Abstract: Provided is a method that, when pulp fibers are recovered from used absorbent articles that have been put into collection bags, makes it possible to safely and sanitarily crush the used absorbent articles while suppressing costs. A method for recovering pulp fibers from used absorbent articles, the method comprising: a crushing step (S12) in which collection bags (A) in which used absorbent articles have been sealed are put into a container (65), the collection bags in the container are transferred to a crushing device (12) that communicates with the container, and, bag by bag, the crushing device crushes the used absorbent articles in the collections bags in a deactivating aqueous solution; and a separation step (S13) in which the pulp fibers, a highly water-absorbent polymer, and the deactivating aqueous solution are separated from the crushed product and deactivating aqueous solution obtained in the crushing step.

Abstract: A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

Abstract: A prism for measuring liquid concentration includes: an accommodating space for accommodating a liquid; an interface formed on a bottom surface of the accommodating space; a first light transmission surface and a second light transmission surface respectively formed on two side surfaces of the accommodating space; a third light transmission surface and a light emitting surface respectively formed relative to the interface. When a first incident light beam enters the prism, the first incident light beam is reflected to the light emitting surface by the interface, and exits the prism from the light emitting surface. When a second incident light beam enters the prism to the first light transmission surface, the second incident light beam exits the prism to the accommodating space from the second incident light beam, passes through the liquid and the second light to the prism, and exits the prism from the third light transmission surface.

Abstract: A setpoint adjustment apparatus for a displacement meter (10) includes a determiner (343) to determine whether a measurement value acquired by an acquirer (341) in measurement of a reference workpiece using an applying setpoint, to be used in measurement of the reference workpiece, is within the range of a desired measurement value (352), and a changer (345) to change the applying setpoint. When the measurement value is within the range of the desired measurement value (352), the applying setpoint used in acquisition of the measurement value is employed as an applying setpoint for inspection of a measurement target (1). When the measurement value is out of this range, the applying setpoint used in acquisition of the measurement value is changed to a different applying setpoint, and whether the measurement value from the reference workpiece using this applying setpoint is within the range of the desired measurement value (352) is determined.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for tracking site-specific microstructure evolutions and local mechanical fields in metallic samples deformed along biaxial strain paths. The method is based on interrupted bulge tests carried out with a custom sample holder adapted for SEM-based analytical measurements. Embodiments include elliptical dies used to generate proportional and complex strain paths in material samples. One example holding device includes a base having a floor and walls that extend to form a chamber for a sample, the floor having apertures for receiving a pressure-supplying fluid, a cover having an opening and configured such that the cover and base can be coupled together to tightly clamp a sample in the chamber, and washers disposed between the base and the cover, each washer having openings extending therethrough change at least one of a shape and a size of the opening formed in the cover.

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure is related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to immunoassays and nucleic assay acid, particularly a homogeneous assay that does not use a wash step and that is fast (e.g., 60 seconds from dropping a sample to displaying results). The present disclosure is related to both competitive and non-competitive homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.

Abstract: A system is capable of detecting substrates and can differentiate between zero, one, or multiple transparent or semi-transparent substrates in a stack. The system can include an optical sensor, an optically anti-reflective element, and a detector. The optical sensor outputs light towards the optically anti-reflective element. The light detector is positioned to detect light from the light source that is reflected by substrates, if any, positioned within a detection zone between the optically anti-reflective element and the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a light-spectroscopic analysis of a, for example, liquid sample. In particular, light should be guided through a sample and then detected and/or analyzed photometrically, spectrophotometrically, fluorometrically, spectrofluorometrically and/or by means of phosphorescence or luminescence.

Abstract: An elongated incubation trough has an indentation open toward a top end as well as a bottom. The indentation has a first receiving area to receive an elongated test strip as well as a second receiving area to receive an end section of a fluid line. The second receiving area is in fluidic communication with the first receiving area. A maximum width of the second receiving area at bottom height is greater than a maximum width of the first receiving area at bottom height.

