CASSETTE AND EMBEDDING ASSEMBLY, STAGING DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR HANDLING TISSUE SAMPLES

摘要

The disclosure relates to a cassette (10), frame (12) and mold (14) for holding a tissue sample (80) during an embedding and microtoming process, an d related methods. The cassette (10) is sectionable in a microtome and include s a body (20) with a bottom wall (24) and a plurality of side walls (22a-22d). First and second side walls (22a-22c) are generally V-shaped to present an apex of the "V" to the microtome blade. A lid (32) of the cassette (10) is stiffer than the bottom wall (24) of the cassette (10) to assist with positioning the tissue sample (80). The side walls (22a-22d) of the cassette are perforated so as to significantly reduce the amount of cassette material that must be cut by the microtome blade. In one embodiment, to additionally reduce blade wear the ribs (128) on one side wall (124a) are offset lengthwi se relative to the ribs (128) on an opposite side wall (124b). An upper flange (140) of the cassette includes depressions (142a-142f) configured to registe r with detents (54, 56 and 58, 60) in the frame (12).