IstoTech - Automatic Histological Sample Storage
IstoTech, the automated histological sample storage system
ICAM’s automated archiving solution for histology slides and paraffin blocks in Anatomical Pathology units. Complete traceability. Automated picking and refilling operations. Zero clinical risk.
2÷15m
installation height
2÷20
storage columns
1÷8
picking and refilling station per unit
0÷40° C
working temperature
Automated histological archiving for healthcare facilities and biobanks.
A lost or misidentified histological sample is not an operational error.
Unlike manual archives, where a misidentification can translate into a wrong diagnosis, IstoTech guarantees full traceability and controlled access for every operator. Robotic retrieval follows the goods-to-person principle: zero manual intervention in the movement area. Configurable in horizontal or vertical layout, with storage capacity ranging from 400,000 to over 15 million slides.
Histological samples always protected. Always within reach.
Histological samples always protected. Always within reach.
Why IstoTech for automatic histological sample storage?
IstoTech is the automatic solution for the custody and traceability of slides and biocassettes in Pathology and Histopathology Units, where safety and operational continuity are non-negotiable.
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SAFE
The handling area is fully automated and protected. The integrated ventilation system prevents formaldehyde build-up at the consultation station. Multi-beam photoelectric barriers and emergency stop buttons ensure maximum protection at every operational stage.
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TRACEABLE
Each sample is identified via barcode and/or QR code on the tray and retrieval tab. ICON logs every operation with sample code, operator and timestamp: zero risk of loss or misidentification.
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HIGH-CAPACITY
The smallest IstoTech footprint (W 3,085 × D 2,294 × H 2,200 mm) stores over 400,000 slides.
The largest configuration (W 19,965 × D 2,294 × H 4,500 mm) exceeds 15 million slides. -
CONFIGURABLE
IstoTech can be configured for horizontal or vertical layout depending on available space. The modular design adapts the solution to the exact geometry of the lab with no structural works: from 2 to 20 storage columns for horizontal layout, from 2 to 7 for vertical version.
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ERGONOMIC
The tray containing the requested sample is automatically delivered to the consultation station at ergonomic height, goods come to the operator, not the other way around. The drawer weighs just 1.5 kg (single-lane metal version), compared to approximately 16 kg for a traditional 36-slot cassette cabinet: no physical strain, no error risk from fatigue.
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PROTECTED
The solution features an integrated fire suppression system. Histological samples are protected from theft, fire, dust and adverse environmental conditions (temperature and humidity). The structure is designed for both indoor and outdoor installation, with components rated for variable climatic conditions.
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CONNECTED
ICON integrates natively with the main information systems used in Pathology and Histopathology Units: no custom development, no redesign of existing workflows: IstoTech slots into your processes from day one.
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FAST
IstoTech automatically retrieves the requested sample within seconds, eliminating manual search time in traditional archives. The tray reaches the consultation station without the operator moving: less time wasted, more diagnoses managed per shift.
ICON, the digital brain of IstoTech
ICON is ICAM’s web-based software that governs the entire operation of IstoTech: user and permission management, sample records, single or list-based retrieval, tray configuration, access reports and archive saturation monitoring. It integrates natively with the main information systems used in Pathology and Histopathology Units, no custom development, no redesign of existing workflows.
IstoTech in detail
How IstoTech works
IstoTech operates on the goods-to-person principle: the sample reaches the operator, not the other way around. An automatic pick-and-place system, positioned between the two rows of shelving, retrieves the tray from the archive and delivers it to the consultation station at ergonomic height, where authorised staff carry out operations in complete safety.
Every step is managed by ICON, from operator authentication and sample selection to operation logging and real-time traceability, with a full audit trail of every access and retrieval.
With IRIDE (available for archives with a minimum height of 2,600 mm), the consultation station becomes a guided, interactive workstation: colour-coded light indicates the exact sector, a digital dashboard displays all relevant sample data, and an integrated control panel manages every step without the operator leaving the station.
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01
Step 1: Operator login
RFID or magnetic badge, or credentials on a touch-screen console near the consultation station. Tracked access, profile-based permissions active from login. -
02
Step 2: Sample search and selection
Search by sample code, preloaded list, or automatic integration with lab information systems via ICON. The system locates the exact position in the archive. -
03
Step 3: Automatic tray retrieval
The automatic pick-and-place system retrieves the tray containing the requested sample and transfers it to the consultation station. No manual intervention in the movement area. -
04
Step 4: Tray delivered to the consultation station
The tray arrives at ergonomic height. With IRIDE: coloured light on the exact sector containing the sample, digital dashboard with information relevant to retrieval or deposit. -
05
Step 5: Sample retrieval or deposit
RFID or magnetic badge, or credentials on a touch-screen console near the consultation station. Tracked access, profile-based permissions active from login. -
06
Step 6: Confirmation and full traceability
Every operation logged in ICON: sample code, operator, timestamp. The tray returns to its optimal position. Inventory updated in real time.
