Choosing the right cover glass.

Elevating automated workflows and digital pathology performance.

Background
The quality of cover glass plays an integral role in achieving precision and reliability in microscopy and digital pathology. KT™ Premium Koverglass, made from SCHOTT’s D 263® M glass, has been rigorously engineered and tested to meet and exceed ISO 8255-1 standards, setting a new benchmark for cover glass performance.

SCHOTT’s Cover Glass vs. ISO 8255-1 Standards
To ensure unparalleled optical performance, cover glass must adhere to stringent quality requirements. Testing completed by SCHOTT compares key specifications of SCHOTT’s D 263® M glass with ISO 8255-1 standards (Table 1). SCHOTT D 263® M consistently surpasses the requirements of ISO 8255-1.

Digital Pathology
The clarity of images is paramount for accurate diagnoses and research. By exceeding ISO standards, SCHOTT’s cover glass minimizes optical distortion, ensuring high-resolution imaging and accurate light transmission. This results in:

Enhanced Clarity: Clear images enable pathologists to make
confident assessments.
Improved Workflow Efficiency: Reduces the need for repeat
imaging or adjustments.
Support for Advanced Imaging Techniques: High-quality
glass enables compatibility with AI systems.

Storage and Archiving
SCHOTT’s D 263® M cover glass has been rigorously tested to meet long-term storage demands under varying storage conditions. Its hydrolytic resistance, rated at medical-grade HGB-1 (see Table 1), provides exceptional resistance to moisture-induced deterioration, maintaining slide integrity and preserving diagnostic clarity, crucial for archival requirements.

Quality Control
Cover glasses produced by Knittel Glass are tested at the time of production – looking for broken coverslips or cover glasses stuck together - using a globally accepted automated coverslipper. Since 2017, random samples of final production lots, totaling over 764,504 cover glasses yielded just 382 (0.05%) broken coverslips and 994 (0.13%) cover glasses stuck together. Knittel’s stringent quality control specifications ensure that only batches demonstrating zero breakage and sticking are approved for release from the facility (Table 2).

Table 1. SCHOTT Test Finding

Table 2. Knittel Glass Quality Testing

Effortless Automation
KT™ Premium Koverglass supports seamless integration with automated systems, ideal for high-throughput laboratories requiring minimal manual intervention. Designed to work effortlessly with globally available coverslippers, the glass ensures:

Jam-Free Operation: Smooth surfaces and precise dimensions prevent interruptions.
Stick-Free Performance: Reduces downtime and contamination risks.
Reliability: Over 99.9% of production exceeds stringent quality checks, ensuring dependability.

Conclusion
KT™ Premium Koverglass represents the pinnacle of precision and reliability, surpassing ISO 8255-1 standards and delivering exceptional performance for automated workflows and digital pathology. By investing in superior cover glass, laboratories can achieve vibrant imaging combined with a seamless workflow.

REFERENCES
1. SCHOTT white paper - https://www.schott.com/en-gb/products/d-263-p1000318/technical-details