Methods and apparatus are provided for transfer of a tissue section from a first location to a second location. Thermoplastic material is applied to at least one pin of a tissue section transferring apparatus. The thermoplastic material contacts a tissue section while at least partially melted, and when it cools, substantially solid thermoplastic material holds the tissue section to the at least one pin. A tissue section transferring apparatus comprises a heater block, a heat source, and at least one pin attached to and extending from the heater block.

A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

Provided is a microorganism culture sheet having an excellent efficiency for collection of environmental microorganisms and a method for measuring the environmental microorganisms with an excellent collection efficiency. Provided is a microorganism culture sheet including a base sheet, a dry culture layer formed on the base sheet, and a cover sheet covering the dry culture layer, wherein an adhesive layer and a release film are laminated on the inner surface of the cover sheet. Because the environmental microorganisms are collected using the adhesive layer, an excellent collection efficiency is provided.

A method for measuring an airborne metal pollutant on skin can include the taking of a skin sample and measuring of a target metal utilizing inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry.

Various embodiments directed to a work stand for holding a microscopic collection device for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, are provided. The work stand includes a first slit formed on a top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a first microscopic collection device comprising a first holding element and a first collection platform, wherein the first collection platform of the first microscopic collection device is perpendicular to the top surface. A second slit formed on the top surface of the work stand and capable of holding a second microscopic collection device comprising a second collection platform and a second holding element at an angle to the second collection platform perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand.

A method and apparatus for automatically transferring sections from a sample block to a tape and for transferring select sections to a slide. A tissue storage system for storing cut sections on the tape and digital storage system for storing photos and other information during the transfer of the sections can also be provided, thereby creating a tissue repository and data repository for future use.

A microscopic collection device, method for collecting a microscopic sample from a target surface, and the work stand for holding the microscopic collection device are provided. The microscopic collection device includes a holding element comprising a handle at one end and a collection platform connected to the holding element at a second end. The collection platform includes a collection surface on which the microscopic sample is deposited when the microscopic collection device comes into contact with the target surface. A tape is inserted through a slit and wrapped around the collection platform. The work stand includes a slit capable of holding the microscopic collection device such that the collection platform is perpendicular to the top surface of the work stand. A microscopic sample, collected using the microscopic collection device, is not only collected from the target surface but is also concentrated onto the collection face of the tape. Removal of the collection face of the tape excludes excess tape that would disrupt downstream analysis of the microscopic sample.

A particle image analyzer is disclosed that includes a transparent moving structure with a load surface and an opposite surface, where a portion of the load surface is constructed to adhere particles. A particle discharge nozzle deposits particles on the load surface and an image sensor positioned adjacent to the load surface takes images of the particles as they move past the image sensor. A light source positioned adjacent to the opposite surface illuminates the particles imaged by the image sensor. The light from the light source defines an illumination path that travels from the light source, through the opposite surface, through the load surface and to the image sensor.

Provided is a method for fixing particles on a two-dimensional filter medium with open pores. The particles are to be fixed on the upper side of the filter medium. The method involves contacting the particles with an adhesive solution from the lower side of the filter medium through the pores. The method makes it possible to fix particles in a simple and inexpensive manner to the filter medium, such that subsequent microscopic or SEM/EDX investigation is impaired as little as possible.

Provided is a microorganism culture sheet having an excellent efficiency for collection of environmental microorganisms and a method for measuring the environmental microorganisms with an excellent collection efficiency. Provided is a microorganism culture sheet including a base sheet, a dry culture layer formed on the base sheet, and a cover sheet covering the dry culture layer, wherein an adhesive layer and a release film are laminated on the inner surface of the cover sheet. Because the environmental microorganisms are collected using the adhesive layer, an excellent collection efficiency is provided.