Abstract: An improved sample conveyer for articulating a sample across the flat platen of a spectrum analyzer relative to a scan window in the platen. The conveyor includes a sample truck configured for movement across the surface of the platen, the sample truck having a scan aperture. A spur gear is rotatably mounted about the aperture, and a drive gear is engaged to the spur gear. The drive gear has a plurality of magnets embedded therein, and a second plurality of magnets is affixed to the sample truck. A translation mechanism resides beneath the platen which includes a sled mounted on parallel rails for linear translation there along, and a motor mounted on the sled. Magnets on both the sled and drive gear index and engage corresponding magnets on the sample truck to implement complex orbital, hypotrochoid or epitrochoid scan patterns for more accurate particulate analysis.

Abstract: An emitter structure includes a substrate with a membrane arrangement. The membrane arrangement includes at least one first membrane, a first heating path and a second heating path in different substrate planes. The first heating path and the second heating path are positioned with respect to one another such that a projection of the first heating path and a projection of the second heating path onto a common plane lie at least partly next to one another in the common plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to digital pathology. In order to provide an improved handling of probes in digital pathology, a slide-holder (10) for digital pathology is provided that comprises a tray basis (12), a plurality of mounting means (14) and a plurality of slide-holder registration points (16). The tray basis is configured to carry a plurality of slides (20) to be imaged by a digital pathology system, for which the tray basis provides a plurality of slide-receiving positions. The plurality of mounting means are arranged on the tray basis to mount the plurality of slides on the tray basis in a plurality of slide-receiving positions to image each slide in a separate imaging position. The slide-holder registration points comprise a plurality of interacting portions (22) that provide a mechanical registration of the tray basis with a digital pathology system for each of the imaging positions.

Abstract: An instrument for processing and/or measuring a biological process contains a sample processing system, an excitation source, an excitation optical system, an optical sensor, and an emission optical system. The sample processing system is configured to retain a first sample holder and a second sample holder, wherein the number of sample cells is different for each sample holder or a characteristic dimension for the first sample cells is different from that of the second sample holder. The instrument also includes an excitation source temperature controller comprising a temperature sensor that is coupled to the excitation source. The temperature controller is configured to produce a first target temperature when the first sample holder is retained by the instrument and to produce a second target temperature when the second sample holder is retained by the instrument.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a surface light source that emits illumination light and a micro louver film that limits components of a divergence of the illumination light that are parallel to a light emission plane of the surface light source. The illumination apparatus satisfies the following conditional expression: 20°?A?60°??(1) where A indicates, with reference to a direction for which the micro louver film limits the divergence of the illumination light, the maximum spread angle of the illumination light passing through the micro louver film.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a measurement system capable of rapid spectroscopic and calorimetric analysis of the chemical makeup of a test sample. Systems in accordance with the present disclosure include a low-thermal-mass sample holder having a substrate whose surface has been engineered to create a large-area sample-collection surface. The sample holder includes an integrated temperature controller that can rapidly heat or cool the test sample. As a result, the sample holder enables differential scanning calorimetry Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DSC-FTIR) that can be performed in minutes rather than hours, as required in the prior art.

Abstract: A fixed reference edge system that guides a glass slide from a slot of a slide rack onto a scanning stage and guides the glass slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. In an embodiment, the fixed reference edge has a first side that is parallel to a side of the slot of the slide rack. The system comprises an assembly that includes a push bar configured to push the slide from the slot onto the scanning stage, and a pull bar configured to pull the slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. When the slide is pulled into the slide rack, the long edge of the slide is pressed against the first side of the fixed reference edge to maintain a parallel orientation between the slide and the slot of the slide rack.

Abstract: A surface enhanced luminescence (SEL) sensor may include a substrate and nano fingers extending from the substrate. In one implementation, the nano fingers may be arranged in a cluster of at least three nano fingers extending from the substrate. The nano fingers of the cluster having different geometries so as to bend into a closed state such that each of the nano fingers of the cluster are linked to one another.

