The present invention relates to a system (10) for handling slides, including a first and at least a second module-receiving area (24 through 28) for receiving at least one module (30, 34) for handling slides each. The first module-receiving area (24) accommodates a coverslipper module (30, 32) for coverslipping thin sections on slides with a mounting medium and a cover slip (48).

A specimen processing system is capable of processing specimens carried on slides. The specimen processing system can sequentially deliver slides and opposables to specimen processing stations. The specimen processing stations can use the opposables to apply a series of liquids to the specimens. The applied liquid can be moved along the slide using capillary action while the specimen processing stations control the processing temperatures. The applied liquid can be in a fluid-carrying gap. The opposable can contact the slide to vary a cross section of the fluid-carrying gap.

A processing assembly for treatment of a sample on a substrate, including: a mounting block including a mounting surface for the substrate; a closure body configured to support a cover member; a closure body arm engaging with the closure body so that rotation of the arm about a pivot axis causes movement of the closure body between the open and closed positions; and a substrate retaining mechanism. The mechanism includes: a cam, and a substrate retaining arm including a cam follower engaging the cam. When the closure body is closed and the cover member engages the substrate, the substrate retaining arm is clear of the substrate, as the closure body arm commences rotation to enable the closure body to rotate towards the open position, but whilst the closure body remains in a closed position, the substrate retaining arm moves into engagement with the substrate, and disengages with the substrate.