Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for processing a sample on a slide. A capillary processing module has a crank to raise and lower a slide, and/or a side inlet to apply a fluid to the slide. A capillary gap is formed between the slide and a chamber floor of the capillary processing module when the crank has lowered the slide. Capillary action causes the fluid to spread through the capillary space across a processing area and to contact the sample. When the crank raises the slide, the fluid is withdrawn from the processing area of the slide because the capillary gap is eliminated.