Abstract: A device for performing biological sample reactions may include a plurality of flow cells configured to be mounted to a common microscope translation stage, wherein each flow cell is configured to receive at least one sample holder containing biological sample. Each flow cell also may be configured to be selectively placed in an open position for positioning the at least one sample holder into the flow cell and a closed position for reacting biological sample contained in the at least one sample holder. The plurality of flow cells may be configured to be selectively placed in the open position and the closed position independently of each other.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a heating device (7) with at least one stiffened area (9, 10, 27) on a printed circuit board (8). At least one heating element (11) of the heating device is arranged in the stiffened area (9, 10, 27), and the heating device (7) is laid flat, from the outside, on a metallic head part (4) at the distal end (3) of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting foam in a specimen container. The method includes the following steps: transporting a specimen container into a locator well; centering the specimen container in the locator well; rotating the specimen container around a vertical axis in the locator well; imaging the specimen container during the rotation; analyzing an image of the specimen container captured during the rotation; and detecting foam in the specimen container based on the analysis of the image. An apparatus configured to perform the steps is also provided. The method and apparatus may be used in conjunction with a system for automatically determining whether a sample is positive for microorganism growth.

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided herein relating to a novel and rapid assay for tissue staining. Methods for using the devices and systems for analyzing tissue samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holding apparatus (100) for sample carriers (200) for use in cryomicroscopy, encompassing: a body having at least one sample carrier receptacle that comprises at least one sample carrier support surface against which at least one sample carrier (200) is abuttable; at least one first sample carrier holding means (121); and at least one second sample carrier holding means (131) that is configured to impinge upon the sample carrier (200) with force against the first sample carrier holding means (121); and to an arrangement having a manipulation container and such a holding apparatus (100), and to methods for introducing and withdrawing a sample carrier (200).

Abstract: A method of registering features in a repeating pattern can include (a) providing an object having a repeating pattern of features and a fiducial; (b) obtaining a target image of the object, wherein the target image includes the repeating pattern of features and the fiducial; (c) comparing the fiducial in the target image to reference data, wherein the reference data includes xy coordinates for a virtual fiducial; and (d) determining locations for the features in the target image based on the comparison of the virtual fiducial in the reference data to the fiducial in the data from the target image. The fiducial can have at least concentric circles that produce three different signal levels. The locations of the features can be determined at a variance of less than 5 ?m.

Abstract: A method for determining the degree of polymerization of a polymer is disclosed, the polymer being contained in a sample (2), the method comprising the following steps: a) illuminating the sample (2) using a laser beam (11) and acquiring (100) a Raman spectrum (S) representative of the polymer; b) identifying (110) a peak of interest (Pi) and determining (120) a position (vi) of the peak of interest in the Raman spectrum; c) on the basis of the position of the peak of interest, using a calibration function (ƒ) to determine a degree of polymerization (DP, DE) of the polymer, the calibration function expressing a variation in the position of the peak of interest as a function of the degree of polymerization of the polymer.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a semiconductor element includes steps of: a) providing an inspection apparatus including a supporting unit that includes a central seat and a plurality of positioning plates, and a camera unit that includes a first image capture device; b) positioning the semiconductor element onto the positioning plates; c) capturing a first bottom image of the semiconductor element; d) generating relative movement between the semiconductor element and the positioning plates; e) capturing a second bottom image of the semiconductor element; and f) synthesizing the first bottom image and the second bottom image to obtain a complete bottom image of the semiconductor element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing test pieces in which the thickness of the samples of homogeneous water-insoluble material is uniform, and to a method for quantitative analysis of water-insoluble material by analyzing such test pieces using MALDI mass spectrometry. Specifically, the test pieces can be produced by: adding a volatile solvent to a mixture of water-insoluble material and matrix; placing, in a pellet cup made of water-soluble material, and pressing, with even pressure, the sample obtained by mixing the mixture of water-insoluble material and matrix until the solvent has evaporated; and melting the pellet cup with water.

