Removal of embedding media from biological samples and cell conditioning on automated staining instruments

An automated method of removing paraffin based embedding media from a biological sample comprising an epitope and/or target and subsequently providing ell antigen retriveal, the method comprising the steps of

• loading a plurality of biological samples into an automated apparatus wherein the biological samples are embedded with a paraffin based embedding medium that includes infused media;
• heating the biological sample containing paraffin based embedding medium to a temperature at or above the paraffin based embedding medium's melting point to liquefy the paraffin based embedding medium including the infused media;
• applying an immiscible liquid that includes a detergent to the biological sample to separate the liquified paraffin based embedding medium including the infused media from the biological sample, wherein said immiscible liquid has a density greater than that of the liquefied paraffin based embedding medium,
• rinsing away said separated and liquefied paraffin based embedding medium from the biological sample with a rinsing liquid or gas;
• applying at least one reagent to the biological sample to facilitate antigen retrieval;
• and
• applying heat to the biological sample to raise its temperature above at least about sixty degrees C. thereby effectively exposing the epitope and/or target for subsequent detection.

An automated method of removing embedding media from a biological sample, the method comprising tic steps of:

• heating the biological sample containing embedding medium to a temperance at or above the embedding medium's melting point;
• applying an immiscible liquid to the biological sample to separate the liquified embedding medium from the biological sample, wherein said immiscible liquid has a density greater than that of the liquefied embedding medium;
• and
• rinsing away said liquefied embedding medium from the biological sample without leaving significant amounts of residual embedding medium.

An automated method of removing embedding media from a biological sample, the method comprising the steps of:

• heating the biological sample containing embedding medium to a temperature at or above the embedding medium's melting point;
• applying an immiscible liquid with a detergent to the biological sample to separate the liquified embedding medium from the biological sample, wherein said immiscible liquid has a density greater than that of the liquefied embedding medium;
• and
• rinsing away said liquefied embedding medium from the biological sample without leaving significant amounts of residual embedding medium.

An automated method of removing embedding media from a biological sing the steps of:

• heating the biological sample containing embedding medium to at least about 55° C.;
• applying an immiscible liquid and a detergent to the biological sample to separate the liquified embedding medium from the biological sample, wherein said immiscible liquid has a density greater than that of the liquefied embedding medium;
• and
• rinsing away said liquefied embedding medium from the biological sample without leaving significant amounts of residual embedding medium.