Abstract: An improved isolator for collection, parametrical characterization and long-term preservation of samples containing stem cells comprises: a work chamber (2) isolated from the external environment; gloves jutting out at an inside of said work chamber (2); an inlet chamber (4) for introduction of a sample to be processed; an outlet chamber connected with the work chamber (2) and having a sterile sample-collecting bag; sterilizing means acting on said sample and/or on said inside of the work chamber (2); filtering means; cooling means for bringing and keeping said sample at a constant working temperature throughout the inlet chamber (4), the work chamber (2) and the outlet chamber; and visual imaging means (5) focused on the sample and defining a visual path which maintains a complete mechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic isolation between said inside of the work chamber (2) and the external environment.

Abstract: A method of collection, classification and conservation of stem cells comprises the following steps: taking a sample of organic material by continuously maintaining a total microbiological, atmospheric and physical isolation between a sampling volume, the sample and a collection portion w herein the sample is confined, manipulating said sample under sterility conditions by an isolator apparatus, for determining a presence and/or an amount and/or developing capabilities of stem cells trapped in said sample and preserving the sample; the steps of taking the sample, manipulating the sample and preserving the sample are performed on a sample comprising at least a portion of organic tissue wherein stem cells are trapped in and are also performed on the sample in its entirety, without separating the stem cells from the portion of organic tissue.

Abstract: A method of collection and preservation of a fluid and/or a material comprises a step of determining a sampling volume that is closed and/or separated from the external environment, a step of taking a predetermined amount of fluid and/or material from the sampling volume and a step of confining the fluid and/or material into a collection volume; the step of taking the fluid and/or material and the step of confining the fluid and/or material are simultaneous with each other and contemporaneous with a step of maintaining the hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or microbiological isolation between the sampling volume and the collection volume.