Abstract: A work station comprises a surface (11) for supporting a sample (12); a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the surface; and apparatus (16) for communicating with a memory tag via a wireless electromagnetic link. The apparatus is located beneath the surface in order to communicate with a memory tag on or over the surface. A soft magnetic member is provided. The temperature controller comprises a chamber containing a liquid; a pump for pumping the liquid into the chamber; an inlet channel between the pump and the chamber; and an inlet weir extending across the inlet channel so as to impede the flow of liquid through the inlet channel into the main chamber. The work station is of particular use in the monitoring of samples being used in in-vitro fertilisation procedures.