Hospitals and pathology laboratories face many challenges when storing glass specimen slides and paraffin blocks, including insufficient storage space, disorganization, and difficulty handling and storing heavy boxes of slides. A vertical slide storage carousel can alleviate these challenges.

Hospitals and laboratories can save up to 75% of their floor space using a vertical carousel for slide storage. In addition to increasing storage density, this automated storage system also easily supports the weight of slides and tissue blocks. (Read about more pathology and histology storage solutions here.)

This article will discuss the following:

  • Challenges in pathology and histology slide storage
  • How vertical slide carousels work
  • Benefits of vertical carousels for slide storage

Hospitals and pathology laboratories face many challenges when storing glass specimen slides and paraffin blocks, including insufficient storage space, disorganization, and difficulty handling and storing heavy boxes of slides. A vertical slide storage carousel can alleviate these challenges.

Hospitals and laboratories can save up to 75% of their floor space using a vertical carousel for slide storage. In addition to increasing storage density, this automated storage system also easily supports the weight of slides and tissue blocks. (Read about more pathology and histology storage solutions here.)

This article will discuss the following:

  • Challenges in pathology and histology slide storage
  • How vertical slide carousels work
  • Benefits of vertical carousels for slide storage

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Challenges in Pathology and Histology Slide Storage

Automated Pathology Carousels videoThose who work in pathology labs or other medical settings understand the challenges of storing glass slides. Even though the slides are small, their weight quickly adds up when stored in a box. That makes them difficult to handle and, due to their weight, they could damage the shelves where they’re stored. These boxes also take up a considerable amount of space.

Mandates require hospitals and medical laboratories to implement tissue block and pathology slide storage for a specific timeframe. While the retention timeframe can vary depending on the specimen, this storage can last up to 10 years.

Medical professionals face challenges when storing slides for this length of time. Those challenges include confidentiality, retrieval, storage space, tracking, and weight limitations. Using a vertical carousel helps those in the medical field meet these challenges.

How Vertical Slide Carousels Work

Vertical carousels are automated storage and retrieval systems that stores items in vertically arranged carriers. Slide storage carousels feature standard slide trays that are placed directly onto carriers. The system automatically rotates when an operator requests a slide until the correct tray stops at an ergonomic access counter. Optional inventory management and pick-to-light software are integrated to increase efficiency and accuracy.glass slide vertical carousel

General specifications for vertical carousels include:

  • Up to 11′ wide rotating shelves
  • Up to 33′ high storage machine
  • Optional pick-to-light technology
  • Optional inventory management software

In addition to pathology and histology slide storage, vertical carousels are used for several other healthcare applications, including:

BIM Pathology Blood Slide Storage Vertical Carousels

Model
Height
Weight
Wt Fully Loaded
Avg Access Time
Carriers
Trays
Slides
 
Note: All units are 71.26″ wide by 36.4″ deep
86.6
2,469 lbs.
6,343 lbs.
4.6
13
286
274,560
pathology blood slide vertical carousel
88.6
2,580 lbs.
6,752 lbs.
5
14
308
295,680
94.5
2,716 lbs.
7,186 lbs.
5.4
15
330
316,800
98.4
2,841 lbs.
7,609 lbs.
5.7
16
352
337,920
104.3
2,978 lbs.
8,044 lbs.
6.1
17
374
359,040
108.3
3,099 lbs.
8,463 lbs.
6.4
18
396
380,160
114.2
3,236 lbs.
8,898 lbs.
6.8
19
418
401,280
118.1
3,359 lbs.
9,319 lbs.
7.1
20
440
422,400
124
3,498 lbs.
9,756 lbs.
7.5
21
462
443,520
128
3,635 lbs.
10,191 lbs.
7.9
22
484
464,640

 

Benefits of Vertical Carousels for Slide Storage

Ergonomics

slide storage

Vertical carousels are 100% ergonomic accessibility to help reduce or eliminate workplace injuries. The carousels eliminate the need for staff to reach up or bend down to lift heavy trays of slides. Instead, the carrier tray slides out of the storage system straight onto an ergonomically positioned work counter.

Each carousel features a workstation at waist height that users can adjust for sitting and standing. These adjustments meet ADA requirements. The workstation’s overhead lighting also increases visibility.

Thanks to the improved ergonomics, slide storage carousels also reduce the risk of damage due to slide mishandling. When staff has to maneuver heavy boxes of slides to or from hard-to-reach shelves, they risk dropping the slides or otherwise damaging them.

