Get Started
From Glass Slide to Digital Asset
Read the scanning options and slide requirements below, then complete the request form. We will return a quotation based on the details you provide.
Scanning Options
Choosing Your Scan
Three choices determine scan time, file size and cost. If you are unsure, say so on the request form and we will advise.
Magnification
- 10x – overview and low-power morphology; smallest files, fastest turnaround.
- 20x – the general-purpose choice for most histology and teaching sets.
- 40x – cytological detail, nuclear features, mitotic counts and small organisms.
Imaging Mode
| Mode | Use it for | Speed | File size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat | Standard, evenly mounted sections. The default. | Fast | 2 – 4 GB |
| EFI | Uneven or thick sections needing extended focus. | Slow | 4 – 12 GB |
| Z-stack | Special cases where focal planes must be preserved. | Very slow | 12 GB or more |
Online Storage
Web access to your images can be arranged for 30 days, 3 months, 6 months or 1 year. Storage costs are incurred for the period selected.
Data retention: Scanned slide data is held on a non-internet-accessible drive for a default of 30 days. No backup copy is retained by the Hub: backing up your images is your responsibility. Digital slides are not stored beyond 30 days without a storage agreement in place.
Before You Submit
Slide Submission Requirements
Dimensions
- Glass slide: 75 × 25 × 1 mm
- Coverslip: 55 × 24 × 0.13 – 0.16 mm, allowing for the mounting medium layer
Labeling
Every slide must carry: slide ID or lab number, stain, tissue type (for example heart, liver, spleen, breast), and project name.
Slides that are not labelled appropriately will not be accepted.
Slides We Cannot Process
Slides that are cracked or broken, or have loose, lifting, slanted, thickly glued or missing coverslips, will not be processed. They can damage the scanner. Excessive scratches, dirt, fingerprints, bubbles under the coverslip or surplus mounting medium will degrade the digital output.
Cleaning surcharge. A surcharge of R6.50 per slide applies where slides require cleaning before scanning, removing dust, oil or marker pen, or trimming excess mounting medium and labels from the slide edges.
Delivery and Collection
Delivery and collection of slides are the requester’s responsibility. Submit slides in a clearly labelled slide box, with correct contact and project information, and state the total number of slides included. Once scanning is complete you will be notified by email with collection and image transfer details.
Scanning Request Form