I too have the same systems that are being referenced. The Printmate did have a ton of problems with the original print heads, however they are doing a sweep to replace all of them according to my rep. We no longer experience the broken pins or other associated issues with the Print Mate.
As for the slide mate, we had similar issues with that as well and found that after it was serviced a second time that we needed upgraded software/firmware on the instrument itself. Another issue that goes untouched by many users is the advanced user menu, which controls the pressure in which the thermal head presses on the slides and a variety of other attributes. Most reps are not aware of these features and thus are unable to help resolve your issues. Once we found out about these settings our slidemates work great. In addition to the advance settings on the slide mate it is important to wipe the thermal print head with an alcohol wipe daily to keep it clean performing optimally. Another issue that I have witnessed is that some of the paint on some slides do not work as well as others. I recently tested a slide with paint specifically formulated for the slide mate and the print was the best I have ever seen. Overall the units work well provided they are maintained and you have a knowledgeable support person to help you test out some of the advance menu features. Walter Benton HT(ASCP)QIHC Histology Supervisor Chesapeake Urology Associates 806 Landmark Drive, Suite 126 (All Deliveries to Suite 127) Glen Burnie, MD 21061 443-471-5850 (Direct) 410-768-5961 (Lab) 410-768-5965 (Fax) wben...@cua.md ________________________________________ From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Chlipala [l...@premierlab.com] Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 11:28 AM To: 'Bell, Pat'; 'Mitchell, Janice A'; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] RE: Slide printing systems We had the slide mate and we do not use it any more, its worthless. Liz Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC Manager Premier Laboratory, LLC PO Box 18592 Boulder, CO 80308-1592 (303) 682-3949 office (303) 682-9060 fax (303) 881-0763 cell www.premierlab.com Ship to address: 1567 Skyway Drive, Unit E Longmont, CO 80504 -----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bell, Pat Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 9:26 AM To: 'Mitchell, Janice A'; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] RE: Slide printing systems I also have the slide-mate and have a lot of problems with the printing. We also have to spend a lot of time rewriting and labeling them. I have been told to send it in to get it repaired but I wonder if it is worth the time and money if you are getting it back in basically the same condition! I know the Leica is pretty good but I am in research and can't spend that kind of money. I wish there was a system that was good and not extremely expensive. Pat Bell HT(ASCP) University of Colorado, Denver Medical Oncology; MS 8117 12801 E 17th Ave. RC1-S, L18-8402C Aurora, Co. 80045 303-724-6077 pat.b...@ucdenver.edu -----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Mitchell, Janice A Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2012 8:25 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Slide printing systems Good Morning, We currently are using Thermo-Fisher print-mate and slide-mate. I am not very happy with the printing of the slides. Some days I feel like spend most of my time re-writing and labeling printed slides. Then when the units are sent out for repair and it arrives back it is not a whole lot better. Before we get our new LIS system and our Docs will be scanning the bar code(that sometimes do not print) I need to find a better system. I will not be able to deal with how often my name will be called out when the scanning of the slides fail. I would like any input on other systems pros and cons that are currently being used in histology labs. I know no system will be perfect but something has to be better. Thanks, Janice Janice A. Mitchell, BS, HT(ASCP) Histology Lead Tech Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Anatomic Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 324 S. 34th Street Philadelphia, Pa 19104-4399 215-590-1738(lab) 267-426-7754(office) _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this electronic message is intended solely for the personal and confidential use of the designated recipient(s) named above and may contain information that is protected from disclosure under applicable law. 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