The present invention relates to systems and methods for tissue processing and analysis. Tissue chambers are configured to allow single-container chemical processing, imaging, and wax embedding of tissue samples in a single container without manipulation between steps. Tissue chambers with features to support the tissue sample and allow fluid flow between the tissue sample and the tissue chamber surface are disclosed. The features may be index matched to sample structures of interest or dissolvable in clearing solution to allow for in-chamber imaging with minimal distortion. Specialized tissue processing and wax removal apparatuses are also disclosed including for use with tissue chambers having frangible portions to permit ease of wax removal.

The present disclosure relates in some aspects to methods for preparing biological samples for in situ analysis of one or more analytes, wherein the biological sample has been previously affixed to a substrate, which is not compatible with in situ analysis, for example, due to the absence of positional markers and/or fiducial markers and/or a region suitable for in situ signal detection on the substrate.

There is provided an automated system for preparing tissue samples that comprises one or more microtomes, a hydration system, and a processor, the processor being programmed to initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a first tissue block comprising a first tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the first tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a first predetermined time, and initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a second tissue block while the first tissue block is being hydrated, the second tissue block comprising a second tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the second tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a second predetermined time, and to initiate the one or more microtomes to begin sectioning of the first tissue block while the second tissue block is being hydrated.

A device for sand sampling through a water method includes a sampling cylinder and a triaxial sampler, where the sampling cylinder includes a cylinder, two ends of the cylinder being hermetically provided with an upper sealing cover and a lower sealing cover separately, one ends, facing inside of the cylinder, of the upper sealing cover and the lower sealing cover being provided with water-permeable stones, one end, facing outside of the cylinder, of the upper sealing cover being connected to a control valve, and the control valve being in communication with the inside of the cylinder; and the sampling cylinder is arranged in the triaxial sampler when sand sampling is performed through a water method, a lower end of the triaxial sampler is provided with a test operation table, and an upper end of the triaxial sampler is nested inside a restraint ring.

There is provided a histology system that comprises a microtome configured to expose a face of a tissue block comprising a tissue sample embedded in an embedding material and remove one or more tissue sections from the sample, a hydration system configured to hydrate the tissue block by depositing a hydrating liquid on the face of the tissue block, and a transfer system configured to transfer the one or more tissue sections from the microtome to one or more slides. In some embodiments, the hydration system is configured to produce droplet condensation of the hydrating liquid and deposit the condensation on the face of the tissue block.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for tissue processing and analysis. Tissue chambers are configured to allow single-container chemical processing, imaging, and wax embedding of tissue samples in a single container without manipulation between steps. Tissue chambers with features to support the tissue sample and allow fluid flow between the tissue sample and the tissue chamber surface are disclosed. The features may be index matched to sample structures of interest or dissolvable in clearing solution to allow for in-chamber imaging with minimal distortion. Specialized tissue processing and wax removal apparatuses are also disclosed including for use with tissue chambers having frangible portions to permit ease of wax removal.

An aspect of the invention relates to a method for detecting amyloid aggregates (40) in blood. The method comprises providing a blood sample (20) comprising one or more red blood cells and performing an analysis of a surface layer (22) of the blood sample (20) by an atomic force microscope (10) to detect amyloid aggregates on the surface of the red blood cells and to image detected amyloid aggregates. Further aspects relate to a corresponding atomic force microscope and a corresponding computer program product.

A manufacturing method of an embedded sample block includes providing a carrier. The carrier has a sample accommodating area and a marking area. The sample accommodating area has a first groove and the marking area has second grooves. A sample is disposed in the first groove and a molding plate standing around the carrier is formed. The molding plate surrounds the sample accommodating area and the marking area and forms an opening exposing the sample, the first groove and the second grove. A molding material is formed inside the opening, such that the molding material covers the sample and is filled into the first and second grooves. The molding material is solidified and the molding plate is removed to obtain the embedded sample block. In addition, a sample sheet sliced from the embedded sample block is also mentioned.

There is provided an automated system for preparing tissue samples that comprises one or more microtomes, a hydration system, and a processor, the processor being programmed to initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a first tissue block comprising a first tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the first tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a first predetermined time, and initiate facing, by one or more microtomes, of a second tissue block while the first tissue block is being hydrated, the second tissue block comprising a second tissue sample embedded in an embedding material, and cause the second tissue block to be hydrated by the hydration system for a second predetermined time, and to initiate the one or more microtomes to begin sectioning of the first tissue block while the second tissue block is being hydrated.

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.