Clarapath Debuts TrimStar Pro, an On-Ramp to Robotic Histology

WHITE PLAINS, NY – May 04, 2026 – Medical robotics firm Clarapath today announced the launch of TrimStar Pro™, a new robotic system designed to make advanced automation more accessible for histology laboratories. The FDA-registered device automates one of the most labor-intensive steps in pathology—tissue block facing and trimming—offering a strategic entry point for labs grappling with rising demands and persistent staffing shortages.

As a purpose-built solution, TrimStar Pro™ provides a modular, lower-investment pathway toward the fully automated future envisioned by the industry, positioning itself as a crucial stepping stone to Clarapath's flagship SectionStar® system. This launch signals a significant move to broaden the adoption of robotics in a field critical to patient diagnosis.

Addressing a Critical Bottleneck in Pathology

Histology, the microscopic study of tissues, remains a cornerstone of medical diagnosis, particularly in oncology. Yet, many of its core processes have remained stubbornly manual, lagging behind the automation seen in other clinical lab disciplines. This reliance on manual techniques creates significant challenges, including variability in quality, operational inefficiencies, and ergonomic risks for technicians.

Among the most demanding tasks is microtomy, the delicate process of slicing paraffin-embedded tissue blocks into micron-thin sections for slide mounting. The initial step, known as facing or trimming, involves shaving the block to expose the tissue surface. It is a repetitive, skill-dependent task that directly impacts the quality of the final slide. Inconsistencies can lead to diagnostic difficulties, require costly and time-consuming rework, and waste precious patient tissue.

Industry studies have identified manual microtomy as a primary source of inconsistencies in diagnostic testing and a contributor to musculoskeletal disorders among histotechnologists due to repetitive hand motions. With labs facing pressure to increase throughput and deliver results faster without compromising accuracy, automating this bottleneck has become a critical priority. TrimStar Pro™ is engineered specifically to meet this need, introducing robotic precision and consistency to a traditionally manual craft.

The 'On-Ramp' to Full Automation

Clarapath's strategic approach with TrimStar Pro™ centers on flexibility and scalability. Recognizing that a full-scale robotic overhaul is not feasible for every laboratory, the company has designed the system as both a powerful standalone unit and a component of a larger ecosystem. With a compact footprint approximately half the size of the comprehensive SectionStar® platform, it can be integrated into labs with limited space.

This modular design creates a practical “on-ramp” for automation. Labs can adopt TrimStar Pro™ to immediately realize efficiency gains in trimming, and later upgrade to the full SectionStar® system for end-to-end sectioning and slide preparation without having to replace their initial investment.

"SectionStar® sets the benchmark for full automation in histology, and TrimStar™ Pro is the natural extension of that vision," said Eric Feinstein, CEO of Clarapath, in the company's announcement. "We've designed a modular, upgradeable platform that allows labs to start with TrimStar Pro™ and seamlessly progress to SectionStar when ready. It's a true on-ramp to full automation - without compromising integration, data integrity, or long-term scalability."

This strategy directly addresses a major barrier to entry for advanced technology: high upfront capital costs. By lowering the initial investment and providing a clear upgrade path, Clarapath aims to democratize access to robotic microtomy, enabling a wider range of labs to begin their automation journey.

Enhancing Precision and Diagnostic Quality

Beyond workflow efficiency, the primary promise of robotic microtomy lies in its potential to elevate the quality and consistency of diagnostic materials. The TrimStar Pro™ system incorporates advanced sensing capabilities to ensure precise and repeatable block preparation, a critical factor for accurate pathological assessment.

By replacing manual variability with machine precision, the system helps ensure that every tissue section is of optimal quality. This standardization is vital for both traditional light microscopy and the growing field of digital pathology, where high-quality slides are essential for accurate image analysis by AI algorithms. Improved consistency reduces the likelihood of artifacts or suboptimal sections that can obscure cellular details, ultimately supporting pathologists in making more confident and timely diagnoses.

While the device is listed as "FDA-registered," which confirms that the agency is aware of the manufacturer and its product for commercial distribution, it is a standard procedural step. This registration allows qualifying customers in the U.S. and select international markets to purchase the system, bringing its capabilities into clinical practice where its real-world impact on diagnostic accuracy and patient care can be realized.

A Commitment to Domestic Innovation

In a globalized MedTech market, Clarapath is distinguishing itself through a commitment to domestic production. The company proudly states that its automated microtomy systems, including both TrimStar Pro™ and SectionStar®, are designed, manufactured, and assembled entirely in the United States. All operations are housed in its ISO 13485-certified facility in Westchester County, New York, with service and support also handled by a U.S.-based team.

This "Made in America" approach offers several strategic advantages. It allows for tighter quality control over the entire production process and creates a more resilient supply chain, mitigating risks associated with international disruptions. For healthcare providers, it can mean more reliable service and faster access to parts and support. This commitment to domestic manufacturing not only strengthens Clarapath's position in the MedTech sector but also contributes to the national innovation economy.

The launch of TrimStar Pro™ comes at a time when the broader lab automation market is projected to see substantial growth, driven by the need to manage rising diagnostic demand and offset labor shortages. While established players like Leica Biosystems and Sakura Finetek offer their own automated microtomes, Clarapath's focus on a modular, scalable pathway provides a unique value proposition. By offering a practical first step into robotics, the company is poised to accelerate the modernization of histology and empower laboratories to enhance the quality and efficiency of patient care.