Abstract: A multiplexed method of monitoring immune-cell responses to different ligands using a micropillar/microwell plate platform is disclosed. The method may include dispensing immune cells onto at least one micropillar chip and inserting the at least one micropillar into at least one microwell on a microwell chip, in which the at least one microwell contains at least one test compound. The method may also include immobilizing antibodies onto at least one micropillar on a micropillar chip and inserting the at least one micropillar into at least one microwell on a microwell chip, in which the at least one microwell contains a test compound. The method may also include treating the micropillar chip with at least one reactive polymer.

Abstract: This present invention relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to devices and systems having universal channel circuitry configured to perform optical and electrochemical assays, and methods of performing the optical and electrochemical assays using the universal channel circuitry. The universal channel circuitry is circuitry that has electronic switching capabilities such that any contact pin, and thus any sensor contact pad in a testing device, can be connected to one or more channels capable of taking on one or more measurement modes or configurations (e.g., an amperometric measurement mode or a current drive mode).

Abstract: A method and system for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample is presented. The method uses a rotatable vessel for processing particles contained in a liquid biological sample. The rotatable vessel has a longitudinal axis about which the vessel is rotatable, an upper portion having a top opening for receiving the liquid containing the particles, a lower portion for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is resting, the lower portion having a bottom, and an intermediate portion located between the upper portion and the lower portion, the intermediate portion having a lateral collection chamber for holding the liquid while the rotatable vessel is rotating. The method employs dedicated acceleration and deceleration profiles for sedimentation and re-suspension of the particles of interest.

Abstract: Among other things, the present disclosure is related to devices and methods of performing biological and chemical assays, such as but not limited to immunoassays and nucleic assay acid, particularly a homogeneous assay that does not use a wash step and that is fast (e.g., 60 seconds from dropping a sample to displaying results). The present disclosure is related to both competitive and non-competitive homogeneous assays.

Abstract: A hematology test slide has the same or similar dimensions as a chemical reagent test slide and an immunoassay test slide so that it may be used with these other slides on a single clinical instrument. The hematology slide includes, in order from top to bottom, a slide housing having a top housing member, a top cover slip, a U-shaped, transfer tape spacer, a bottom cover slip, a base gasket and a base plate. The U-shaped spacer has a curved end portion which defines a sample deposit area, where a blood sample is pipetted thereon, and a pair of straight, parallel, spaced apart legs extending from the curved end portion. The legs define a read area. A blood sample deposited on the hematology slide at the sample deposit area will flow by capillary action to the read area, where optical measurements are made on the sample.

Abstract: A target substance detection device detecting a target substance using magnetic particles includes a detection chip, a light irradiation unit, and a magnetic field application unit, wherein the detection chip includes a light transmissive member having a sensing surface arranged on a surface constituting a top surface relative to a bottom surface, an inclined surface, and a main body portion capable of receiving light and guiding the light through the interior, the light transmissive member having a light directing structure in which the light applied from the top surface side and passed through the inclined surface is directed via the main body portion to the sensing surface under the condition of total reflection, the light irradiation unit is operable to irradiate the sensing surface with light under the condition of total reflection via the light directing structure, and the magnetic field application unit.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided including a detection device and a flow cell mounted to the detection device. The detection device has a detector surface with a plurality of reaction sites. The detection device also includes a filter layer that is configured to at least one of (a) filter unwanted excitation light signals; (b) direct emission signals from a designated reaction site toward one or more associated light detectors that are configured to detect the emission signals from the designated reaction site; or (c) block or prevent detection of crosstalk emission signals from adjacent reaction sites.

