PROCESSOR SCHEDULE TEMPLATES — EDUCATIONAL STARTING POINTS

Variables requiring local validation: fixation, tissue type and thickness, cassette load, reagent condition, processor design, temperature, vacuum/pressure, and downstream testing.

SMALL BIOPSIES (generally up to ~2 mm)
70% ethanol 15 min; 90–95% ethanol 15 min; three 100% ethanol stations 15, 15, 30 min; two clearing stations 20 min each; two paraffin stations 25 min each. Use validated temperature and vacuum settings.

ROUTINE SPECIMENS (~2–4 mm)
70% ethanol 30 min; 80% ethanol 30 min; 95% ethanol 45 min; three 100% ethanol stations 45 min each; two clearing stations 45 min each; two paraffin stations 45 min each.

LARGE / FATTY / FIBROUS / DENSE SPECIMENS
70% ethanol 45–60 min; 80% ethanol 45–60 min; 95% ethanol 60 min; three 100% ethanol stations 60 min each; two clearing stations 60 min each; two paraffin stations 60 min each; optional third paraffin station 45–60 min only if validated.

Pre-run checks: specimen category and thickness; fixation window; cassette load; reagent rotation; paraffin melting point/set temperature; vacuum/pressure; downstream IHC/ISH/molecular needs; validation reference.
