Leica’s current IHC instrument is the Bond III. A review is conducted by a medical scientist using it on a daily basis so that an honest evaluation is afforded from first-hand experience. Topics of interest include the machinery Leica employs for epitope retrieval and the coverplate technology to assist in reagent delivery. A discussion about proprietary reagents and consumables whilst highlighting the various components of the machine is provided. There are tips and tricks offered to get the most out of the platform. Programming stain protocols for both chromogenic, fluorescence and double labelling IHC are specified along with equipment servicing and maintenance requirements. The reader in essence, gets to appreciate what it is really like to operate and work with the Bond III. The chapter concludes with both good and bad aspects of this form of automation and some opportunities for improvement.

Immunohistochemistry robotics and automation as defined by Agilent comes in the form of the Dako Omnis. An appraisal is given by a medical scientist with intimate knowledge of the principles behind the technology, the various machine components and Dako’s proprietary reagents. Daily operations with the instrument allow for an honest review of stain protocols, workflow logistics and maintenance obligations. An explanation of the unique dynamic gap technology is provided along with in-built quality assurance measures. As the Omnis is a new instrument when compared to Leica’s Bond III and Ventana’s BenchMark ULTRA, discussions are based upon the good and bad points of both the hardware and the software aspects. The reader should get an idea of how the Omnis produces stained slides and the capabilities of the machine.

Roche’s answer to current immunohistochemistry automation is the Ventana BenchMark ULTRA. An evaluation of the machine’s design, operation and maintenance is provided from a user’s viewpoint. Technologies which differentiate Ventana from other manufacturers are discussed in detail. The liquid coverslip, hapten-based detection system and random access points are examples of these differences when compared to traditional coverplate and polymer technology as used by other vendors. A commentary about proprietary reagents and staining protocols are offered along with advice on achieving workflow efficiencies. Discovering quality control measures of the instrument is another topic covered. Ultimately, it is hoped the reader understands the intricacies of this platform and the advantages and disadvantages of such a system, and gains a sense of the technology behind the BenchMark ULTRA.