Abstract: An optical sensor has a body including a transparent interface wall having an outer surface in contact with a liquid, to define therewith a reflection interface. An optical module is coupled at an inner surface of the interface wall, to detect a characteristic of the liquid substance via light reflection. The optical module includes a light emitter and a light receiver facing respective inclined surfaces of the interface wall. The optical module also includes a supporting structure which is elastically flexible, to enable the light emitter and the light receiver of the optical module to vary a relative position thereof and with respect to the inclined surfaces of the interface wall, when the supporting structure is secured to the inner surface of the interface wall.

Abstract: A device and method for determining substances within a fluid stream through the employment of light projected therethrough or emitted by the substances energized in the fluid stream. The device features a fluid chamber through which light, at known wavelengths, is projected through the fluid stream to a light sensor. The substances in the fluid stream are determinable by ascertaining which respective light wavelengths emitted by the light emitter do not contact the light sensor because they are absorbed by respective substances in the fluid stream. Alternatively, the substances in the fluid stream can be energized to emit light in wavelengths which can be ascertained as emitted by individual substances.

Abstract: A system comprises: (a) a robotic arm; (b) a needle capillary coupled to the robotic arm; (c) a cell coupled to the robotic arm comprising: a housing; first and second windows disposed within the housing and defining a width of an internal chamber therebetween; a collimating lens optically coupled to the first window; a focusing lens optically coupled to the second window; an inlet port fluidically coupled to a first end of the internal chamber; and an outlet port fluidically coupled to a second end of the internal chamber; (d) a pump; (e) first and second tubings fluidically coupled, respectively, between the needle capillary and the inlet port and between the pump and the outlet port; (f) a light source; (g) a photodetector; and (h) first and second optical fibers optically coupled, respectively, between the light source and the collimating lens and between the photodetector and the focusing lens.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a system and method for detecting a surface of a substrate within a scanner.

Abstract: A sampling tool for use with an infrared spectrophotometer, and method of use. The sampling tool comprises a bottom plate; and a mesh attached to the bottom plate, the mesh having a plurality of interstitial spaces, and the mesh having a mesh width and a mesh thickness, wherein the mesh is configured to receive a sample material and retain a portion of the sample material within the interstitial spaces of the mesh to form a sample having a sample thickness which is substantially the same as the mesh thickness. The mesh width may be sized to be in a range of about 1 to 3 times the width of an infrared beam directed toward the sampling tool from the spectrophotometer.

Abstract: An immunoassay test slide for use in a dry chemistry analytical instrument includes a slide housing or case formed from two matable sections—a slide cover piece and a slide bottom piece. The slide housing defines an interior cavity in which is situated a sheet-like porous carrier matrix. The slide cover piece has an opening formed through the thickness thereof to expose a central portion of the fluid flow matrix so that a precise volume of fluid sample of blood, serum or the like, preferably pre-mixed with a conjugate reagent, and precise volumes of a wash reagent and a substrate (detector reagent), may be deposited on the matrix through the cover opening by a metering device of the analytical instrument. The bottom piece of the immunoassay test slide is transparent, and the slide is moved by a transport mechanism of the analytical instrument over a reflectometer or a fluorometer for performing reflectance or fluorescence measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. In some embodiments, the system can include, for example, a slide ejector assembly having a slide staging device configured to receive a slide and an over-travel inhibitor that includes a first vacuum port positioned to draw a first vacuum between the slide and a standby platform as the slide is moved across at least a portion of the standby platform. The over-travel inhibitor includes a first sensor for detecting a presence of the slide on the standby platform. The system can also include a transfer assembly to transport slides away from the slide ejector assembly. The transfer assembly can include a floating transfer head having a vacuum port for drawing a partial vacuum for holding the slide.

