Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an automated method of transferring biological material from a sample disposed on a planar substrate into a collection tube. The method can include: using a dissection too that has an internal passageway extending between first and second ends of the tool and an air-permeable filter element that spans the internal passageway. The method can include steps of physically detaching the biological material from the planar substrate using the scraping blade of the dissection tool, generating an underpressure at the tool second end by connecting the internal passageway to a vacuum generator, attaching the collection tube to an outer surface of the dissection tool in an airtight manner; and generating an overpressure at the tool second end, and transferring the material into the collection tube.