In addition to equipment, histology labs require a variety of consumables:
- Reagents and Stains: These are essential for preparing and staining tissue sections. Common stains like Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) are used routinely, and their costs can add up over time. - Embedding Medium: Paraffin wax is commonly used for embedding tissues, and its cost should be factored into the budget. - Glass Slides and Cover Slips: These are fundamental for mounting tissue sections for microscopic examination. - Disposable Blades: Used for microtomy, these blades need to be replaced regularly, adding to ongoing costs.