Automated histological processing of biological specimens and associated technology

A system for processing a specimen on a slide, the system comprising:

• an automated slide processing module including
• a holding chamber, and
• an airknife assembly configured to move a volume of liquid along the slide held in the holding chamber, wherein the airknife assembly includes
• a first gas knife configured to form a first gas curtain, and
• a second gas knife configured to form a second gas curtain, wherein the first and second gas knives are spaced apart such that the first gas curtain and the second gas curtain define a containment gap for holding the volume of liquid on the slide while the airknife assembly moves along the slide.

A system for processing a specimen on a slide, the system comprising:

• an automated slide processing module including
• a holding chamber, and
• an airknife assembly configured to move a volume of liquid along the slide held in the holding chamber, wherein the airknife assembly is configured to produce at least one gas curtain configured to surround opposite sides of the volume of liquid held on the slide while the at least one gas curtain moves the volume of liquid along the slide;
• and
• a controller programmed to command the automated slide processing module to cause the at least one gas curtain to move along an upper surface of the slide.