Specially formulated for Leica autostainer models: ST5010 Autostainer XL and ST5020 Autostainer
Application of Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium
• Tek-Select UV Clear Slip (xylene-free) Mounting Medium was developed to replace all (before coverslipping) xylene-based mounting and xylene baths.
• Please note – Xylene has the same drying effect as 100% alcohol; if a technician prefers to use Tek-Select UV mounting Medium.
• Application of UV Mounting Medium is the same as you have been doing in the past with traditional mounting mediums, coverslipping directly out of 100% Alcohol is possible. •Note: xylene can also work with UV Clear Slip mounting medium; if so desired, you will get the same drying effect of 30 seconds drying time with a UV Light Source.
Directions for Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium
• Apply the proper amount (a few drops) of Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium from the application bottle to your stained slides in your manual coverslipping operations. Note: Tek-Select UV Clear Slip mounting can be fitted (with a few modifications) to use with automated glass coverslippers such as the Leica 5030 Coverslipper or the Sakura Glas-Coverslipper G-2. Please contact IMEB INC for information on how to modify your glass coverslipper to Tek-Select UV Mounting Medium for xylene-free use and 30-second drying.
• Once the microscope slides are coverslipped with Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium: Lay out the coverslipped slides on a 2-slide cardboard folder (open folder) and Place in UV Light Box for a minimum of 30 seconds.
• Now, Microscope coverslipped slides are dried and can be screened by a Pathologist, Dermatologist, or Technician. Simply, store and archive the microscope slide.
• Note that any excess or overflow of the mounting medium is easily removable with a straight-edge razor by shaving off the excess medium once the medium is dry.
Removal of Coverslip after Drying with
Tek-Select UV Mounting Media (xylene-free)
Procedure for Coverslip Removal
1. A 30-second xylene bath is required before using UV
Mounting Media to ensure easy coverslip removal, only when
Microscope-stained slide removal is performed at a later date.
2. To provide a membrane barrier between the microscope glass
slide and UV xylene-free Media, a xylene bath of 30 seconds is
required. NOTE: If removal of the coverslip is not needed,
coverslipping directly out of 100% alcohol is the preferred method.
3. A 30-second drying minimum is required if you are drying a
microscope-stained slide after a xylene bath using a UV light
source, or an IMEB INC. UV Drying Box.
4. If coverslip removal is necessary after the initial UV drying
process, a 1-24 hour acetone soaking is required to allow the
easy removal of a stained microscope slide. Coverslip removal
is easier with longer acetone soakings. Use a Microtome blade
or scalpel knife to peel back the coverslip without causing any
damage to the stained tissue after acetone soaking for a
minimum of 1-2 hours.
5. After removing the Coverslip, use your standard decolonization
process to re-stain the slide, the decolorization process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: What time studies have been done with Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium? Answer: We have currently done a 5-year time study with no changes in the 5-year stored microscope-stained slide with UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium.
Question: Is there any yellowing of coverslipped microscope slides with Tek-Select UV Mounting Media over 5 years? Answer: There is no yellowing of coverslipped microscope slides when Tek-Select UV Mounting Medium over the past 5 years.
Questions: Is there any change in refractive index from traditional mounting media to Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium? Answer: There is no difference in refractive index between the traditional mounting medium and the new Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting medium.
Question: Can Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium be used with IHC-stained slides? Answer: Tek-Select UV Clear Mounting Medium has been tested with all types of IHC-stained slides without any issues.
Question: Is the SDS Safety Sheet Available? Answer: Yes SDS Safety sheet is available for Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium.
Question: Can Tek-Select UV Clear Slip Mounting Medium be used on all automated Glass Coverslippper? Answer: We have tested and secured that the Tek-Select UV Mounting Medium works with the Leica 5030 Glass Coverslipper and the Sakura G-1 Glass Coverslippers. All other Glass Coverslippers have not been vetted for UV Mounting Medium use as of July 2025.
FOR ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT IMEB INC. AT 1-800-543-8496
What It Is
1. A xylene-free UV-curing mounting medium.
2. Designed to replace traditional xylene-based mounting methods.
3. Compatible with manual and automated glass coverslippers (e.g., Leica 5030, Sakura G-1).
How to Use It
1. Stain your slides as usual.
2. Apply a few drops of Tek-Select UV Clear Slip directly onto the stained tissue.
3. Coverslip the slide (manually or using a compatible coverslipper).
4. Place the slides on a 20-slot cardboard folder (opened flat).
5. Cure under a UV light source (or IMEB UV Drying Box) for at least 30 seconds.
6. Slides are now completely dry and ready for review, storage, or archiving.
Excess cured mounting medium can be shaved off easily using a straight razor.
Coverslip Removal (If Needed)
1. If coverslip removal might be needed later, first dip the slide in xylene for
30 seconds before mounting.
2. To remove a cured coverslip:
1. Soak the slide in acetone for 1–24 hours (longer = easier removal).
2. Use a microtome blade or scalpel to lift off the coverslip gently.
3. Proceed with your usual decolorization and re-staining steps.
Common Questions
1. Q: Will slides yellow or degrade over time?
A: No. Slides remain clear with no yellowing even after 5 years.
2. Q: Does it affect the refractive index?
A: No. The refractive index is the same as traditional mounting media.
