Abstract: Filter (45) for a pathology assembly (10) comprising a first side (41) that is configured to facilitate the outflow of a fixating, conserving and/or nurturing liquid and/or gas, the first side (41) being configured to withhold at least one specimen, the first side (41) being configured to facilitate recognition and analysis of the specimen, a ridge (46) comprising a filter closing element (26) and a second side (39) opposing the first side (41) comprising a supporting structure (44) and a first member for a first seal (48).

Abstract: The disclosure features methods, fluid delivery platforms, and apparatus for preparing a sample on a substrate that includes a substrate handler configured to move a substrate between a first position and a second position, and a platform positioned so that when the substrate is in the second position, the platform faces the substrate, where the platform includes a fluid delivery area having a second surface formed from a hydrophilic material for which a water contact angle is 40 degrees or less, and a first surface facing the substrate when the substrate is in the second position, formed from a hydrophobic material for which a water contact angle is 100 degrees or more.

Abstract: A flag, or marker for identifying the locations of a plurality of tissue cassettes containing mounted Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens once removed from a tissue cassette/block storage system. The invention comprises a rectangular cuboid body member having front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom surfaces which substantially approximates the shape of a predefined number of tissue cassette/blocks, with a recessed area with grooves to accept one tissue index marker card for recording the patient's case information, or other relevant information. When multiples of the present invention are used within a tissue cassette/block storage system, they point to locations where pluralities of tissue cassette/blocks should be returned, and provides a support structure for neighboring tissue cassette/blocks within the storage location from becoming askew or damaged within the tissue cassette/block storage system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure discloses a magnetic resonance (MR) phantom. The MR phantom includes a housing, a base medium disposed within the housing, and one or more compartment extending through the base medium, the one or more compartment comprising a crosslinked acrylamide-based polymer. The MR phantoms may be used as calibration phantoms for magnetic resonance elastography sequences and diffusion weighted images.

Abstract: Tissue sample cassettes for receiving tissue samples include an upper tray including compartments separated by dividers, a lower tray coupled to the upper tray and having a central recess, and an absorbent material located in the recess of the lower tray. Related systems and methods for automated gross processing of tissue samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method and device for processing tissue. The method and device allow for machining of soft tissue samples to produce uniform shapes (e.g., uniform thicknesses) or reliably produce alterations such as openings or holes in soft tissue products. The method and device can alternatively or additionally be used to process tissue to produce particulates with desired properties.

Abstract: Provided herein are a test card, method of manufacturing the same, and mold for manufacturing the same. The test card may include a body and a well. The body may include a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The well may define an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface and configured to receive a sample therein. The well may further include a shelf extending into the opening, such that the opening is narrower between the shelf and the second surface than between the shelf and the first surface.

Abstract: A platelet impedance measurement system including an electrode assembly allows for measurement of platelet function in blood. The assembly includes a substrate that acts as a substantially rigid base and includes an electrode. A portion of the electrode is exposed such that, when the electrode is placed in blood, the exposed portion is in contact with the blood for measuring impedance changes as platelets adhere to the electrode. Wires of the electrode can be attached to each end of the substrate and can run within a groove along a portion of the substrate. The substrate includes an open area where the wires in the groove exit and re-enter the substrate at the end of the substrate, allowing the wires to be exposed to the blood. The open area includes a brace, ensuring that the exposed wires are held in the appropriate placement relative to each other and to the cuvette.

Abstract: A specimen holding and positioning apparatus operable to substantially non-movably maintain a specimen (e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation with respect to the apparatus during imaging operations (e.g., x-ray imaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist's laboratory), and the like for use in facilitating accurate detection and diagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bioactivity testing structure for single cell tracking using a gelling agent and a bioactivity testing system including the testing structure. The present invention also relates to bioactivity testing, drug susceptibility testing, antibiotic screening, and diagnostic methods using the testing structure. The bioactivity testing structure of the present invention enables very rapid and simple drug susceptibility testing of bacteria, particularly Mycobacterium tuberculosis, drug screening, and bacterial diagnosis. Particularly, the use of the testing structure enables DST and diagnosis of bacteria only by pretreatment without the need to concentrate human sputum samples irrespective of inoculum effect, ensuring rapid, accurate, and simple testing compared to conventional tuberculosis diagnosis or DST systems. In addition, the testing structure of the present invention simultaneously enables the diagnosis and drug susceptibility testing of tuberculosis.

