Use this checklist to plan a new histopathology laboratory or upgrade an existing one. Work through each section with your architect, biomedical engineer and pathologist. For automatic sizing of equipment and layout, use the free Smart Lab Designer.
Workload & scope
Expected specimens per day, blocks/cassettes per day, slides per day
Case mix (biopsies, routine, frozen sections, specials)
Turnaround-time target (same-day / next-day / 48 h)
Expected growth over the next 2–3 years
Space & functional zones
Receiving & accessioning
Grossing & fixation (ducted, near receiving)
Tissue processing
Embedding
Microtomy
Floatation & slide drying
Staining
Coverslipping
Reporting / microscopy handover
Reagent storage & waste handling
Block & slide archive
One-way (dirty → clean) flow with no reverse crossing
Equipment
Tissue processor (type & cassette capacity sized to daily load)
Tissue embedding station
Microtome(s) + floatation bath + slide warmer
Automatic slide staining machine (as volume grows)
Cryostat (if frozen sections required)
Grossing station
Chemical storage cabinet & general lab equipment
Utilities & safety
Stable power with stabiliser / UPS for processor & stainer
Water point & drain near grossing and floatation/staining
Dedicated exhaust over grossing, processing & staining
Vented chemical storage off the workflow path
PPE station, eyewash/handwash, spill kit
Biomedical-waste colour-coded bins; fire safety
Compliance & documentation
SOPs for each process (processing, H&E, embedding, microtomy, maintenance)
QC records, calibration & preventive-maintenance schedule
Accreditation readiness (as applicable)
Tender / procurement specification documents
Service & consumables
AMC/CMC and spare-parts availability
Reagent & consumable repeat-supply plan
Installation, operator training & handover