The latest version of SectionStar was developed with histotechnologists to address staffing pressures and rising case volumes in anatomic pathology.
Clarapath has launched the latest release of its SectionStar platform, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-registered robotic microtomy system designed to improve consistency, efficiency, and quality control in clinical histology workflows. The updated platform is now being deployed at select laboratory sites across the country.
Built on the foundation of the original SectionStar system, the new release was developed in collaboration with histotechnologists and pathology laboratories to address the technical demands of tissue sectioning. According to Clarapath, the platform introduces enhancements across hardware, software, and user experience, with the goal of helping laboratories improve efficiency, consistency, and turnaround times amid growing case volumes and staffing challenges.
“This version of the SectionStar platform represents a major step forward for Clarapath and for the clinical laboratories we serve,” says Eric Feinstein, president and CEO of Clarapath, in a release. “By continuing to listen to the challenges our customers face, we are able to innovate in ways that meet the operational and regulatory demands of clinical histology while delivering meaningful improvements in reliability and ease of use.”
The company positions the platform as a support tool for skilled histotechnologists rather than a replacement for their expertise.
“Automation in histology isn’t about replacing expertise—it’s about supporting it,” says Matthew Claster, chief business officer at Clarapath, in a release. “With the innovative products we are developing at Clarapath, laboratories can deploy rigorously tested automation platforms that help deliver consistent, repeatable sections while allowing skilled histotechnologists to focus on higher-value work.”
SectionStar is FDA-registered and listed for clinical use. Installations are currently underway at qualifying customer sites. Clarapath showcased the platform at the USCAP 115th Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in March.
Photo caption: Latest SectionStar model
Photo credit: Clarapath
