Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facing a tissue block. In some embodiments, a method is provided for facing a tissue block that includes imaging a tissue block to generate imaging data of the tissue block, the tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, estimating, based on the imaging data, a depth profile of the tissue block, wherein the depth profile comprises a thickness of the embedding material to be removed to expose the tissue sample to a pre-determined criteria, and removing the thickness of the embedding material to expose the tissue to the pre-determined criteria.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for facing a tissue block. In some embodiments, a method is provided for facing a tissue block that includes imaging a tissue block to generate imaging data of the tissue block, the tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, estimating, based on the imaging data, a depth profile of the tissue block, wherein the depth profile comprises a thickness of the embedding material to be removed to expose the tissue sample to a pre-determined criteria, and removing the thickness of the embedding material to expose the tissue to the pre-determined criteria.

Abstract: Systems and methods enable fully automated tissue processing using tissue processing components for producing tissue sections from a tissue sample block and to transfer the tissue sections to slides. A control device queries a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with a sample identifier associated with the tissue sample block and receives tissue sample data from the LIMS. The control device generates tissue processing workflow parameters based on the tissue sample data for each tissue processing component to perform an automated tissue processing workflow. The control device automatically controls each tissue processing component according to the tissue processing workflow parameters to process the tissue sample block. The control device generates a block processing update message while the tissue sample block is processed and communicates the block processing update message to the LIMS to enable the LIMS to track the automated tissue processing workflow for the tissue sample block.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for tracking and printing within a histology system. In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes an information reader configured to read identifying data associated with a tissue block, a microtome configured to cut one or more tissue sections from the tissue block, one or more slides for receiving the one or more tissue sections, and a printer configured to receive the identifying data and print, after the one or more tissue sections are cut from the tissue block, one or more labels for the one or more slides, the one or more labels comprising information associating the one more tissue sections on the one or more slides with the tissue block.

Abstract: There is provided an automated system for preparing tissue samples that comprises one or more microtomes, a hydration system, and a processor, the processor being programmed to initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a first tissue block comprising a first tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the first tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a first predetermined time, and initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a second tissue block while the first tissue block is being hydrated, the second tissue block comprising a second tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the second tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a second predetermined time, and to initiate the one or more microtomes to begin sectioning of the first tissue block while the second tissue block is being hydrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

Abstract: Three dimensional tumor volume is analyzed spatially by genomics and transcriptomics, or both. Thin sections are cut with a microtome using a tape transfer technique so that the thin tissue sections remain without any distortion or deformation, in sequence relative to their position in the original tissue, so that a three-dimensional coordinate system can be anchored to each tissue section. Small samples of tissue are extracted or punched from very precise locations in the supports using the coordinate system as a grid, with known x,y,z location, and subjected to genomic sequencing. Sequence data is analyzed using the three dimensional coordinate system, so that the original tissue is thereby analyzed as a three dimensional system volume. At the same time, alternate tissue sections (or the same sections from which samples have been extracted with sample punches) can be subjected to staining and imaging to do histochemical analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

Abstract: An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.

Abstract: A system and method for automated transfer of a tape segment onto the face of a tissue block to be thin sectioned by microtomy includes applying, to a carrier strip, a plurality of serially-spaced patches of sample tape having an adhesive outer surface, transporting the carrier strip along a path adjacent to and spaced from the exposed sample surface to position one of the patches of sample tape adjacent to and covering the exposed sample surface, adhering the one of the patches of sample tape to the exposed sample surface.

Abstract: An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.

Abstract: A system and method for automated transfer of a tape segment onto the face of a tissue block to be thin sectioned by microtomy includes applying, to a carrier strip, a plurality of serially-spaced patches of sample tape having an adhesive outer surface, transporting the carrier strip along a path adjacent to and spaced from the exposed sample surface to position one of the patches of sample tape adjacent to and covering the exposed sample surface, adhering the one of the patches of sample tape to the exposed sample surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a preserved serial set of sequential, iterative, and ordered thin sections of a specimen block, and a catalog of images taken from one or more sub-series of the set of sections and organized so as to create a three-dimensional profile of the microscopic structures of the specimen block. The serial set of sequential, iterative, and ordered thin sections are prepared from the specimen block by cutting and imaging thin sections of that specimen block so that the thin sections remain strictly in the sequential, iterative, order in which they are cut from the specimen block. A spatial index is created from the cataloged three-dimensional images which is searchable by local content-based image retrieval (LCBIR). The LCBIR query is used to locate, within the three-dimensional index, microscopic structural features, thereby making that portion of the specimen available for further analysis and/or for extraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

Abstract: An automated tape transfer apparatus including a tape feed mechanism feeding a continuous length of an adhesive tape through the automated tape transfer apparatus and a tape applicator applying the adhesive tape to a cutting face of a sample block, wherein a section of the sample block is adhered to the adhesive tape after cutting of the section from the sample block. A slide station transfers the cut section from the adhesive tape to a slide.

Abstract: A system and method for automated transfer of a tape segment onto the face of a tissue block to be thin sectioned by microtomy includes applying, to a carrier strip, a plurality of serially-spaced patches of sample tape having an adhesive outer surface, transporting the carrier strip along a path adjacent to and spaced from the exposed sample surface to position one of the patches of sample tape adjacent to and covering the exposed sample surface, adhering the one of the patches of sample tape to the exposed sample surface.