Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for hybridizing at least one molecule to a target. The invention may, for example, eliminate the use of, or reduce the dependence on formamide in hybridization. Compositions for use in the invention include an aqueous composition comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence and at least one polar aprotic solvent in an amount effective to denature double-stranded nucleotide sequences.

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 device for visualizing a sample having a tissue section embedded in a solid material are provided. The method and device include applying an incident light to the tissue section embedded in the solid material. The tissue section embedded in the solid material is disposed on a layered structure configured to reduce optical back reflection at an interface between the tissue section embedded in the solid material and the layered structure. The incident light passes through the tissue section embedded in the solid material and the layered structure with reduced reflection at each of the interfaces such that visualizing one or more artifacts from reflecting the incident light from surfaces of the tissue section embedded in the solid material is reduced.

Abstract: A method for obtaining dissectates from a microscopic sample using a laser microdissection system having a laser unit includes: a) at least partially circumcising and releasing from the sample dissectate regions of the sample as the dissectates using laser pulses provided by the laser unit; b) transferring the dissectates, by being released from the sample, along dissectate trajectories into receptacles of a dissectate collection unit; and c) positioning the receptacles of a dissectate collection unit using a positioning unit to collect the dissectates. The positioning of the receptacles of the dissectate collection unit using the positioning unit is automatically performed based on estimates of the dissectate trajectories, the estimates of the dissectate trajectories being obtained in a learning mode, the learning mode including obtaining dissectates by repeatedly performing at least steps a) and b). Parameters of the dissectate trajectories are determined for a plurality of dissectates.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods of improving the consistency of staining with a counterstain. In some embodiments, the method makes use of an automated specimen processing apparatus or other staining device. In some embodiments, the staining methods are applied manually. In some embodiments, the counterstain includes eosin.

Abstract: A method for preparing one or more biopsy tissue samples for histological examination includes positioning a tissue sample in a tissue cassette, closing a peripheral portion of a frame including a cassette lid, and moving the lid and the tissue cassette from a first position to a second position. The tissue cassette is coupled to a frame by a frame-cassette connector and moving the lid and the tissue cassette from the first position to the second position includes breaking the frame-cassette connector. The tissue cassette has a recess including at least one side wall and a bottom wall and is formed of a first material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome. In the second position, the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend downwardly beyond a bottom edge of the frame for sectioning in the microtome.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for hybridizing at least one molecule to a target. The invention may, for example, eliminate the use of, or reduce the dependence on formamide in hybridization. Compositions for use in the invention include an aqueous composition comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence and at least one polar aprotic solvent in an amount effective to denature double-stranded nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A biological specimen of a subject is handled and tracked for a procedure involving that specimen. Prior to initiation of the procedure, a first procedure data structure (PDS) is generated. The first PDS binds an identifier corresponding to the subject with an indicator of a procedure to be performed on the specimen and identifiers of a specimen container and a specimen holder that physically contacts the biological specimen, as well as a scheduled time for the procedure. A schedule of a plurality of PDSs including the first PDS, is displayed on a display device of a graphical user interface. Following initiation of the procedure, the first PDS is updated based on user input, and after the procedure, at least a portion of the first PDS, as updated, is stored in a database in conjunction with other PDSs respectively associated with other completed procedures.

Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue cassette a frame, and a lid. The tissue cassette has a recess including a body with at least one side wall and a bottom wall and is formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. The tissue cassette is movably coupled to the frame. The lid is separably coupled to a peripheral portion of the frame. When the lid is separated from the peripheral portion, the lid and the tissue cassette are capable of moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame, and in the second position the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond a bottom edge of the frame for sectioning in the microtome.

Abstract: A high-power-microscope-assisted identification method of maize haploid plants is provided, the method is implemented by a device including a high power microscope, a main frame disposed on an objective table of the high power microscope and a computer and includes four procedures of sample information input, automatic testing of a batch of samples, automatic analysis and comparison, and automatic generation of data results. Vertical sliding grooves are symmetrically formed in the main frame, and a vertical supporting plate is disposed at an upper end of the main frame. Horizontal sliding grooves are symmetrically formed in the vertical supporting plate, and a horizontal supporting plate is disposed on the vertical supporting plate.

Abstract: A biological sheet storage device includes a fixation arrangement and a storage box. The fixation arrangement includes a first carrier, a second carrier and a fixing piece. The first carrier is configured to carry a biological sheet and positioned on the second carrier. The fixing piece is configured to fix the first carrier on the second carrier. The storage box is configured to encapsulate the fixation arrangement carrying the biological sheet. A limiting mechanism for limiting the fixation arrangement is included in the storage box.