Abstract: Methods and system capable of processing specimens carried by slides within an automated histological staining system. A slide carrier is moved toward and into a temperature-controlled internal environment of a stainer within the system. The slide carrier carries a first slide and a second slide, and the first and second slides can carry a first specimen and a second specimen, respectively. The first and second specimens are stained with at least one of a staining reagent and a counterstaining reagent while the first and second slides are within the internal environment and while an average temperature of the internal environment is greater than ambient temperature. The slide carrier can be moved out of the internal environment after staining one or both specimens.

Abstract: An automatic slicing and collecting device, the device including: a first tank, a vibrating microtome, a first pipeline, and a second pipeline. The first tank is filled with a buffer solution. The vibrating microtome is disposed in the first tank. One end of the first pipeline is connected to the vibrating microtome to collect sections, and the other end of the first pipeline is connected to a pump. The pump includes a reversible motor. The first pipeline is provided with a first valve, and a filter is disposed between the pump and the first pipeline. One end of the second pipeline is disposed between the first valve of the first pipeline and the pump, and the second pipeline is provided with a second valve.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a problem of providing a tissue piece treating method and a tissue piece treating apparatus by which treatment of a tissue piece by each of liquid chemicals can be favorably performed and a running cost can be reduced.

Abstract: Various implementations include systems and methods for automatically and continuously dissociating spheres of cells. In particular, one such system includes a peristaltic pump in fluid communication via tubing with a bioreactor in which cells are cultivated. A plurality of conduits are disposed within a portion of the tubing such that fluid flowing between the bioreactor and the pump passes through the conduits. The conduits have an inner diameter that is sized to provide a shear stress to the fluid of between about 5 to about 60 dynes/cm2, which is sufficient for dissociating the spheres of cells passing through the conduits. For example, each conduit may have an inner diameter of between about 50 and about 250 micrometers.

Abstract: A tissue specimen handling device comprising a tissue processing cassette.

Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.

Abstract: A biopsy processing system designed to prevent lodging and possible loss of the tissue specimen for analysis. The system includes a biopsy container having a longitudinal wall forming an internal compartment, a biopsy bag attached to an inner surface of the container, a cassette for receiving the biopsy bag, and an automated system for removing the biopsy bag from the biopsy container and placing the biopsy bag in the cassette.

Abstract: A platelet impedance measurement system including an electrode assembly allows for measurement of platelet function in blood. The assembly includes a substrate that acts as a substantially rigid base and includes an electrode. A portion of the electrode is exposed such that, when the electrode is placed in blood, the exposed portion is in contact with the blood for measuring impedance changes as platelets adhere to the electrode. Wires of the electrode can be attached to each end of the substrate and can run within a groove along a portion of the substrate. The substrate includes an open area where the wires in the groove exit and re-enter the substrate at the end of the substrate, allowing the wires to be exposed to the blood. The open area includes a brace, ensuring that the exposed wires are held in the appropriate placement relative to each other and to the cuvette.

Abstract: A custom-made matrix suitable for receiving a tissue sample is described, as well as the use thereof to obtain a multiplex histological preparation. The disclosure also relates to a multiplex biopsy array comprising tissue and/or cell samples arranged in a matrix material and to a method for the preparation of a multiplex biopsy array. Methods for preparing blocks of matrix material to be used in multiplex biopsy arrays are also described, as well as methods for loading biopsy samples in the blocks, and methods for treating and processing the blocks to form biopsy arrays. The biopsy arrays made using the block of matrix material can be used to prepare sections and slides for histological procedures, including quantitative analyzes and parallel processing.

Abstract: An automated embedding machine includes at least a conveyor, a pouring station, and a cooling station. The conveyor is embodied and arranged to receive casting molds each having at least one histological sample arranged therein, and to transport them to the pouring station which fills each casting mold with an embedding medium heated to above its melting point, and then to the cooling station which cools the embedding medium of each casting mold to below its melting point. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for embedding a histological sample.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a processor for processing histological samples. The processor comprises an inlet for insertion of a closed fixing container having the samples present therein.

Abstract: This document describes an advanced laboratory platform rocker. An electronic circuit controls the rotation of the shaft of a motor. The shaft is coupled to the platform, such that the angular position of the platform is controllable, as a function of time, enabling non-periodic and non-steady motion. The rotation of the platform can be used to perform other functions, such as initiating the dispensing of liquid into a tray on the platform, and dispersing of liquid from a tray on the platform.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for aspirating at least a portion of an emulsion from a well using a tip. In some embodiments, the tip may have a flat end and an inlet surrounded by the flat end. The well may have a floor with one or more surface features that prevent uninterrupted circumferential contact of the flat end of the tip with any region of the floor. In some embodiments, the tip may not have a flat end. In some embodiments, the well may have a port that guides the tip to the floor with the tip slanted with respect to the floor. Methods of making a device that includes the well are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for taking biopsies, resections, excisions, and/or autopsies. Moreover, the present invention relates to methods of taking biopsies resections, excisions, and/or autopsies using the kit of the present invention. The kits and methods of the present invention allow for fewer errors, decreased turn around time and/or more rapid processing due to a cassette and specimen numbering system that is simplified and superior over that which has been previously disclosed in the prior art. The kit of the present invention comprises one or more tissue cassettes, and optionally one or more bottles of formalin and optionally, other components.

