. The best histology workflow is one of fewer than 50 specimen loads processed sequentially in the shortest time possible, with postprocessing tasks completed in approximately the same time as the preprocessing and processing steps combined. Larger loads determine a total workflow too lengthy for an efficient continuous operation. This objective may be obtained with microwave-assisted instruments or by optimizing conventional instruments usage. As a major capital equipment investment, changing technology and selecting an instrument should also include a cost-effectiveness analysis.