Abstract: A molded block, for holding a sample to be sectioned and examined, comprising a shank region integrally tapering to a specimen chamber having said sample embedded therein. The specimen chamber corresponds substantially to the cross-sectional size and shape of an imaging field of an imaging apparatus and may have a polygonal, for example, a rectilinear cross-sectional area. The shank region has a shape adapted for engagement with a securing means for securing the molded block to a sectioning instrument and for positioning the block face in an optimal orientation for imaging. A mold is provided for preparation of a molded block. The mold defines an elongated cavity, including an opening at a proximate end for introduction of a selected material from outside said mold. The proximate end defines a shape of a size and shape adapted for engagement with a securing means, and the mold tapers to a distal end that defines a polyhedron of a size and shape suitable for sectioning.

Abstract: A method for en bloc staining a biological sample by (a) immersing the sample in a staining solution including an ionically conductive solution and a charged stain molecule or stain precursor that associates with a component of the sample; and (b) applying an electric field across the staining solution, whereby the stain molecule penetrates into the sample. Staining times are reduced.

Abstract: A method for preparing an organic sample for cutting and subsequent examination, involving immersing the sample in a composition containing: an infiltrating substance; an embedding substance, which can be the same or different from the infiltrating substance; and a stain that chemically associates with the organic sample, wherein the stain exhibits different detectable properties when associated and not associated with the sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and evaluating the performance and condition of histology laboratory microtomes and microtome accessories including knives, motor drives, and illumination devices. Irregularities in an image of the surface of a block mounted on the microtome are detected and characterized, the block having been subjected to mechanical sectioning by the microtome to produce a cut block face. The image of light reflected from the surface of the block, either specular or non-specular, is recorded and subjected to graphical analysis to extract, quantify, and interpret patterned features, including those indicating anomalies in the function of the microtome, its accessories, or the tissue block itself.

Abstract: In general, the invention consists of a means for staining a sample with a fluorescent dye, a means for producing a darkfield image of the fluorescent stained sample, and a means of transforming an image of a sample stained with one or more darkfield dyes into an image stained with one or more brightfield dyes for examination on a computer monitor. The process includes applying a digital lookup table or other computational means in order to convert the darkfield data to brightfield forms, and a means of displaying said transformed information. Preferably, the imaging means is a block face microscope, and the means for transforming the images is a digital computer.

Abstract: In general, the invention consists of a means for staining a sample with a fluorescent dye, a means for producing a darkfield image of the fluorescent stained sample, and a means of transforming an image of a sample stained with one or more darkfield dyes into an image stained with one or more brightfield dyes for examination on a computer monitor. The process includes applying a digital lookup table or other computational means in order to convert the darkfield data to brightfield forms, and a means of displaying said transformed information. Preferably, the imaging means is a block face microscope, and the means for transforming the images is a digital computer.

Abstract: Image recording apparatus comprising a block in which an object is embedded in fluorescence stained condition, means for holding said block, means for cutting slices from said block to form successively deeper faces on the block, and magnification and recording means, including a computer and either a microscope or a scanning laser positioned to receive, by means of said microscope or said scanning laser, images of said successive faces on the block, record said images, and store said recorded images in said computer.