Abstract: A cell culture device allows co-cultivation on both sides of a membrane and has an outer tubular body with upper end having an opening and lower end closed by the membrane, an inner surface and an outer surface, which can be colonized with biological material, a complementary tubular body whose inner diameter fits onto the outer diameter of the lower end and a hanger component with upper end and a lower end. A flange extends from the upper end and the outer diameter component fits the inner diameter of the outer tubular body. The outer tubular body in a first step is connected to the complementary tubular body to form a standing insert for a first cell cultivation, and in a second step wherein the outer tubular body is disengaged from the complementary tubular body and is attached to the hanger component for a second cell cultivation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for execution upon processing of at least one histological sample that is arranged, in particular after an infiltration process, in a closed cassette (2). The method is characterized in that prior to opening of the cassette (2), the sample is detached from the cover of the cassette (2) and/or isolated.

Abstract: A sample is cleaned up for spectroscopic analysis by receiving a slide substrate having the sample thereon, fixing the sample to a substrate surface of the slide substrate by applying heat to the slide substrate for a predetermined heating time and incubating the sample on the slide substrate for a predetermined incubation time after fixing the sample to the slide substrate. The sample is further cleaned by washing the sample on the slide substrate after the sample has been incubated and drying the sample by applying heat to the slide substrate for a predetermined drying time, wherein the sample on the slide substrate after drying has retained particles of interest and interferant particles are removed from the substrate. A substrate is also provided for sample collection, which is culturable and Raman silent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for carrying out Romanowsky-type stains, specifically Wright-Giemsa and May-Grünwald stains, quickly and efficiently. The methods greatly reduce the overall amount of time required to complete a Wright-Giemsa stain or a May-Grünwald stain of sufficient quality on a biological sample. The subject methods can be applied to both manual and automated staining procedures.

Abstract: The device for the transfer of a medium comprises a magazine (2) and at least one transfer element (3) for transfer of said medium, said transfer element (3) comprising a duct (45) for transfer of said medium provided at one end with a needle (31), a septum (32), and a maneuvering unit (33) of said needle (31), said transfer element (3) also comprising means for locking (61, 65) adapted to cooperate with complementary locking means (15) of said magazine (2) to lock said needle (31) in a waiting position, said locking means (61, 62, 65) belonging to said maneuvering unit (33) and cooperating with said complementary locking means (15) at a location of said magazine (2) distinct from the location through which said duct (45) issues from the cavity (20), at the opposite end from the needle (31).

Abstract: Provided is a cell concentration and purification device, having: a function of continuously concentrating cells; a function of then subsequently disposing the cells continuously in a specific region of a channel; a function of simultaneously recognizing, based on an image, the shape and fluorescence emission of each single cell; and a function of recognizing the cells and then separating and purifying the same based on the data relating to the shape and fluorescence emission thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus including a reagent cartridge and a reaction chamber, the reagent cartridge having a reagent capsule removably positioned therein for dispensing of a reagent onto the reaction chamber. A system including a linearly translatable mounting assembly having a plurality of mounting stations dimensioned to receive at least one fluid dispensing cartridge, a linearly translatable bulk reagent dispensing assembly having a plurality of bulk reagent dispensing nozzles coupled thereto and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly and the bulk reagent dispensing assembly, the receiving assembly including a plurality of reaction stations.

Abstract: An automated smear making apparatus used to prepare and smear samples on glass slides. In one embodiment, there is provided a smearing subsystem that generally includes a smear cartridge having: an input reel; at least one roll bar; a take-up reel; and a smearing tape. The smearing tape is initially wound within the input reel and coupled to the take-up reel such that the smearing tape can be drawn from the input reel and into the take-up reel. The smearing tape may include a plurality of perforations formed therein. The smearing tape may then be wrapped around the roll bar such that each of the plurality of perforations forms a blade that extends from the smearing tape to expose a smear surface as the smearing tape is drawn into the take-up reel. Alternatively, the smearing tape may be bent such that an edge of the smearing tape forms a smear surface between two roll bars. A slide transport surface is also provided to move a slide across the smear surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass plate (2) for use in a device (1) for stretching sample sections having a sectioning knife, the glass plate (2) being arranged at the back (3) of the sectioning knife in such a way that a defined gap (4) for reception of the sectioned sample is formed between the back (3) of the sectioning knife and the plate (2), the glass plate (2) possessing, at least on one of its longitudinal sides (21, 22), edges (211, 212; 221, 222) ground and polished to optical flatness.

