Advanced Specimen Processing System with Integrated Fume Containment for

Product Specification

1. Product Concept

The grossing station is where the diagnostic journey begins. It is here that surgical specimens are received, examined, measured, dissected, and sampled for histological processing . This critical workflow exposes personnel to formalin vapors—a classified carcinogen—as well as bioaerosols and chemical fixatives . The SurgiPath™ series addresses these challenges head-on, applying operating room airflow management principles to create a safe, organized, and intelligent workspace for anatomic pathology.

2. Core Technology

A.  Dual-Draft Ventilation System

Unlike conventional fume hoods, the features an advanced dual-draft ventilation configuration that combines two complementary airflow strategies :

• Down-Draft: Airflow is directed downward through a perforated work surface, capturing heavier-than-air formalin vapors at the source

• Back-Draft: Airflow is directed from the user toward the rear of the station, creating a negative pressure barrier that prevents fumes from escaping into the breathing zone

This dual-draft system achieves a total extraction rate of up to 1200 m³/h, ensuring complete containment of hazardous vapors . The workstation has been tested to provide a protection factor exceeding 10⁵, complying with international safety standards including EN 12469:2000 and NIOSH short-term exposure limits .

B. Advanced Filtration Options

Choose the configuration that matches your facility's infrastructure:

• Direct Exhaust Model: Connects to centralized building ventilation for facilities with existing ductwork

• Self-Contained Filtration Model: Features integrated HEPA H14 and activated carbon filtration, capturing both particulates (99.995% @ 0.3μm) and formalin vapors before recirculating clean air back into the laboratory 

C. Surgical-Grade Construction

• 304/316L Stainless Steel: All wetted surfaces are constructed from heavy-gauge stainless steel, offering exceptional resistance to formalin, xylene, and harsh cleaning agents 

• Fully Sealed Design: Seamless construction with coved corners eliminates bacterial reservoirs and facilitates thorough decontamination

• Electropolished Finish: The ultra-smooth surface resists protein adhesion and is significantly easier to clean than standard brushed finishes

3. Ergonomic and Workflow Features

A. Height-Adjustable Work Surface

The entire work surface is electrically adjustable from 800mm to 1000mm, allowing users of all statures to work in a comfortable seated or standing position . This reduces physical strain during long grossing sessions and promotes proper posture.

B. Integrated Waste Management

• Tissue Pulverizer: Built-in electric pulverizer (560W, 4200rpm) with 1200mL capacity for efficient disposal of waste tissue 

• Automatic Flushing System: The lower countertop includes a flushing device that directs waste into the sink and through the disposal system, keeping the workspace clean 

• Removable Debris Trap: Prevents large particles from entering facility plumbing

C. Illumination and Sterilization

• LED Task Lighting: Energy-efficient, long-life LED lights provide shadow-free illumination of the work surface 

• UV Disinfection Lamp: Automatic UV sterilization cycle decontaminates the work surface when the station is not in use 

• Magnifying Lamp Option: Integrated magnifier with LED illumination for detailed specimen examination 

4. Digital Integration (Optional)

The Series offers advanced digital capabilities for the modern pathology laboratory:

• Touchscreen Control Interface: 7-inch waterproof touchscreen for intuitive control of all workstation functions 

• Camera Integration: Mount for digital camera or document scanner, enabling high-resolution specimen photography directly at the grossing station 

• Keyboard and Display Holder: Ergonomic positioning of computer accessories for paperless workflow

• Voice Recording Compatibility: Integration with dictation systems for hands-free documentation 

Recent industry developments highlight the growing importance of digital integration at the grossing station. Partnerships between equipment manufacturers and digital pathology companies are bringing AI-assisted imaging and workflow optimization directly to the work surface, improving specimen traceability and diagnostic consistency.

5. Safety Validation

The Grossing Workstation has been rigorously tested for containment efficiency:

• Potassium Iodide Test: Demonstrates protection factors exceeding the 10⁵ safety threshold required by EN 12469:2000 

• Formaldehyde Tracer-Gas Testing: Formaldehyde concentrations at the user's breathing zone remain below the NIOSH short-term exposure limit (STEL) of 123 μg/m³ during active use 

• Optical Gas Imaging: Real-time visualization confirms complete capture of vapors by the dual-draft ventilation system 

6. Applications

• Hospital Pathology Departments: Routine surgical specimen grossing and sampling

• Forensic Medical Examiner Offices: Medicolegal autopsy tissue preparation

• Medical Teaching Facilities: Pathology resident training and education

• Research Laboratories: Tissue harvesting and processing for research studies

• Veterinary Pathology: Animal tissue examination and necropsy sampling

Contact our specialized pathology equipment division today to discuss your requirements or schedule a demonstration.