Abstract: An image acquisition system includes a cassette mounting unit that holds slide glasses in a plurality of stages, a cassette having an identification code imparted thereto being mounted in the cassette mounting unit, an identification code reading unit that reads an identification code from the cassette, an image acquisition unit that acquires image data of a sample held on the slide glass, and a control computer that associates the image data with cassette identification information included in the identification code read by the identification code reading unit, wherein the cassette mounting unit includes a notch portion that exposes a bar code imparted to the cassette, and the identification code reading unit includes an imaging unit that images the identification code exposed from the notch portion in a reading position.

Abstract: A culture module is contemplated that allows the perfusion and optionally mechanical actuation of one or more microfluidic devices, such as organ-on-a-chip microfluidic devices comprising cells that mimic at least one function of an organ in the body. A method for pressure control is contemplated to allow the control of flow rate (while perfusing cells) despite limitations of common pressure regulators. The method for pressure control allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with said assembly, so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a perfusion manifold assembly that allows for perfusion of a microfluidic device, such as an organ on a chip microfluidic device comprising cells that mimic cells in an organ in the body, that is detachably linked with an assembly so that fluid enters ports of the microfluidic device from a fluid reservoir, optionally without tubing, at a controllable flow rate.

Abstract: A heating chamber (1) for a heating furnace is proposed, with which electrothermal vaporization of impurities from samples can be effected in order to be able to then analyze them spectrometrically. The heating chamber has a wall (3), a sample reception area (5), a nozzle area (7) and two electrical connection areas (9, 11). The heating chamber (1) is specially configured such that an electric current flows through the wall (3) in such a way that a heating capacity caused by it is higher in the nozzle area (7) than in the sample reception area (5).

Abstract: Systems are provided for a modular multi-wavelength UV-VIS detector unit, such as an absorbance detector (e.g., spectrophotometer) included in a high-performance liquid chromatography system. In one example, a detector unit includes one or more light emitters and a sliding assembly configured to slidingly move a flow cell relative to the one or more light emitters, the one or more light emitters mounted on a floating rig to facilitate alignment between the one or more light emitters and the flow cell when the sliding assembly is in a closed position.

Abstract: A glass vial illumination and inspection system may be provided with a light source and a stand. The stand may have an internal cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the light source. A recess may be located in the stand and configured to receive at least a portion of a glass vial. The stand may be configured to aim the light output from the light source toward the glass vial to illuminate the vial. The stand may be configured to position the vial such that an inspector can manually inspect the illuminated vial for defects. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fixed reference edge system that guides a glass slide from a slot of a slide rack onto a scanning stage and guides the glass slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. In an embodiment, the fixed reference edge has a first side that is parallel to a side of the slot of the slide rack. The system comprises an assembly that includes a push bar configured to push the slide from the slot onto the scanning stage, and a pull bar configured to pull the slide from the scanning stage into the slot of the slide rack. When the slide is pulled into the slide rack, the long edge of the slide is pressed against the first side of the fixed reference edge to maintain a parallel orientation between the slide and the slot of the slide rack.

Abstract: A nephelometer that measures turbidity of low volume suspensions using measurements of light transmitted through and/or scattered by the sample. The sample suspension is placed in a tiered cuvette adapted to facilitate measuring the turbidity of low volume samples. The lower portion of the cuvette has smaller dimensions, in horizontal cross section, than the top portion. Both lower and upper portions have angled surfaces. The lower, smaller portion of the cuvette is interrogated by the nephelometer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sample dishes for use with microscopes that are simple to mount on a microscope and facilitate easy manipulation of tissue samples disposed thereon during imaging as well as methods of their use. A sample dish comprises an optical interface and, optionally, a support member that holds the optical interface. The optical interface of a sample dish is suitably transparent and planar such that a focal plane of a microscope can reside uniformly at or within a surface of a sample during imaging. In certain embodiments, a support member comprises a dish for holding excess fluid. In certain embodiments, a sample dish comprises separation ribs. In certain embodiments, a sample dish comprises one or more manipulation members (e.g., tabs). In certain embodiments, a sample dish is used with an imaging artifact reducing fluid.