Abstract: A method for the identification and localization of small molecule species in a histologic thin tissue section comprises the steps of: a) acquiring a mass/mobility image of the tissue section and generating a mass/mobility map of the small molecule species of interest for each pixel of the image; b) providing a second sample of the same tissue and extracting the small molecules of interest, separating them, and acquiring mass and ion mobility spectra from the separated small molecules; c) identifying the small molecules of interest using corresponding reference databases; and d) assigning identified small molecules to entries in the mass/mobility maps of the first tissue section by comparison of ion masses and mobilities of the identified species to those of the second thin tissue section.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the deposition of reagents onto cells or tissue samples are disclosed. Also disclosed are reagent compositions suitable for dispensing via a droplet-on-demand system.

Abstract: A method for making a microarray block with a recipient block having at least one bore therein. A mold having a cylindrical bore with a cross-sectional shape approximating the cross-sectional shape of the at least one bore of the recipient block can be provided. The first end of the mold can have an opening that communicates with a cylindrical bore of the mold. A biological sample and a liquid carrier medium can be introduced through the opening and solidified in the mold to form a core. The core can be removed from the mold and at least a portion of the core can be inserted into the at least one bore of the recipient block. Related methods and assemblies are provided.

Abstract: The present invention to provides methods, kits, and compositions for: i) detecting the level of 3-bromotyrosine in a sample that has been treated to liberate 3-bromotyrosine from 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine, and/or ii) detecting the level of 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine, and/or the combined level of both 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine and 3-bromotyrosine, in a sample that has not been treated to liberate 3-bromotyrosine from 4-O-glucuronide-3-bromotyrosine. In certain embodiments, such detected levels are used to: i) identify the presence, severity, or risk of an eosinophilic disorder (e.g., asthma or a TH2-high eosinophilic disorder); ii) identify therapy effective for treating asthma or an eosinophilic disorder; or iii) identify patients suitable for treatment with therapeutic agents targeted to asthma or an eosinophilic disorder.

Abstract: A histologic tissue sample support device includes a tissue cassette a frame, and a lid. The tissue cassette has a recess including a body with at least one side wall and a bottom wall and is formed of material that can be successfully sectioned in a microtome and is resistant to degradation from solvents and chemicals used to fix, process and stain tissue. The tissue cassette is movably coupled to the frame. The lid is separably coupled to a peripheral portion of the frame. When the lid is separated from the peripheral portion, the lid and the tissue cassette are capable of moving from a first position to a second position with respect to the frame, and in the second position the bottom wall and at least a portion of the side wall extend beyond a bottom edge of the frame for sectioning in the microtome.

Abstract: A method and a kit are provided to produce a biological clear specimen within a short time and with a wide variety of biological specimens. The method includes the following steps: (1) treating a material to be cleared with an aqueous fixing solution containing paraformaldehyde or the like, a nonionic surfactant, an alkali, and optionally a buffering agent; (2) treating the material from step (1) or a conventionally fixed material with an aqueous clearing accelerator solution containing a nonionic surfactant and an alkali; and (3) treating the material produced in step (1) or (2) with an aqueous preservation solution containing a nonionic surfactant and a polyhydric alcohol. In each of the steps, the nonionic surfactant is present at a concentration of 1% or more. The kit includes solutions used in each of the steps of the method.

Abstract: The subject disclosure presents systems and computer-implemented methods for calculating the diffusivity constant of a sample using acoustic time-of-flight (TOF) based information correlated with a diffusion model to reconstruct a sample's diffusivity coefficient. Operations disclosed herein such as acoustically determining the phase differential accumulated through passive fluid exchange (i.e. diffusion) based on the geometry of the tissue sample, modeling the impact of the diffusion on the TOF, and using a post-processing algorithm to correlate the results to determine the diffusivity constant, are enabled by monitoring the changes in the speed of sound caused by penetration of fixative such as formalin into several tissue samples. A tissue preparation system may be adapted to monitor said diffusion of a tissue sample and determine an optimal processing workflow.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to hematoxylin staining formulations and particularly to formulations for use in autostainers. The disclosed compositions were discovered to possess atypical stability under storage while having high stain quality and sufficiently fast staining performance. The disclosed hematoxylin staining compositions include a solvent system, hematoxylin, a chemical oxidant, and a mordant. Illustrative embodiments also have a Cl?/SO4? molar ratio of between about 2.5/1 and about 1/4.

