Contactless mixing using modulated air jets

An automated slide processing apparatus comprising:

• at least one fluid dispenser configured to dispense a fluid onto an upper surface of a specimen-bearing slide;
• and
• a contactless mixer for distributing the fluid present on the upper surface of the slide, where the contactless mixer includes a first nozzle array in fluidic communication with a first plenum, wherein the first nozzle array comprises a first set of primary nozzles directing a first gas stream in a first direction and a second set of primary nozzles directing a second gas stream in a second direction;
• and a second nozzle array in fluid communication with a second plenum, wherein the second nozzle array comprises a first set of secondary nozzles directing a third gas stream in a third direction and a second set of secondary nozzles directing a fourth gas stream in a fourth direction, wherein the first and second directions are opposite each other and wherein the gas streams emanating from the first and second sets of primary nozzles are directed substantially along a periphery of the fluid present on the upper surface of the slide.