Abstract: A disposable staining system is provided including an insertable module configured to receive a biological sample therein, the insertable module including a well in which the biological sample is positioned; and a staining cartridge configured to receive the insertable module including the biological sample therein, the insertable module being positioned in the staining cartridge. The insertable module has first and second inclined planes on opposing sides of an upper surface of the insertable module. A sled configured to receive the insertable module has corresponding first and second inclined planes on a bottom surface thereof. The first and second inclined planes of the insertable module and the first and second inclined planes of the sled are configured to transform horizontal movement of the insertable module into the staining cartridge into a vertical movement of the sled such that the sled is pushed upward.

Abstract: In order to remove the need for manual re-positioning of a sample (e.g., a tissue sample) on a microscope stage, systems and methods for sample positioning are described. A sample can be attached to a tissue positioning device. Then a microscope can be used to take a plurality of microscopy images (e.g., 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, etc.) of a surface of the sample in a rotational geometry using the tissue positioning device to facilitate the microscopy.

Abstract: A system for delivery of liquid to and removal of liquid from a sample is provided. The system includes a primary device that contains the sample and at least one valve configured to allow liquid to be delivered to and removed from the sample; at least one reservoir that is configured to receive a volume of liquid; a secondary device including at least one port configured to receive the at least one reservoir and configured to be coupled to the primary device; and a tertiary device configured to receive the secondary device and comprising mechanical modules that deliver the volume of liquid from the at least one reservoir to the sample and remove the volume of liquid from the sample. Positioning the primary device in the secondary device causes the volume of liquid in the at least one reservoir to be delivered to the sample contained within the primary device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a fresh tissue sample, prepared as to fluoresce under illumination, during a medical procedure. A structured light source is configured to project a spatially patterned light beam onto the fresh tissue sample. An imaging system is configured to produce an image from fluorescence emitted from the illuminated fresh tissue sample. A system control is configured to provide a human-comprehensible clinically useful output associated with the medical procedure.

Abstract: A disposable staining system is provided including an insertable module configured to receive a biological sample therein, the insertable module including a well in which the biological sample is positioned; and a staining cartridge configured to receive the insertable module including the biological sample therein, the insertable module being positioned in the staining cartridge. The insertable module has first and second inclined planes on opposing sides of an upper surface of the insertable module. A sled configured to receive the insertable module has corresponding first and second inclined planes on a bottom surface thereof. The first and second inclined planes of the insertable module and the first and second inclined planes of the sled are configured to transform horizontal movement of the insertable module into the staining cartridge into a vertical movement of the sled such that the sled is pushed upward.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a fresh tissue sample, prepared as to fluoresce under illumination, during a medical procedure. A structured light source is configured to project a spatially patterned light beam onto the fresh tissue sample. An imaging system is configured to produce an image from fluorescence emitted from the illuminated fresh tissue sample. A system control is configured to provide a human-comprehensible clinically useful output associated with the medical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a fresh tissue sample, prepared as to fluoresce under illumination, during a medical procedure. A structured light source is configured to project a spatially patterned light beam onto the fresh tissue sample. An imaging system is configured to produce an image from fluorescence emitted from the illuminated fresh tissue sample. A system control is configured to provide a human-comprehensible clinically useful output associated with the medical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for spectral analysis of a tissue mass using an instrument, an optical probe, and a Monte Carlo algorithm or a diffusion algorithm are provided. According to one method, an instrument is inserted into a tissue mass. A fiber optic probe is applied via the instrument into the tissue mass. Turbid spectral data of the tissue mass is measured using the fiber probe. The turbid spectral data is converted to absorption, scattering, and/or intrinsic fluorescence spectral data via a Monte Carlo algorithm or diffusion algorithm. Biomarker concentrations in the tissue mass are quantified using the absorption, scattering, and/or intrinsic fluorescence spectral data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a fresh tissue sample, prepared as to fluoresce under illumination, during a medical procedure. A structured light source is configured to project a spatially patterned light beam onto the fresh tissue sample. An imaging system is configured to produce an image from fluorescence emitted from the illuminated fresh tissue sample. A system control is configured to provide a human-comprehensible clinically useful output associated with the medical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for spectral analysis of a tissue mass using an instrument, an optical probe, and a Monte Carlo algorithm or a diffusion algorithm are provided. According to one method, an instrument is inserted into a tissue mass. A fiber optic probe is applied via the instrument into the tissue mass. Turbid spectral data of the tissue mass is measured using the fiber probe. The turbid spectral data is converted to absorption, scattering, and/or intrinsic fluorescence spectral data via a Monte Carlo algorithm or diffusion algorithm. Biomarker concentrations in the tissue mass are quantified using the absorption, scattering, and/or intrinsic fluorescence spectral data.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to an optical assay system having a multi-probe imaging array that orients a plurality of probes with respect to one another and to a sample. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a multi-probe imaging array for contacting biological samples and simultaneously illuminating a plurality of locations on the biological sample and collecting the reflected radiation from the locations. The multi-probe imaging array can be used for the rapid imaging of biological samples, for example, during surgery.