Vertical carousels mitigate this risk by providing access to all slide trays at an ergonomic level. Whether facilities need long or short-term slide storage, a vertical carousel can help prevent slide damage while providing better ergonomics and accessibility. Visit our online store to see our healthcare storage products.
slide storage carousel

Productivity

Vertical carousels improve efficiency and productivity by reducing the time it takes to locate and retrieve a needed sample. With vertical carousels, there’s no need for staff to walk and search for slides. By bringing the required slide directly to the operator, these automated storage systems save staff members a considerable amount of time.

Optional pick-to-light technology further increases efficiency. When a carrier arrives at the access counter, the pick-to-light software directs the operator to the correct tray, speeding up pick time and ensuring accuracy. Overall, vertical slide storage carousels result in up to a 2/3 increase in productivity over standard slide storage methods.

For another way to increase efficiency and lower costs, read about how to eliminate misfiles and automate the filing of glass slides with a slide sorting machine.

Challenges in Pathology and Histology Slide Storage

Automated Pathology Carousels videoThose who work in pathology labs or other medical settings understand the challenges of storing glass slides. Even though the slides are small, their weight quickly adds up when stored in a box. That makes them difficult to handle and, due to their weight, they could damage the shelves where they’re stored. These boxes also take up a considerable amount of space.

Mandates require hospitals and medical laboratories to implement tissue block and pathology slide storage for a specific timeframe. While the retention timeframe can vary depending on the specimen, this storage can last up to 10 years.

Medical professionals face challenges when storing slides for this length of time. Those challenges include confidentiality, retrieval, storage space, tracking, and weight limitations. Using a vertical carousel helps those in the medical field meet these challenges.

How Vertical Slide Carousels Work

Vertical carousels are automated storage and retrieval systems that stores items in vertically arranged carriers. Slide storage carousels feature standard slide trays that are placed directly onto carriers. The system automatically rotates when an operator requests a slide until the correct tray stops at an ergonomic access counter. Optional inventory management and pick-to-light software are integrated to increase efficiency and accuracy.glass slide vertical carousel

General specifications for vertical carousels include:

  • Up to 11′ wide rotating shelves
  • Up to 33′ high storage machine
  • Optional pick-to-light technology
  • Optional inventory management software

In addition to pathology and histology slide storage, vertical carousels are used for several other healthcare applications, including:

BIM Pathology Blood Slide Storage Vertical Carousels

Model
Height
Weight
Wt Fully Loaded
Avg Access Time
Carriers
Trays
Slides
 
Note: All units are 71.26″ wide by 36.4″ deep
86.6
2,469 lbs.
6,343 lbs.
4.6
13
286
274,560
pathology blood slide vertical carousel
88.6
2,580 lbs.
6,752 lbs.
5
14
308
295,680
94.5
2,716 lbs.
7,186 lbs.
5.4
15
330
316,800
98.4
2,841 lbs.
7,609 lbs.
5.7
16
352
337,920
104.3
2,978 lbs.
8,044 lbs.
6.1
17
374
359,040
108.3
3,099 lbs.
8,463 lbs.
6.4
18
396
380,160
114.2
3,236 lbs.
8,898 lbs.
6.8
19
418
401,280
118.1
3,359 lbs.
9,319 lbs.
7.1
20
440
422,400
124
3,498 lbs.
9,756 lbs.
7.5
21
462
443,520
128
3,635 lbs.
10,191 lbs.
7.9
22
484
464,640

 

Benefits of Vertical Carousels for Slide Storage

Ergonomics

slide storage

Vertical carousels are 100% ergonomic accessibility to help reduce or eliminate workplace injuries. The carousels eliminate the need for staff to reach up or bend down to lift heavy trays of slides. Instead, the carrier tray slides out of the storage system straight onto an ergonomically positioned work counter.

Each carousel features a workstation at waist height that users can adjust for sitting and standing. These adjustments meet ADA requirements. The workstation’s overhead lighting also increases visibility.

Thanks to the improved ergonomics, slide storage carousels also reduce the risk of damage due to slide mishandling. When staff has to maneuver heavy boxes of slides to or from hard-to-reach shelves, they risk dropping the slides or otherwise damaging them.

Vertical carousels mitigate this risk by providing access to all slide trays at an ergonomic level. Whether facilities need long or short-term slide storage, a vertical carousel can help prevent slide damage while providing better ergonomics and accessibility. Visit our online store to see our healthcare storage products.
slide storage carousel

Productivity

Vertical carousels improve efficiency and productivity by reducing the time it takes to locate and retrieve a needed sample. With vertical carousels, there’s no need for staff to walk and search for slides. By bringing the required slide directly to the operator, these automated storage systems save staff members a considerable amount of time.

