UNSPSC 41102931: Paraffin dispenser

Electronic large volume capacity container that melts, maintains constant temperature and consistency, and dispenses liquidized histology paraffin into the tissue embedding cassette

UNSPSC 41102931 Paraffin dispenser (Commodity) describes histology laboratory services, specifically the tissue processing, embedding, staining, and postmortem specimen analysis that state and local medical examiners and forensic agencies actually contract for, rather than the literal paraffin-dispensing equipment the code name suggests. State and local buyers under this code are primarily medical examiner offices and forensic investigation agencies within county and state governments. The work involves tissue embedding and cutting, routine hematoxylin and eosin staining, specialized stains (acid-fast bacilli, fungi, Gram, Wright-Giemsa, reticulum, Masson's trichrome), completion of histological reports within four working days of specimen receipt, courier delivery of prepared slides, chain-of-custody documentation, and expert consultation and court testimony availability. Contractors must hold Florida state certification or equivalent, maintain College of American Pathologists accreditation for clinical and microbiology laboratory services, participate in proficiency testing programs, and employ personnel certified as HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP). Insurance requirements typically include $1,000,000 general liability, $1,000,000 professional liability, $2,000,000 auto liability, and $5,000,000 cyber liability.

Recent activity centers on Florida and Georgia. Brevard County Purchasing Services issued RFQ-7-26-07 for histology laboratory services on behalf of its Medical Examiner's Office with a proposal deadline of April 7, 2026, structured as a five-year term contract with evaluation criteria totaling 100 points based on organizational profile, operations, facilities, experience, and certifications. Brevard County also pursued sole-source procurement 5050708 from Professional Pathology Laboratory, LLC for histological examination and analysis of postmortem biological specimens. The State of Georgia, through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, issued two eRFQs in April and May 2026 (47100GBI0000203 and 47100GBI0000204) for histology services and histology evaluation services, each with compressed three to nine-day response windows. California issued RFB-IS-26200981 in May 2026 with a June 4, 2026 deadline and CBE certification requirements.