The system prints barcodes and 2D codes in up to 2.5 seconds per cassette and uses ink-free laser printing to support specimen traceability and reduce maintenance.
Leica Biosystems announced the global launch of the HistoCore Lightening C Laser Cassette Printer. The platform is designed to standardize histology workflows, enhance specimen traceability, and speed sample processing in pathology laboratories facing rising test volumes and staffing shortages.
According to the company, the system delivers specimen identification at the beginning of the histology workflow. Designed for use with validated Leica Biosystems cassettes, the unit utilizes UV laser printing to generate markings, including barcodes and 2D codes, intended to remain clear and durable throughout processing and diagnostic review.
High-Speed Throughput and Workflow Automation
The instrument provides print speeds of up to 2.5 seconds per cassette and holds a capacity of up to 600 cassettes, which Leica Biosystems notes can help laboratories optimize turnaround times, prevent bottlenecks, and maintain workflow continuity under elevated demand.
By operating without ink and ribbons, the laser printer helps facilities lower total cost of ownership, reduce routine maintenance needs, and decrease instrument downtime, the company stated. The system also incorporates automated color recognition alongside laboratory information system (LIS) compatibility. These features match cassette colors to predefined templates, decreasing manual touchpoints and mitigating specimen labeling mistakes.
“Histology laboratories are often expected to do more with limited time, space and resources, while still needing confidence that every specimen is accurately identified across the diagnostic journey,” says Anupama Mokkapati, senior vice president of core portfolio and global supply chain at Leica Biosystems, in a release. “The HistoCore Lightening C Laser Cassette Printer helps laboratories enhance foundational workflow steps by combining speed, durable print quality and seamless integration to support accurate, timely results to patients.”
Front-End Traceability for Digital Pathology
As anatomic pathology laboratories increasingly adopt digital pathology platforms and artificial intelligence tools, front-end consistency and specimen tracking are critical for downstream imaging quality and diagnostic accuracy, according to Leica Biosystems.
Leica Biosystems, an operating company within Danaher, supports nearly 2 million cancer tests worldwide each week. The cassettes used with the instrument are intended for in vitro diagnostic use only.
The company plans to showcase the new system at the National Society for Histotechnology Convention in San Antonio, Texas, taking place Sept 25–29, 2026.
Photo caption: HistoCore LIGHTNING C Laser Cassette Printer
Photo credit: Leica Biosystems
