Automated staining system

An apparatus for staining samples, comprising:

• a staining chamber configured to receive a staining substrate,
• wherein the staining chamber and the staining substrate create a staining reservoir that is closed and defined when placed in contact,
• wherein the staining reservoir comprises a first port configured to introduce a fluid or gas into the staining reservoir and a second port configured to remove excess fluid or gas;
• a plurality of reagent vessels in fluid communication with the first port and the staining reservoir by at least a first tubular line,
• wherein each of the plurality of reagent vessels comprises a barcode identifying a fluid in a respective reagent vessel;
• a waste vessel in fluid connection with the second port and the staining reservoir by a second tubular line;
• a controller, electrically connected to the apparatus, configured to permit execution of a programmed staining protocol,
• wherein the programmed staining protocol is adjusted based on information generated by scanning the barcode of each of the plurality of reagent vessels;
• and
• at least one pump, communicatively coupled to the controller, configured to transport fluid through the apparatus.

A method of staining a sample, comprising:

• staining, based on a staining protocol, the sample on a staining substrate in an apparatus comprising:
• a staining chamber configured to receive the staining substrate,
• wherein the staining chamber and the staining substrate create a staining reservoir that is closed and defined when placed in contact,
• wherein the staining reservoir comprises a first port configured to introduce a fluid or gas into the staining reservoir and a second port configured to remove excess fluid or gas;
• a plurality of reagent vessels in fluid communication with the first port and the staining reservoir by at least a first tubular line,
• wherein each of the plurality of reagent vessels comprises a barcode identifying a fluid in a respective reagent vessel;
• a waste vessel in fluid connection with the second port and the staining reservoir by a second tubular line;
• a controller, electrically connected to the apparatus, configured to permit execution of a programmed staining protocol;
• and
• at least one pump, communicatively coupled to the controller, configured to transport fluid through the apparatus;
• and
• using the controller, prior to the execution of the programmed staining protocol, to adjust the programmed staining protocol based on information generated by scanning the barcode of each of the plurality of reagent vessels.