Automated reagent dispensing system and method of operation

A method of dispensing reagent, comprising:

• determining an inventory of an automated reagent dispensing system comprising a plurality of stainers, the determining an inventory comprising retrieving information from an identifier on at least one slide retaining tray for retaining a slide in the automated reagent dispensing system by the automated reagent dispensing system, the information identifying a reagent contained in the tray;
• downloading, by the automated reagent dispensing system, a processing program from a central controller, the processing program comprising steps for performing an automated staining procedure;
• determining, by the automated reagent dispensing system, a reagent staining protocol for reagents based on the identified reagent;
• and
• transmitting the reagent staining protocol to a manifold controller of the automated reagent dispensing system;
• operating, by the manifold controller, the automated reagent dispensing system based on the processing program to perform the reagent staining protocol and independently of the central controller and independent of additional communication with the central controller during performance of the reagent staining protocol, wherein the reagent staining protocol comprises a staining process to dispense one or more reagents to a sample in the at least one slide retaining tray, the operating comprising:
• dispensing at least one of the reagents from a reagent container into the at least one slide retaining tray according to the reagent staining protocol.