MUHWA 20-Place Plastic Microscope Slide Tray — Stackable Staining & Drying Tray
MUHWA 20-place plastic microscope slide tray is a versatile lab essential for slide handling, staining, drying, and organized storage. Each tray features 20 serial-numbered slots that accommodate standard 25x75mm (1x3 inch) microscope slides. Made from durable chemical-resistant plastic, this tray withstands routine exposure to common laboratory stains and solvents. The anti-slip stacking design allows multiple trays to be stacked securely, making it ideal for high-throughput histology and pathology workflows, teaching labs, and research environments.
Key Features
- 20 Serial-Numbered Slots: Each position is clearly numbered (1-20) for instant sample identification — no more guessing which slide is which during staining runs or group practicals.
- Staining & Drying Ready: Open tray design allows slides to be immersed, rinsed, and air-dried directly in the tray without transferring between containers. Slotted base promotes drainage and airflow.
- Stackable Anti-Slip Design: Molded stacking lugs on each corner lock trays together securely. Build vertical stacks of 5+ trays without sliding or toppling — maximize benchtop and cabinet space.
- Chemical-Resistant Plastic: Withstands routine exposure to H&E stains, alcohols, xylene, and common laboratory solvents without warping or degrading.
- Generous Dimensions: Tray measures 30 × 19.5 cm with individual slots sized at 7.6 × 2.7 cm — comfortably fits standard slides with room for gloved handling.
- Multi-Purpose: Use as a staining tray, slide drying tray, handling tray for slide preparation, or long-term slide storage organizer.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Chemical-resistant plastic |
| Capacity | 20 standard microscope slides |
| Compatible Slide Size | 25 × 75 mm (1 × 3 inch) |
| Slot Dimensions | 7.6 × 2.7 cm each |
| Tray Dimensions | 30 × 19.5 cm |
| Slot Numbering | Serial-numbered 1-20 |
| Stacking | Anti-slip stacking lugs, stable up to 5+ trays |
| Usage | Staining, drying, handling, organized storage |
Popular Applications
- Histology & Pathology Labs: Run H&E and special stain batches with numbered tracking — each slide stays in its numbered slot from staining through coverslipping.
- Slide Drying: After staining or coverslipping, place slides in the tray for air drying. Slotted base allows airflow from below for faster, more even drying.
- Teaching Laboratories: Assign each student a numbered slot for microscopy practicals. One tray per lab group keeps slides organized and accountable.
- Research Environments: Organize slide series by experiment, time point, or treatment group using numbered positions for easy retrieval.
- Clinical & Veterinary Labs: Process patient slides in batches of up to 20 with traceable slot positions throughout the staining workflow.
- Slide Storage: When not in use for processing, the tray doubles as a compact slide storage organizer on benchtops, in cabinets, or inside refrigerated storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will this tray fit standard 25x75mm microscope slides?
A: Yes. Each of the 20 slots is sized at 7.6 × 2.7 cm, designed specifically for standard 25 × 75 mm (1 × 3 inch) slides. The slots provide a comfortable fit with room for gloved handling.
Q: Can I use this tray for slide staining with solvents like xylene?
A: Yes. The chemical-resistant plastic is formulated to withstand routine exposure to common histology solvents including xylene, alcohols, and H&E stains. For prolonged immersion, rinse the tray with water after each use to extend its service life.
Q: How many trays can I stack safely?
A: The anti-slip stacking lugs are designed for stable stacking of 5 or more trays. For benchtop use during staining, 3-4 trays stacked provide easy access. For storage, taller stacks are fine provided they are on a level surface.
Q: Can I autoclave this slide tray?
A: No. The plastic is not rated for autoclave temperatures. Clean with 70% ethanol or mild laboratory detergent, rinse with distilled water, and air dry. See the Care & Maintenance section below for detailed cleaning instructions.
Q: How does this compare to slide folders or closed storage boxes?
A: Unlike closed slide folders and boxes, this open tray design allows slides to be processed (stained, rinsed, dried) directly in the tray without transferring. Numbered slots provide the same organizational benefit as closed boxes, but with the added flexibility of open access. For long-term dust-free storage, consider pairing with a MUHWA slide storage box.
Q: Are the numbers molded into the plastic or printed on?
A: The slot numbers (1-20) are permanently molded into the tray during manufacturing — they will not fade, wear off, or wash away with solvent exposure.
Care & Maintenance
- After each staining session, rinse the tray thoroughly with running water to remove residual stains and solvents.
- For deeper cleaning, wipe with 70% ethanol or mild laboratory detergent using a soft brush to reach into the numbered slots.
- Rinse thoroughly with distilled water to remove all cleaning residue that could interfere with subsequent staining.
- Air dry completely before inserting clean slides — residual moisture can affect staining quality and promote mold growth.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent plastic aging. Stack empty trays to save storage space.
- Do not autoclave or expose to temperatures above 80°C (176°F). For sterilization, use chemical disinfectants or ethylene oxide gas.
Note: For best results in staining workflows, dedicate separate trays for H&E and special stains to prevent cross-contamination between stain types. Color-coded labels on the tray edge can help identify dedicated-use trays in busy labs.
