Abstract: A protective sheath for prolonged storage of pathology paraffin blocks. The sheath protects the paraffin block against gouging, scratching, denting, rodents, and insects. A pathology slide slides into a slot in the protective sheath and is held into place by retainers running on the interior face of the protective sheath. A paraffin block cassette accepts a paraffin block and slides into a sample block sleeve holder disposed on one edge of the sheath.

Abstract: A tamper evident cap assembly, more particularly a combination of vial and cap assembly, assures the integrity of a specimen and of the specimen collection process. The screw cap is locked to the screw threads of a vial, when the vial is empty, with one of two latches that are integral to the cap assembly and can lock the cap to the vial. The lock is broken in the presence of the specimen donor or in the presence of a witness who can testify as to chain of custody, a specimen is placed in the vial, following which the cap is locked to the vial with the other of the two latches, which is broken when received by a testing laboratory. A loop formed to encircle the vial is connected by a tether to the cap and slipped onto the vial. At least one restraining rib on the vial is spaced below the screw thread top and is sized to permit the loop to be forced upwardly thereover to be restrained from downward movement.

Abstract: A microtitration tray for carrying a plurality of frangibly-collected multi-well linear strips in circular apertures therefore, in which the effective diameter of the aperture is reduced by a plurality of symmetrically projecting protuberances, such as ribs, so as frictionally retain the wells in the apertures while enabling ready release of the wells therefrom.

Abstract: A solvent-leak-proof container for rectangular microscope slides includes a thermoplastic vial formed with a threaded cylindrical end and a removable threaded mating cap. The cap includes a centrally disposed cylindrical sealing member for leak proof sealing against the threaded end of the vial. The vial interior includes opposing pairs of longitudinal ribs for supporting and positioning rectangular microscope slides within the vial. The body of the vial is circular at least at the threaded end mating with the cap, but is generally rectangular thereafter to form opposing pairs of flat gripping surfaces which are also suitable for marking the vial for identification.

Abstract: A gauge for validating the inner diameter and thickness of a calibrated loop. The gauge preferably has a long handle, a cylindrical member at each end of the handle and a slot at each end of the handle. The cylindrical members have slightly different outside diameters for attempted insertion into the loop to be validated and the slots have slightly different widths for attempted insertion of the loop therein. Identifying indicia are imprinted on the handle to indicate which end is which.

Abstract: A collecting apparatus for the collection of pinworm eggs incorporates a shaft surrounded by an adhesive strip. A tab is disposed at the free end of the adhesive strip. The shaft is attached to a gripping member by a connecting member.The gripping member is preferably a threaded screw cap suitable for use with a storage tube. The shaft and connecting member are placed within the tube and the tube is sealed with the gripping member for transportation and storage of collected eggs. Once a specimen is collected, the tab of the adhesive strip is used as an anchor. Using the gripping member as a tool in a rotating fashion, the entire adhesive strip is rolled onto a microscope slide without disturbing any specimens on the strip.

Abstract: An inoculating device having an inoculating loop, an improved streaking portion and a picker. The device is constructed of high impact polystyrene material which is injection molded to form a long thin member. One end of the device comprises a loop. The other end of the device forms a head having a plurality of distinct streaking surfaces. In the preferred embodiment, these distinct streaking surfaces have a convexity and come together to form a common point or apex, for example as in a curved pyramidal shape.

Abstract: A container defined by a base and cover, with the cover being formed to fit upon the base. The base and lid are formed so that when fitted together at least one wall of each overlaps a wall of the other. The overlapping walls are formed with an aperture which become aligned when the cover and base are fitted together. The container further includes a fastening hasp attached to either the cover or the base. One end of the hasp end is formed to pass through the aligned apertures in only one direction. Once the hasp end is positioned through the aligned aperture any attempt to remove the hasp therefrom brings a portion of the hasp into contact with the wall defining the aperture. This prevents the removal of the hasp from the aligned apertures. The hasp is further formed with a tab which can be grasped and pulled causing the hasp to tear along a pre-scored line.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting biological fluids including a specimen vial, in which a funnel is inserted, held in a substantially upright position in a base which has a detachable wall that houses and holds a vial cap and which lid is grippable to be used to secure and/or unsecure the cap to and/or from the vial.

Abstract: A device for retaining at least two specimen collecting tubes in a preselected spaced relationship includes an elongate structure having first and second arm portions joined by a flexible hinge portion, each of the arm portions defining a first surface engageable with a first tube and a second surface engageable with a second tube. The device includes provision for joining the arm portions to each other at locations remote from the hinge portion to confine the tubes between the arm portions.