Abstract: Disclosed are specimen processing systems capable of processing specimens carried on slides. The specimen processing systems comprise opposables having at least one fluid control element. The fluid control elements may be positioned between spacers or gapping elements the opposable edges. The fluid control elements may comprise an edge, such as a beveled edge or a stepped edge, as described herein, and the edge may be continuous or segmented.

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 invention relates to a method for embedding a tissue sample into an embedding medium. In a first step the tissue sample is held in an intended orientation in a container by means of a holding element that presses the tissue sample against a base of the container. In a further step a liquid embedding medium that has a temperature above 64 degrees Celsius, in particular in the range from 65 degrees Celsius to 67 degrees Celsius, or a temperature of 66 degrees Celsius, is poured into the container, and the base of the container is cooled.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cell processing techniques. By way of example, a cell processing system may include a plurality of tracking devices coupled to a respective plurality of sample processing containers and storing sample identification information for a patient sample for use with sample processing devices configured to process the patient sample according to workflow steps of a processing protocol. A plurality of readers are configured to receive signals from the plurality of tracking devices. A controller may be coupled to the plurality of readers and configured to determine if the patient sample is processed according to the processing protocol based at least in part on the signals from the plurality of tracking devices.

Abstract: A method for increasing the optical transparency of regions of a tissue sample (1) is proposed, in which the tissue sample (1) is introduced into a process chamber (10) and is infiltrated in the process chamber (10) with at least one process fluid (2), and in which a removal of light-scattering structures in the tissue sample (1) is carried out. The method encompasses monitoring the optical transparency of the tissue sample (1), at least during a clearing time period in which the tissue sample (1) is introduced into the process chamber (10) and in which the removal of the light-scattering structures in the tissue sample (1) is carried out, by means of an optical transparency measuring arrangement (13) associated with the process chamber (10). An apparatus (100) for carrying out the method is also a subject of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pretreatment solution for immunohistochemical staining, which elutes a paraffin-containing embedding medium from a glass slide with a tissue specimen embedded in the medium, and retrieves antigenicity of the tissue specimen, and which is usable three or more times, and a pretreatment solution concentrate for immunohistochemical staining which allows ready preparation of the pretreatment solution and a method of immunohistochemical staining using the same. The pretreatment solution contains an antigen retrieving agent, particular nonionic surfactants, and cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof, with the balance being not less than 80 mass % of water. The content of the antigen retrieval agent is such that the pH of the pretreatment solution is in a predetermined range, and the content of cyclodextrin or a derivative thereof is a particular amount.

Abstract: The invention relates to a processor for working on histological samples. The processor has an inlet for the insertion of a fixing container, particularly a closed fixing container, with the samples located in the latter.

Abstract: A method for rapidly collecting cells from a surface, such as a surface bearing fingerprints, for subsequent macromolecular analysis involves dispensing a predetermined amount of an aqueous solution onto the surface, and subjecting the aqueous solution to ultrasound waves to promote a detachment of the cells from the surface. Extraction of macromolecules such as DNA from the cells can be effected directly in the solution containing the collected cells by further subjecting the solution to ultrasound waves for a prescribed period of time to lyse the cells, and then extracting the DNA.

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: The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods using mass spectrometry for direct profiling of N-linked glycans from a biological sample. In addition, the embodiments of the present invention also disclose novel methods, known as targeted analyte detection (TAD), for improving the detection limit of MALDI-MS. These methods take advantage of the carrier effect of the added standard analytes, which occurs due to the generic sigmoidal shape of the calibration curve. The functionality of TAD depends on the relative enhancement of sensitivity over the increase of the standard deviation at the analysis of target analytes with spiking in exogenous concentration. At certain ranges of exogenous concentration, the increment in the sensitivity overcomes the standard deviation, resulting in an improved LOD. Theoretically, exogenous concentrations approximately at 1 LODorig would generate the optimum LOD improvement.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of thin tissue sections for mass spectrometric (MALDI) imaging, and proposes a method wherein a microcrystalline layer of the matrix material is produced on the surface of the thin tissue sections, and soluble analyte molecules are transported orthogonally through the thin tissue section to the matrix layer, without substantial lateral diffusion, by means of a solvent flow with alternating or constant direction, and are then deposited in the matrix layer and, if possible, embedded in the matrix crystals. A solvent flow which alternates in direction can be produced by successive, alternating phases of swelling and drying, brought about by periodic changes to the thin tissue section temperature and/or the partial pressures of the solvents. A continuous solvent flow can be generated by applying the thin tissue section onto a porous support which supplies solvent to the rear surface of the thin tissue section.

