Abstract: A histology processing cassette stack having a plurality of cassettes for use in analyzing or processing biological samples is disclosed. The stack of cassettes are arranged in register and threaded on a connecting strip which passes through an aperture in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the cassette though a front wall of the cassette. The cassettes are held in fixed relation and may be transported and inserted en bloc into a magazine in a printing system by the connecting strip having a retaining part abutting the bottom cassette and able to bear the weight of the stack of cassettes when suspended. A printing system comprising a housing having a void for receiving a magazine loaded with the stack of cassettes is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of avoiding deformation and providing for a more consistent thickness of a biological tissue sample during preparation for analysis comprising providing a histology processing cassette comprising a box defining a compartment for holding a biological tissue sample, the box having a bottom face comprising a sample support surface and being transmissible to radiation or a flow of fluid through to pass through the cassette, an open top face, and two side walls, a back wall and a front wall, the box having a length and width greater than a standard size histology processing cassette and a depth approximately the same as a standard size histology processing cassette placing the sample in the cassette and treating the sample by contacting it with a processing solution; and contacting the sample with molten paraffin wax and cooling the sample in molten paraffin wax so the sample is embedded in solidified paraffin wax for further processing.

Abstract: A histology processing cassette comprising a box comprising a compartment for holding a biological tissue sample, the box having a bottom face comprising at least in part a sample support surface and being transmissible to radiation, an open top face, and two side walls, a back wall and a front wall, the box having dimensions greater than a standard size histology processing cassette and comprising a recess in the front wall adapted to receive a standard size cassette which has a front wall comprising a unique identifier for the biological tissue sample such that upon insertion of the standard cassette in the recess the unique identifier on the front wall of the standard cassette is readable.