A modified and improved photografting procedure of Topas (R) surface hydrophilization is investigated in order to obtain stable modification of the polymer for long term storage. The achieved hydrophilicity and monitoring of the wettability during one month of storage are presented as well as a description of the optimal cleaning procedure and storage conditions to maintain the modified surface. Three minutes of oxygen plasma activation followed by 4 min of acrylic acid UV-photografting at 50 degrees C leads to the most stable hydrophilicity that was characterized by an initial water contact angle of 53.5 degrees +/- 1.2 degrees. Storage of the modified material in cold water at 4 degrees C and refraining from ultrasonic cleaning limit water contact angle increase to 5 over 30 days. In comparison with pristine hydrophobic Topas, the proposed treatment improves chromosome spreading ability significantly. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.