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: In various embodiments, the present application teaches methods and compositions for tissue clearing in which whole organs and bodies are rendered macromolecule-permeable and optically-transparent, thereby exposing their cellular structure with intact connectivity. In some embodiments, the present application teaches PACT, a protocol for passive tissue clearing and immunostaining of intact organs. In other embodiments, the present application teaches RIMS, a refractive index matching media for imaging thick tissue. In yet other embodiments, the application teaches PARS, a method for whole-body clearing and immunolabeling.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for staining of one or more samples, including providing one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to be inserted into an auto-staining instrument; and enabling one of one or more staining procedures appropriate for the one or more samples as a function of a choice of self-contained sample processing receptacle, each of the one or more self-contained sample processing receptacles configured to process each inserted sample of the one or more samples within the self-contained sample processing receptacle.

Abstract: Regions where metastatic cancer cells can exist are detected with high accuracy in a sentinel lymph node. Quantum dots are injected into the vicinity of a cancer in a living body, thereby identifying the location of the sentinel lymph node by means of fluorescence. Subsequently, the sentinel lymph node is extracted. With respect to the sentinel lymph node extracted with quantum dots injected, structural analysis is conducted by means of precision fluorescence measurement which uses a confocal fluorescence microscope for monomolecular observation. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity is measured with respect to each of multiple areas in the sentinel lymph nodes, and out of the multiple areas measured, one or more areas are detected as afferent lymph vessel inflow regions in descending order of fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus, method, and associated applications utilize and apply to a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sample and performing a liquid-liquid extraction to remove the paraffin from the tissue sample prior to a nucleic acid purification step. A microfluidic device includes a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, and a nucleic acid amplification reactor. A liquid-liquid extraction and nucleic acid purification kit includes a microfluidic device capable of performing both a liquid-liquid extraction process and a nucleic acid purification process, including a dedicated liquid-liquid extraction process vessel, an immiscible liquid or a precursor phase thereof disposed in the vessel, a nucleic acid purification process component, a nucleic acid amplification reactor fluidically, and a supply of reagents suitable to enable the liquid-liquid extraction process and the nucleic acid purification process.

Abstract: A fixation agent including at least one polyamine and at least one acidification agent. The quality and staining of tissue samples or tissue sections that have not been fixed with formalin is improved, with higher brilliance and color stability of the stain, allowing the tissue to be cut with a better quality without artifacts.

Abstract: In order to pick up a sufficient amount of cells for a genetic test from a section of a biological tissue with a simple structure and a simple operation, provided is a cell collection apparatus comprising: a substrate which is provided to be dividable into a plurality of small pieces along a predetermined dividing line, and which has a flat surface to which a section of a biological tissue can be pasted; a sheet-shaped expandable member to which the substrate can be adhered in a detachable manner, and which is expandable in a direction along the surface; a expansion unit for expanding the expandable member in at least a region adhered with the substrate, in a direction along the surface; and a pickup unit for detaching and picking up the divided small pieces from the expandable member.

Abstract: A dish for cell cultivation and microscopy is provided, comprising a ring and an outer ridge upwardly and axially protruding therefrom, wherein the ring is covered at its bottom side with a transparent membrane and, thus, forms a recess delimited by the inner side of the ring and the membrane, characterized in that the recess is filled with an adhesive filling. Alternatively, a dish for cell cultivation and microscopy is provided, comprising a base and an outer ridge protruding upwardly and axially at its rim, wherein the base and the outer ridge are made of a transparent plastic, the base together with the inner side of the outer ridge forms a recess filled with an adhesive filling, and the thickness of the base and the filling together is less than about 1 mm.

Abstract: A biological and chemical sample processing device that b. comprises a high pressure-resistant, shallow and wide area microfluidic chamber having at least one wall formed by a detachable slide containing samples such as immobilized entities, biological samples or molecules, c. comprises an arrangement of microfluidic access holes for injecting to and collecting fluid form said chamber, d. is interfaced with inlet ports and microfluidic channels which are formed external to the chamber, e. is configured so that the slide may be brought into contact with the device to form the said chamber, f. is adapted to deliver and to transport fluidic substances and reagents inside said chamber in a fast manner, preferably within less than 15 seconds, and in a regular or uniform way owing to said arrangement of microfluidic access holes.

