Abstract: A slide carrier includes: a base support; and a slide platform having a surface that is parallel to a first plane defined by a first vector and a second vector, wherein a vector extending in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity is normal with respect to a second plane defined by a third vector and a fourth vector, an angle between the first vector and the third vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees, and an angle between the second vector and the fourth vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: Automated systems to make target compounds from slide stainer waste streams inactive utilizing advanced oxidation processes are described herein. Advanced oxidation processes are promoted by UV irradiation and further accelerated by use of radical initiators, such as hydrogen peroxide. The automated systems further include mechanisms for segregating components of the waste streams.

Abstract: A method for fixing a biological sample includes delivering energy through a biological sample that has been removed from a subject, while fixing the biological sample. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the biological sample is evaluated to monitor the progress of the fixation. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy. A computing device can evaluate the speed of the energy based on signals from the receiver.

Abstract: A slide carrier includes: a base support; and a slide platform having a surface that is parallel to a first plane defined by a first vector and a second vector, wherein a vector extending in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity is normal with respect to a second plane defined by a third vector and a fourth vector, an angle between the first vector and the third vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees, and an angle between the second vector and the fourth vector is greater than zero degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that permits calculation of reagent concentrations (in SI units) over time and space within a tissue sample as the sample is immersed in the reagent and the reagent diffuses into the tissue sample. The disclosed method has yielded the surprising result that once a formaldehyde concentration at all points within a tissue sample exceeds about 90 mM during a cold step of a cold+hot fixation protocol, the hot step of the fixation protocol can be commenced to provide reliable detection of molecular targets and preservation of tissue morphology in downstream analyses.

Abstract: An aldehyde fixative solution at a first temperature is caused to contact a tissue sample for a first time period, additionally an aldehyde fixative solution is caused to contact the tissue sample at a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second time period. The first time period typically ranges from about 15 minutes up to about 4 hours, and the first temperature typically is from greater than 0° C. to at least 15° C. The second temperature typically is from greater than about 22° C. to about 55° C., and the second time period ranges from about 1 hour to about 4 hours. Using this process, improved tissue morphology and IHC staining as well as superior preservation of post-translation modification signals have been accomplished in approximately 4 hours compared to 24 hours for room temperature protocols, and more even morphology and antigen preservation are observed.

Abstract: A method and system are described for processing tissues according to particular processing protocols that are established based on time-of-flight measurements as a processing fluid is diffused into a tissue sample. In one embodiment, measurement of the time it takes about 70% ethanol to diffuse into a tissue sample is used to predict the time it will take to diffuse other processing fluids into the same or similar tissue samples. Advantageously, the disclosed method and system can reduce overall processing times and help ensure that only samples that require similar processing conditions are batched together.

Abstract: A method and system are described for processing tissues according to particular processing protocols that are established based on time-of-flight measurements as a processing fluid is diffused into a tissue sample. In one embodiment, measurement of the time it takes about 70% ethanol to diffuse into a tissue sample is used to predict the time it will take to diffuse other processing fluids into the same or similar tissue samples. Advantageously, the disclosed method and system can reduce overall processing times and help ensure that only samples that require similar processing conditions are batched together.

Abstract: A tissue sample that has been removed from a subject can be evaluated. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the sample is evaluated to monitor changes in the biological sample during processing. The monitoring can detect movement of fluid with the sample and cross-linking. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy.

Abstract: A method and system for processing a sample in a fluid is provided. An assembly comprising a cap prefilled with a fixative solution, a valve, and a container for storing a tissue sample are provided. The valve is adapted to be situated between the cap and the container such that fluid can flow from the cap into the container when the assembly is upright, but the fluid cannot backflow from the container to the cap when the assembly is horizontal or inverted.

Abstract: Automated systems to make target compounds from slide stainer waste streams inactive utilizing advanced oxidation processes are described herein. Advanced oxidation processes are promoted by UV irradiation and further accelerated by use of radical initiators, such as hydrogen peroxide. The automated systems further include mechanisms for segregating components of the waste streams.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for determining an acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) of sound waves through a sample material with greater accuracy and in a more repeatable fashion, by invoking one or more of an envelope generation for an error function, fitting a non-linear curve to an ultrasound frequency sweep, or performing a clustered piece-wise linear regression on individual linear parts of the ultrasonic frequency sweep. The systems and methods are useful for, among other things, monitoring diffusion of fluids through porous materials, such as tissue samples.

Abstract: A tissue sample that has been removed from a subject can be evaluated. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the sample is evaluated to monitor changes in the biological sample during processing. The monitoring can detect movement of fluid with the sample and cross-linking. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for evaluating a tissue sample that has been removed from a subject. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the sample is evaluated to monitor changes in the biological sample during processing. The rate of change in the speed of the energy is correlated with the extent of diffusion. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy. A time-of-flight of acoustic waves and rate of change thereof is monitored to determine an optimal time for soaking the tissue sample in a fixative.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that permits calculation of reagent concentrations (in SI units) over time and space within a tissue sample as the sample is immersed in the reagent and the reagent diffuses into the tissue sample. The disclosed method has yielded the surprising result that once a formaldehyde concentration at all points within a tissue sample exceeds about 90 mM during a cold step of a cold+hot fixation protocol, the hot step of the fixation protocol can be commenced to provide reliable detection of molecular targets and preservation of tissue morphology in downstream analyses.

Abstract: A method and system are described for processing tissues according to particular processing protocols that are established based on time-of-flight measurements as a processing fluid is diffused into a tissue sample. In one embodiment, measurement of the time it takes about 70% ethanol to diffuse into a tissue sample is used to predict the time it will take to diffuse other processing fluids into the same or similar tissue samples. Advantageously, the disclosed method and system can reduce overall processing times and help ensure that only samples that require similar processing conditions are batched together.

Abstract: An aldehyde fixative solution at a first temperature is caused to contact a tissue sample for a first time period, additionally an aldehyde fixative solution is caused to contact the tissue sample at a second temperature higher than the first temperature for a second time period. The first time period typically ranges from about 15 minutes up to about 4 hours, and the first temperature typically is from greater than 0° C. to at least 15° C. The second temperature typically is from greater than about 22° C. to about 55° C., and the second time period ranges from about 1 hour to about 4 hours. Using this process, improved tissue morphology and IHC staining as well as superior preservation of post-translation modification signals have been accomplished in approximately 4 hours compared to 24 hours for room temperature protocols, and more even morphology and antigen preservation are observed.

Abstract: A method for fixing a biological sample includes delivering energy through a biological sample that has been removed from a subject, while fixing the biological sample. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the biological sample is evaluated to monitor the progress of the fixation. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy. A computing device can evaluate the speed of the energy based on signals from the receiver.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for evaluating a tissue sample that has been removed from a subject. A change in speed of the energy traveling through the sample is evaluated to monitor changes in the biological sample during processing. The rate of change in the speed of the energy is correlated with the extent of diffusion. A system for performing the method can include a transmitter that outputs the energy and a receiver configured to detect the transmitted energy. A time-of-flight of acoustic waves and rate of change thereof is monitored to determine an optimal time for soaking the tissue sample in a fixative.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that permits calculation of reagent concentrations (in SI units) over time and space within a tissue sample as the sample is immersed in the reagent and the reagent diffuses into the tissue sample. The disclosed method has yielded the surprising result that once a formaldehyde concentration at all points within a tissue sample exceeds about 90 mM during a cold step of a cold+hot fixation protocol, the hot step of the fixation protocol can be commenced to provide reliable detection of molecular targets and preservation of tissue morphology in downstream analyses.