Abstract: An automated machine for handling and embedding tissue samples contained on microtome sectionable supports. The machine includes an input member configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports prior to a tissue embedding operation. An output member is configured to hold a plurality of the microtome sectionable supports after the tissue embedding operation. A cooling unit is configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports during the tissue embedding operation. A motorized carrier assembly is mounted for movement and configured to hold at least one of the microtome sectionable supports. The carrier assembly moves the support from the input member to the cooling unit and, finally, to the output member. A dispensing device dispenses an embedding material onto the microtome sectionable support and at least one tissue sample carried by the microtome sectionable support during the embedding operation.

Abstract: A tissue processing system includes a plurality of processing stations. Each processing station includes a plurality of tissue receiving areas that are each configured to accommodate a tissue sample as well as physically isolate that tissue sample from other tissue samples at other receiving areas of the same processing station. Each processing station is configured to separately and individually process the tissue sample at each receiving area to either reduce or eliminate any potential for cross-contamination between the tissue samples undergoing processing at the same processing station. For each receiving area of each processing station, the system is configured to immerse a tissue sample at a particular receiving area in processing fluid for a pre-determined time according to a pre-defined protocol that is based upon parameters of that tissue sample.

Abstract: A histology processing cassette comprising a box comprising a compartment for holding a biological tissue sample, the box having a bottom face comprising at least in part a sample support surface and being transmissible to radiation, an open top face, and two side walls, a back wall and a front wall, the box having dimensions greater than a standard size histology processing cassette and comprising a recess in the front wall adapted to receive a standard size cassette which has a front wall comprising a unique identifier for the biological tissue sample such that upon insertion of the standard cassette in the recess the unique identifier on the front wall of the standard cassette is readable.

Abstract: A method of avoiding deformation and providing for a more consistent thickness of a biological tissue sample during preparation for analysis comprising providing a histology processing cassette comprising a box defining a compartment for holding a biological tissue sample, the box having a bottom face comprising a sample support surface and being transmissible to radiation or a flow of fluid through to pass through the cassette, an open top face, and two side walls, a back wall and a front wall, the box having a length and width greater than a standard size histology processing cassette and a depth approximately the same as a standard size histology processing cassette placing the sample in the cassette and treating the sample by contacting it with a processing solution; and contacting the sample with molten paraffin wax and cooling the sample in molten paraffin wax so the sample is embedded in solidified paraffin wax for further processing.

Abstract: A method and an automated apparatus for processing at least one biological sample arranged on a slide. At least one capillary staining module has a slide rack holder configured to detachably hold a slide rack configured to hold slides, and a capillary lid rack holder configured to detachably hold a capillary lid rack configured to hold capillary lids, wherein the slide rack can be removed independently of removing the capillary lid rack. A first fluid container has a first fluid. The apparatus being configured to automatically rotate the one or more slides, and to move the lids towards the slides to automatically form a capillary gap between each slide and each capillary lid, said capillary gap functioning as a capillary chamber; and to supply an amount of the first fluid to the slide.

Abstract: A cell grabber has a unitary structure including a transparent grabber head at a terminus thereof and an elongated mounting portion extending therefrom for attachment to a force transducer. The grabber head has a planar or concave bonding surface which is coated with an adhesive film to secure the specimen, especially single cells, for tensile measurements. The cell grabber may be used in connection with auxotonic, isometric or isotonic force measurement systems.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used to apply and remove fluid substances for processing biological samples. The fluid substances can be delivered between a first substrate and a second substrate. One substrate carries a specimen. A layer of the fluid substance is retained in a gap defined by the first and second substrates. One substrate is moved with respect to the second substrate to disperse the fluid substance in the gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for embedding cells that utilizes a flow-through embedding technique maximizes the efficiency of extractions and decreases time for embedding the cell fragments, minimizes cell loss, and automatically positions cell samples at the position in which a microtome blade will section them. The apparatus includes a cell flow pathway defined by an inflow tube for delivering cell fragments from a cell sample to a sample port. The sample port is in fluid communication with a tissue cassette having attached thereto a filter. The cell flow pathway is in communication with a reagent flow pathway for delivering the reagents through the sample port to the cassette. The apparatus is configured such that the application of pressure directs the cell fragments from the cell sample through the cell flow pathway, and effects delivery of the reagents through the reagent flow pathway.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for handling a portion of a tissue sample when sectioned by a microtome. The apparatuses include a container, a tissue sample holder in the container, and one or more outlets configured to allow flow of a fluid from the container. The flow through the outlet causes a portion of the tissue sample sectioned by a microtome to move into the outlet. The methods include sectioning one or more portions of a tissue sample, and flowing a fluid past the tissue sample to cause the one or more portions of the tissue sample to move away from the tissue sample and toward at least one fluid outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue sample handling apparatus, in particular for grasping histological samples after infiltration of an embedding medium such as, for example, paraffin, which is characterized in that a sample is immobilizable on the handling apparatus, in particular in a sample holding position, by means of negative pressure.