Abstract: Methods for cell-based tissue analysis utilize modern trends in digital microscopy to obtain, process, calibrate, and analyze digital images of tissue sections to quantify cell-based data for improved histological analysis. Using data from multiple images of a common tissue section, or data from images of multiple tissue sections, additional degrees of freedom are realized and the resulting analysis provides added depth to histological analysis of tissue samples. With computerized analytical methods, speed and accuracy of histological analysis is greatly improved.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, a method for imaging tissue, for example, includes the steps of mounting the tissue on a computer controlled stage of a microscope, determining volumetric imaging parameters, directing at least two photons into a region of interest, scanning the region of interest across a portion of the tissue, imaging a plurality of layers of the tissue in a plurality of volumes of the tissue in the region of interest, sectioning the portion of the tissue, capturing the sectioned tissue, and imaging a second plurality of layers of the tissue in a second plurality of volumes of the tissue in the region of interest, and capturing each sectioned tissue, detecting a fluorescence image of the tissue due to said excitation light; and processing three-dimensional data that is collected to create a three-dimensional image of the region of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed including automatic slide detection, position detection of cutting and capture lasers, focus optimization for cutting and capture lasers, energy and duration optimization for cutting and capture lasers, inspection and second phase capture and/or ablation in a quality control station and tracking information for linking substrate carrier or output microdissected regions with input sample or slide.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating stroke and related conditions exacerbated by fever and/or hyperglycemi by administering peptides or peptidomimetics that inhibit binding of NMDAR 2B to PSD-95 to a patient.

Abstract: A container for storing a biological sample is disclosed. The container includes a first chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a first chamber interior adapted to receive a sample holder therein. The container also includes a second chamber having a sidewall extending between an open end and a closed end, defining a second chamber interior adapted to subsequently receive the sample holder therein. The second chamber interior is in fluid isolation from the first chamber interior. A removable closure encloses at least one of the open end of the first chamber and the open end of the second chamber while the sample holder is disposed within one of the first chamber interior and the second chamber interior. A first fluid may be disposed within the first chamber interior, and a second different fluid may be disposed within the second chamber interior.

Abstract: A film with a tissue section is placed with the tissue section downward on a microscope slide and the microscope slide positioned in the object plane of an inverse microscope; where an adhesive tape is arranged, with a bonding agent downward, above the film and therefore above the tissue section; wherein the next step, tissue to be isolated is excised by a focused laser beam, which also divides the film; whereupon removal of the adhesive tape from the microscope, the excised tissue pieces adhere to the adhesive tape, and the remnant of the film and of the tissue section remains adhering to the microscope slide.

Abstract: A method of removing a floatation liquid from between a microscope slide and a paraffin embedded biological specimen including position the microscope slide with the paraffin embedded biological specimen floated thereon onto a slide support element. The slide support element is rotated to cause the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to turn in a way that causes the floatation liquid disposed between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen to be drawn from between the microscope slide and the paraffin embedded biological specimen.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for removing areas of tissue are described. A programmable laser may remove precise areas of tissue while the tissue remains substantially frozen. The laser is programmed in part by analyzing a reference image of a representative tissue section. A software program may receive digital images of test slices. Areas of interest in the image may be selected by a user. The software program can then create and send cut instructions to the programmable laser. The laser may be configured to make perforated cuts to remove the area of interest without melting the removed section.

Abstract: A method for treating a tissue sample including placing at least one tissue sample on an cassette which has: a retaining member, a base and at least one biasing element; placing the at least one tissue sample in the tissue cassette; attaching the base and the retaining member to retain the tissue sample; processing the tissue sample in the tissue cassette with one or more solvents; and embedding the tissue sample in a paraffin to form an portion of paraffin in which the tissue sample is embedded in the tissue cassette, wherein the embedding comprises adding molten paraffin to the interior area of the tissue cassette and allowing the paraffin to become solid.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a tissue sample having a retaining member with a first tissue engaging surface and at least one biasing element. The first tissue engaging surface is moveably attached to the retaining member. The apparatus also has a base comprising a second tissue engaging surface which is configured to engage the retaining member to form an interior area with the first and second tissue engaging surfaces facing each other. The apparatus also has a retracting member connected to the retaining member which is configured to retract the first tissue engaging surface and compress the biasing element to form a gap between the tissue sample and one of the first tissue engaging surface and the second tissue engaging surface.