A system and apparatus for automation of microscope slide sample staining is disclosed. The slides are labelled with a unique identification, preferably a machine readable code printed onto a label, where the label is affixed to the slide. The label is a pointer to information in a database containing patient data on the sample, including staining protocol and reagents to be applied. Also disclosed is a reagent identification system where reagent containers used in the above staining system having a unique package identifier, preferably in the form of a label having a machine readable code. Data relating to the contents of the reagent containers, such as volume, batch number, reagent type and expiry date, is stored in a database in association with the unique package identifier. Using the reagent container unique package identifier it is possible to associate the type of protocol, and precise reagent used in the test with the patient data, allowing tracking of the test applied to the sample.