Automated Stainers move racks of microscope slides through a programmed sequence of reagent, wash and drying stations, giving the same staining result on each batch without a technician at the bench. Linear models carry 14 to 36 stations with 135 to 1500 ml reagent cups, while multiline units run several protocols at once and reach 200 to 400 slides per hour. Dedicated stainers cover hematoxylin and eosin, Papanicolaou, Gram, Ziehl-Neelsen acid fast and fluorescence methods, and dual units pair two microbiology stains in one instrument. Closed reagent handling limits fume exposure. Typical uses include histopathology, cytology, microbiology and hematology.