Optional pick-to-light technology further increases efficiency. When a carrier arrives at the access counter, the pick-to-light software directs the operator to the correct tray, speeding up pick time and ensuring accuracy. Overall, vertical slide storage carousels result in up to a 2/3 increase in productivity over standard slide storage methods.

For another way to increase efficiency and lower costs, read about how to eliminate misfiles and automate the filing of glass slides with a slide sorting machine.

Challenges in Pathology and Histology Slide Storage

Automated Pathology Carousels video
Those who work in pathology labs or other medical settings understand the challenges of storing glass slides. Even though the slides are small, their weight quickly adds up when stored in a box. That makes them difficult to handle and, due to their weight, they could damage the shelves where they’re stored. These boxes also take up a considerable amount of space.

Mandates require hospitals and medical laboratories to implement tissue block and pathology slide storage for a specific timeframe. While the retention timeframe can vary depending on the specimen, this storage can last up to 10 years.

Medical professionals face challenges when storing slides for this length of time. Those challenges include confidentiality, retrieval, storage space, tracking, and weight limitations. Using a vertical carousel helps those in the medical field meet these challenges.

How Vertical Slide Carousels Work

Vertical carousels are automated storage and retrieval systems that stores items in vertically arranged carriers. Slide storage carousels feature standard slide trays that are placed directly onto carriers. The system automatically rotates when an operator requests a slide until the correct tray stops at an ergonomic access counter. Optional inventory management and pick-to-light software are integrated to increase efficiency and accuracy.
glass slide vertical carousel
General specifications for vertical carousels include:

  • Up to 11′ wide rotating shelves
  • Up to 33′ high storage machine
  • Optional pick-to-light technology
  • Optional inventory management software

In addition to pathology and histology slide storage, vertical carousels are used for several other healthcare applications, including:

BIM Pathology Blood Slide Storage Vertical Carousels

Model
Height
Weight
Wt Fully Loaded
Avg Access Time
Carriers
Trays
Slides
 
Note: All units are 71.26″ wide by 36.4″ deep
86.6
2,469 lbs.
6,343 lbs.
4.6
13
286
274,560
pathology blood slide vertical carousel
88.6
2,580 lbs.
6,752 lbs.
5
14
308
295,680
94.5
2,716 lbs.
7,186 lbs.
5.4
15
330
316,800
98.4
2,841 lbs.
7,609 lbs.
5.7
16
352
337,920
104.3
2,978 lbs.
8,044 lbs.
6.1
17
374
359,040
108.3
3,099 lbs.
8,463 lbs.
6.4
18
396
380,160
114.2
3,236 lbs.
8,898 lbs.
6.8
19
418
401,280
118.1
3,359 lbs.
9,319 lbs.
7.1
20
440
422,400
124
3,498 lbs.
9,756 lbs.
7.5
21
462
443,520
128
3,635 lbs.
10,191 lbs.
7.9
22
484
464,640

 

Benefits of Vertical Carousels for Slide Storage

Ergonomics

slide storage

Vertical carousels are 100% ergonomic accessibility to help reduce or eliminate workplace injuries. The carousels eliminate the need for staff to reach up or bend down to lift heavy trays of slides. Instead, the carrier tray slides out of the storage system straight onto an ergonomically positioned work counter.

Each carousel features a workstation at waist height that users can adjust for sitting and standing. These adjustments meet ADA requirements. The workstation’s overhead lighting also increases visibility.

Thanks to the improved ergonomics, slide storage carousels also reduce the risk of damage due to slide mishandling. When staff has to maneuver heavy boxes of slides to or from hard-to-reach shelves, they risk dropping the slides or otherwise damaging them.

Vertical carousels mitigate this risk by providing access to all slide trays at an ergonomic level. Whether facilities need long or short-term slide storage, a vertical carousel can help prevent slide damage while providing better ergonomics and accessibility. Visit our online store to see our healthcare storage products.
slide storage carousel

Productivity

Vertical carousels improve efficiency and productivity by reducing the time it takes to locate and retrieve a needed sample. With vertical carousels, there’s no need for staff to walk and search for slides. By bringing the required slide directly to the operator, these automated storage systems save staff members a considerable amount of time.

Optional pick-to-light technology further increases efficiency. When a carrier arrives at the access counter, the pick-to-light software directs the operator to the correct tray, speeding up pick time and ensuring accuracy. Overall, vertical slide storage carousels result in up to a 2/3 increase in productivity over standard slide storage methods.

