Why Histology Labs Are Moving Beyond Handwritten Cassettes

Why Histology Labs Are Moving Beyond Handwritten Cassettes

Sarah Blondin

Handwritten cassette labeling has long been standard practice in histology labs, but it can introduce risks ranging from illegible writing and labeling errors to workflow bottlenecks. Learn how automated cassette printing improves specimen traceability, patient safety, laboratory efficiency, and standardization while supporting modern barcode-driven workflows.

Why Histology Labs Are Moving Beyond Handwritten Cassettes

Why Histology Labs Are Moving Beyond Handwritten Cassettes

Sarah Blondin

Handwritten cassette labeling has long been standard practice in histology labs, but it can introduce risks ranging from illegible writing and labeling errors to workflow bottlenecks. Learn how automated cassette printing improves specimen traceability, patient safety, laboratory efficiency, and standardization while supporting modern barcode-driven workflows.

What to Look for When Buying a Manual Microtome

What to Look for When Buying a Manual Microtome

Sarah Blondin

Learn what to look for when buying a manual microtome, including precision, durability, safety features, and ease of use. Discover how the Rankin Manual Microtome helps histology labs achieve reliable, high-quality sectioning with dependable everyday performance.

Brent's Breakdown: The Anatomy of A Microtome Blade. Brent is standing infront of a chalkboard with his arms crossed

The Anatomy of a Microtome Blade and the Physics of Sectioning

Brent Rankin

Learn how blade geometry, bevel design, and clearance angle affect section quality in microtomy. This guide explains why compression, chatter, ribboning issues, and thick-thin sections occur, and how understanding cutting geometry can help histotechnologists troubleshoot more effectively.

Peltier Cooling Systems in Embedding Centers and Cryostats: How They Work and Why They Fail

Peltier Cooling Systems in Embedding Centers and Cryostats: How They Work and Why They Fail

Brent Rankin
In histology labs, temperature control is critical for embedding and maintaining consistent workflow. Many embedding centers and some cryostats rel...
Using a Cryostat with a Battery Backup or Power Conditioner: Why It’s a Bad Idea

Using a Cryostat with a Battery Backup or Power Conditioner: Why It’s a Bad Idea

Brent Rankin

Using a battery backup or UPS with a cryostat can damage compressors and electronics. Learn why inductive loads like cryostats should not be connected to battery backup systems, even pure sine wave units.

What Persistent Chemical Odors in Your Histology Lab Really Mean

What Persistent Chemical Odors in Your Histology Lab Really Mean

Brent Rankin

This blog explains why these odors occur, the effects of common histology vapors, the recommended exposure limits, and what you can do to eliminate the smell and create a safer lab environment.

I Hit My Blade Holder with My Cassette Clamp. Can I Fix It?

I Hit My Blade Holder with My Cassette Clamp. Can I Fix It?

Brent Rankin

Accidents happen, even to the most experienced histotechs. You go to trim or reposition your block, and suddenly the cassette clamp makes contact with the blade holder.

Troubleshooting VIP 5 Errors? It Might Just Be Your Retort Gasket... And That’s Good News!

Troubleshooting VIP 5 Errors? It Might Just Be Your Retort Gasket... And That’s Good News!

Brent Rankin

Unlike pump failures, valve malfunctions, or electrical issues, a bad gasket is a quick, low-cost fix that most lab professionals can handle in minutes.

You don’t need to wait days for a technician or run the risk lost samples. And best of all, you can get an OEM-compatible replacement gasket right now from a trusted source.

HOW TO: Uncrating Stand-Up Refurbished Equipment

HOW TO: Uncrating Stand-Up Refurbished Equipment

Justin Rabidoux

How to uncrate/unpackage refurbished cryostats and tissue processors from Rankin Biomedical.

How the Can-Filter System Dramatically Reduced Formaldehyde Exposure in Pathology Labs

How the Can-Filter System Dramatically Reduced Formaldehyde Exposure in Pathology Labs

Brent Rankin

"[The Rankin Can-Filter Fume System] is absolutely better than what is out there right now,” Prince told our team during a recent review. “It’s powerful—and more importantly, it works.

Why Refurbished Histology Equipment Might Be Your Lab’s Smartest Move in 2025

Why Refurbished Histology Equipment Might Be Your Lab’s Smartest Move in 2025

Justin Rabidoux

Major brands manufacture much of their equipment in China and rely on key components from overseas. This means lab managers across the U.S. may now be facing longer lead times, higher prices, and fewer options.

LIS-Compatible Printers in the Histology Lab

LIS-Compatible Printers in the Histology Lab

Carter Smith

Most LIS platforms are capable of generating output files—such as text or CSV
files—that contain the data needed for printing cassettes and slides. If your printer
software can monitor a shared folder and automatically process those files, integration
is not only possible, but seamless.

Histology Lab Fume Filtration with the Rankin Can-Filter Fume Filtration System

Histology Lab Fume Filtration with the Rankin Can-Filter Fume Filtration System

Sarah Blondin

The Rankin Can-Filter Fume Filtration System is a stand-alone, whole-room carbon filter solution designed to remove hazardous fumes in histology labs, ensuring a cleaner and safer work environment. With no need for ventilation modifications, easy plug-and-play operation, and powerful chemical filtration, it’s the ideal addition to any lab’s safety measures.

Since 1995

Rankin has been a leader in supplying anatomic pathology equipment and supplies. Still family owned and operated in southeast Michigan.