Abstract: Provided are a multiple immunoassay apparatus on a chip in which a structure comprising multiple microfluidic channels is associated with a tissue sample, which allows immunohistochemical reactions to be conducted therein, to examine various markers specific for certain diseases, and a method for performing multiple immunoassays using the same. The multiple immunoassay apparatus comprises: at least one antibody-introducing unit through which at least one antibody is introduced into the apparatus; at least one reaction unit in which the antibody reacts with a sample in an immunohistochemical pattern; and at least one fluid outlet through which a fluid including the antibody is discharged outside the apparatus.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method are provided for an analytical system for performing laboratory protocols. The device includes a well within a housing configured to receive a biological specimen according to a predetermined sample process. The specimen is suspended by a holding device in the well. A thermal element is provided in heat exchange communication with fluid in the well. A temperature sensor is located in the well at a location to be covered and uncovered by rocking motion of fluid in the well. A controller, in communication with the thermal element, the temperature sensor, and an agitation system, is operative to control the thermal element in correlation with temperature data, for example, peak temperature data, from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: The current invention provides devices, methods and systems involving application of energy and/or a liquefaction promoting medium to a tissue of interest to generate a liquefied sample comprising tissue constituents so as to provide for rapid tissue sampling, tissue decontamination as well as qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes that may be part of tissue constituents (e.g., several types of biomolecules, drugs, and microbes). In addition, the current invention provides specific compositions of the said liquefaction promoting medium so as to facilitate liquefaction, preserve liquefied tissue constituents, and enable delivery of molecules into tissues.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for attaching an RFID tag to a memory cassette for tissue specimens and a memory cassette for tissue specimens having the RFID tag attached thereto, in which the RFID tag is attached to the memory cassette for tissue specimens and the RFID tag operates stably even when the memory cassette having the RFID tag attached thereto comes in contact with chemicals or is submerged in various chemical solutions. The method includes forming the memory cassette for tissue specimens provided on an inclined plane of a front surface of a body with an RFID tag insertion groove, inserting the RFID tag into the RFID tag insertion groove provided on the inclined plane of the body, and attaching a protective cap onto the top of the inclined plane of the body in which the RFID tag is inserted into the RFID tag insertion groove, and coupling the protective cap to the inclined plane of the body by ultrasonic welding to adhere the RFID tag to the body of the memory cassette for tissue specimens.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus for forming wounds in cell layers includes a base that includes a guide track, and a sliding member adapted to fit within the guide track, the sliding member including a scratching element holder adapted to secure a scratching element in a position in which it contacts a cell layer, wherein the sliding member is further adapted to slide along the guide track to drag the scratching element through the cell layer.

Abstract: A biopsy processing system designed to prevent lodging and possible loss of the tissue specimen for analysis. The system includes a biopsy container having a longitudinal wall forming an internal compartment, a biopsy bag attached to an inner surface of the container, a cassette for receiving the biopsy bag, and an automated system for removing the biopsy bag from the biopsy container and placing the biopsy bag in the cassette.

Abstract: Saliva sample collection systems are configured with special attention to ease-of-use for the unskilled user and safe transport and delivery by a conventional delivery services such as Federal Express. A sealed cavity is formed by tight coupling of two primary elements: a receiving vessel element and a sealing cap element. The receiving vessel has integrated therewith: a standing means, a fill-line window, a funnel system, a knife, a threadset, and containment tube among others. A complementary cap element includes a cooperating threadset, label receiving surface, gripping surface, seal means and reservoir with piercable thin-film membrane. These two primary elements may be accommodated in an application-specific shipping container which support two shipping modes whereby the system may be shipped safely to and from a donor user each way in a different shipping mode.