For another way to increase efficiency and lower costs, read about how to eliminate misfiles and automate the filing of glass slides with a slide sorting machine.

Space Savings

It isn’t uncommon to see unused overhead space in medical facilities. Vertical carousels put that space to productive use. Slide storage carousels can extend over 10 feet high, depending on the unit. The carousel’s shelves support the weight of the slides and tissue blocks while increasing slide density. Thus, vertical carousels can save up to 75% of a facility’s floor space compared to traditional slide storage methods.

Security

slide storage vertical carousels

When it comes to storing blood and tissue samples, security is a factor that should not be overlooked. Vertical slide storage carousels feature locking security doors to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the contents of the storage system. Optional software access control further improves the security of stored slides.

Flexibility

Slide storage carousels come in several different dimensions. For example, medical professionals can choose a carousel featuring anywhere from eight to 31 carriers. Temperature-controlled vertical carousels are also available. Plus, modular systems allow facilities to add on more units or adapt their existing units as storage needs change. This extensive design flexibility allows any medical facility to find a slide storage carousel that meets their needs.

Space Savings

It isn’t uncommon to see unused overhead space in medical facilities. Vertical carousels put that space to productive use. Slide storage carousels can extend over 10 feet high, depending on the unit. The carousel’s shelves support the weight of the slides and tissue blocks while increasing slide density. Thus, vertical carousels can save up to 75% of a facility’s floor space compared to traditional slide storage methods.

Security

slide storage vertical carousels

When it comes to storing blood and tissue samples, security is a factor that should not be overlooked. Vertical slide storage carousels feature locking security doors to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the contents of the storage system. Optional software access control further improves the security of stored slides.

Flexibility

Slide storage carousels come in several different dimensions. For example, medical professionals can choose a carousel featuring anywhere from eight to 31 carriers. Temperature-controlled vertical carousels are also available. Plus, modular systems allow facilities to add on more units or adapt their existing units as storage needs change. This extensive design flexibility allows any medical facility to find a slide storage carousel that meets their needs.

Space Savings

It isn’t uncommon to see unused overhead space in medical facilities. Vertical carousels put that space to productive use. Slide storage carousels can extend over 10 feet high, depending on the unit. The carousel’s shelves support the weight of the slides and tissue blocks while increasing slide density. Thus, vertical carousels can save up to 75% of a facility’s floor space compared to traditional slide storage methods.

Security

slide storage vertical carousels

When it comes to storing blood and tissue samples, security is a factor that should not be overlooked. Vertical slide storage carousels feature locking security doors to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the contents of the storage system. Optional software access control further improves the security of stored slides.

Flexibility

Slide storage carousels come in several different dimensions. For example, medical professionals can choose a carousel featuring anywhere from eight to 31 carriers. Temperature-controlled vertical carousels are also available. Plus, modular systems allow facilities to add on more units or adapt their existing units as storage needs change. This extensive design flexibility allows any medical facility to find a slide storage carousel that meets their needs.

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Contact Us for Slide Storage Carousels

Southwest Solutions Group® provides design and installation services for slide storage carousels on GSA, Vizient, and various other Group Purchasing Organization contracts. We will also provide a free consultation to determine your exact needs and specifications before the design begins. To learn more or to speak with a specialist, call us at 1-800-803-1083 or send us a message today.

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Healthcare Testimonials

parkland hospital

“Southwest Solutions Group assisted us in the setup of equipment and services for our offsite medical record warehouse housing over one million charts. They have moved over 330,000 records from the main hospital to the medical record warehouse in a weekend time period, and converted thousands of charts for us. They have provided us a new chart tracking system, labeling system, and file conversion services over a multi-month process. Their IT group was able to modify our existing records management software to “talk” to our main software program so we could print color coded labels for our medical record charts. In addition, they have provided many other services to Parkland hospital including file shelving, hospital storage equipment needs, and software support. Southwest Solutions Group does exceptional work.”

Parkland Medical Hospital
austin gastroenterology

“Our experience with Southwest Solutions Group could not have been better. Matt (sales rep) was very knowledgeable and attentive to our needs. Our shelving project required many changes and revisions and Matt never flinched when thrown a challenge. Many thanks to the installation crew for putting in a twelve hour day to complete our project on time. We give a 100% satisfaction rating to Matt and the Southwest Solutions Group team.”

Austin Gastroenterology
Ronald McDonald House

“Thank you for your donation! I wanted to let you know that we ordered a donor sign for our storage room. The sign will be displayed outside the storage room located near the main kitchen/dining room. This should give you some good exposure!”

Ronald McDonald House

See more healthcare testimonials