Technical Specifications
Horizontal layout
Recommended for environments with limited ceiling height. Extends in width up to 20 metres, with a height of 2.2 to 4.5 metres. Maximum archive load: 7.6 t.
Vertical layout
Recommended to maximise storage capacity within the same floor footprint. Extends in height up to 15 metres. Maximum archive load: 60 t.
Storage trays
Histological material is stored inside trays. Three configurations are available depending on sample type:
- Trays with sheet metal dividers for paraffin blocks and biocassettes
- Trays with slide cassettes for loose slides or small batches (single or double lane)
- Trays with metal containers for high-density slide storage
Each tray features a front tab with barcode and/or QR code for the dual identification check. The single-lane metal drawer weighs 1.5 kg, compared to approximately 16 kg for a traditional 36-slot cassette cabinet, a significant ergonomic difference for operators performing dozens of retrievals per day.
| Vertical layout | Horizontal layout | |
| TRAY | ||
| Maximum load | 400 kg | 105 kg |
| Useful width | 653 ÷ 2,053 mm | 839 / 1,039 / 1,239 mm |
| Useful depth | 612 / 707 / 802 mm | 632 / 832 mm * |
| Useful height | 41 mm | 75 mm |
| Minimum tray spacing | 100 mm (fisso) / 125 mm (auto) | 100 mm |
| AUTOMATED ARCHIVE | ||
| Maximum load | 60 t | 7,6 t |
| Width | 2,335 ÷ 6,585 mm | 3,085 ÷ 20,005 mm |
| Depth | 2,421 / 2,991 mm | 2,294 / 2,894 mm |
| Height | 2,800 ÷ 15,000 mm | 2,200 ÷ 4,500 mm |
| No. of columns | 2 ÷ 7 | 2 ÷ 20 |
| Height increment | 100 mm | 100 mm |
| Floor load ** | 1,582 ÷ 13,273 kg/m² | 224,5 ÷ 2.449,7 kg/m² |
| Operating temperature | 0 ÷ 40°C | 0 ÷ 40°C |
| Relative humidity *** | 50 ÷ 85% | 50 ÷ 85% |
| THROUGHPUT (TRAYS/H) | ||
| Single retrieval station | 47 ÷ 57 | 47 ÷ 63 |
| Side-by-side consultation stations | 40 ÷ 74 | 59 ÷ 86 |
* Available only for trays with width equal to 1,239 mm
** Data refer to histological archives at maximum storage capacity
*** On request, for specific requirements, the machine can be equipped with components rated for climatic conditions beyond the stated limit
Configurations
Outdoor installation
When internal lab space is entirely dedicated to clinical activity, IstoTech can be installed outside the building. The enclosed, seismic-resistant structure is designed for outdoor installations, with the consultation station accessible from inside the lab so operators never need to go outside.
Multi-floor installation
In multi-storey hospital facilities, IstoTech exploits the building’s vertical development with consultation stations positionable on different levels. This configuration optimises investment when histological material must be accessible from departments on different floors without duplicating archives.
U-shaped layout
IstoTech adapts to corner spaces and U-shaped configurations typical of pathology labs. Storage columns are distributed along the available perimeter, with consultation stations concentrated on the most functional side for operators, no long walking distances.
Optionals
Multimedia workstation
IRIDE is the technology that transforms picking into a visual, intuitive and natural experience. Not a mere add-on: it is the moment when the SILO² automated storage system truly begins to speak to its operators.
- Light Picking Guide: guides every pick with beams of light
- Head-up Digital Dashboard: fItem image and quantity are displayed directly in front of the operator.
- Adaptive Interior Lighting: signals critical events
- Active Control: station pushbutton panel, no need to walk to a PC
All other available optional
Integrated barcode / QR code reader
RFID badge readerLettore badge RFID
Downloads
Download the technical documentation dedicated to the IstoTech system to learn more about the product’s features, configurations, and performance.
IstoTech is the solution for:
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Healthcare facilities
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Histopathology unit
Want to know more about IstoTech?
Every lab has its own geometry, sample volumes and operational workflows. That is why there is no standard IstoTech: every project starts from the analysis of your specific context.
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