Abstract: A method for estimating a quantity of sample material borne by an absorptive substrate. A first radiation is directed onto the substrate. The radiation interacts with the substrate to an extent relative to anisotropy of the substrate. Interaction of the radiation with the substrate is measured at a plurality of measurement sites of the substrate to obtain a first measurement. Then a sample is applied to the substrate to cause absorption of sample material into the substrate at at least one of the measurement sites. After absorption of the sample by the substrate, a second radiation is directed onto the substrate. Interaction of the radiation with the substrate and sample is measured, to obtain a second measurement. The first measurement is compared with the second measurement to estimate a quantity of sample material borne by the substrate.

Abstract: A method of selecting for analysis a sample of a biological material anisotropically distributed on a substrate is disclosed, comprising the steps of directing a beam of radiation onto the substrate, said radiation being selected to interact with the biological material to an extent corresponding to the anisotropy; measuring the interaction at plurality of locations; and selecting the sample by reference to the measurements. An inspection apparatus for selecting for analysis a sample of a biological material anisotropically distributed on a substrate is disclosed comprising a source of radiation selected to interact with the anisotropically distributed biological material to an extent corresponding to the anisotropy; a detector for measuring the interaction at plurality of locations on the substrate; and a processor coupled to the detector for utilizing the measurement to select a portion of the sample for further analysis.

Abstract: A method of selecting for analysis a sample of a biological material anisotropically distributed on a substrate, said method comprising the steps of directing a beam of radiation onto said substrate, said radiation being selected to interact with said anisotropically distributed biological material to an extent corresponding to said anisotropy; measuring said interaction at plurality of locations on said substrate; and selecting said sample by reference to said measurements. An inspection apparatus for selecting for analysis a sample of a biological material anisotropically distributed on a substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A storage container (10) for storage of a biological sample (20) for analysis, wherein said container comprises a body (11) defining a compartment for storage of said sample; a platform (12) for retaining the sample (20), which platform is slidably received within the compartment; a closure (13) for an opening in the body (11) through which the platform (12) may be withdrawn from the compartment; and a locking mechanism (18) for the container whereby manual access to the sample is prevented after locking. Suitably a sample identifier (15) is provided for securing in the container (10) with the sample (20), and a portion (19) of the container is transparent to permit reading the sample identifier. The storage container (10) is desirably adapted for processing, such as sampling, by an automated test apparatus (21) when said container is interlocked in a docking station of the test apparatus.

Abstract: A storage container (10) for storage of a biological sample (20) for analysis, wherein said container comprises a body (11) defining a compartment for storage of said sample; a platform (12) for retaining the sample (20), which platform is slidably received within the compartment; a closure (13) for an opening in the body (11) through which the platform (12) may be withdrawn from the compartment; and a locking mechanism (18) for the container whereby manual access to the sample is prevented after locking. Suitably a sample identifier (15) is provided for securing in the container (10) with the sample (20), and a portion (19) of the container is transparent to permit reading the sample identifier. The storage container (10) is desirably adapted for processing, such as sampling, by an automated test apparatus (21) when said container is interlocked in a docking station of the test apparatus.