Abstract: A single-use coring probe for collecting a frozen aliquot from a frozen biological sample includes a hollow coring bit and an ejector adapted. The ejector is operable to eject a frozen sample core from the bit as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position. Use of the ejector converts the probe to a disabled configuration to discourage reuse of the coring probe to obtain another sample. The probe may include a locking mechanism adapted to prevent re-use of the single-use coring probe by locking the ejector in the extended position. A hand-held coring device can be used to take frozen sample cores from frozen samples. A tissue container is suitable for holding a frozen tissue sample in frozen storage and also for holding the sample while the sample is sectioned and/or a full-depth frozen sample core is extracted from the frozen tissue.

Abstract: A system for taking frozen sample cores from frozen biological samples includes a coring bit mount adapted to hold a coring bit and a carriage supporting the coring bit mount. A drive system is adapted to produce relative movement between the carriage and the frozen biological samples for moving the coring bit along a path into the frozen biological samples. A cutting action motor is supported by the carriage and adapted to drive a cutting motion of the coring bit as the drive system drives the coring bit into the frozen biological samples. A targeting system is adapted to direct electromagnetic radiation onto one of the frozen biological samples when the sample is positioned in the path of the coring bit. The electromagnetic radiation is adapted to produce a display on the frozen biological sample indicating where the path of the coring bit intersects the frozen biological sample.

Abstract: A single-use coring probe for collecting a frozen aliquot from a frozen biological sample includes a hollow coring bit and an ejector adapted. The ejector is operable to eject a frozen sample core from the bit as it moves from a retracted position to an extended position. Use of the ejector converts the probe to a disabled configuration to discourage reuse of the coring probe to obtain another sample. The probe may include a locking mechanism adapted to prevent re-use of the single-use coring probe by locking the ejector in the extended position. A hand-held coring device can be used to take frozen sample cores from frozen samples. A tissue container is suitable for holding a frozen tissue sample in frozen storage and also for holding the sample while the sample is sectioned and/or a full-depth frozen sample core is extracted from the frozen tissue.