EM AC20 Automatic contrasting instrument

Description

The EM AC20 from Leica Microsystems is an automated instrument for staining ultrathin sections intended for electron microscopy. Its purpose is to apply heavy metal stains, including uranyl acetate and lead citrate, to biological specimens to improve contrast for subsequent imaging. A significant operational advantage is the reduction in direct user contact with staining chemicals, which enhances laboratory safety and lowers the risk of sample contamination. The device is designed to utilize minimal reagent volumes, promoting economical use of materials over extended periods. It generally incorporates programmable protocols to ensure staining cycles are both consistent and repeatable. Automating this essential preparation step helps standardize outcomes and can increase workflow efficiency for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) laboratories.