Device to collect and segregate tissue samples sectioned on a microtome

Abstract

Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods 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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for handling a portion of a tissue sample when sectioned by a microtome, the apparatus comprising:
 a container;   a tissue sample holder in the container; and   an outlet configured to allow flow of a fluid from the container;   wherein the outlet is positioned proximate to the tissue sample holder such that flow through the outlet causes a portion of a tissue sample sectioned by a microtome to move into the outlet.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a microtome, the microtome including a control system configured to automate a portion of the microtome. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tissue sample holder is removable from the container. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the tissue sample holder comprises at least two separable portions. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a first outlet and a second outlet positioned proximate to the tissue sample holder such that flow through the first outlet causes a portion of a first tissue sample sectioned by a microtome to flow into the first outlet, and flow through the second outlet causes a portion of a second tissue sample sectioned by a microtome to flow into the second outlet. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a drain positioned in the container. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a valve in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more outlets and configured to control the flow of fluid from the outlet. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a first conduit in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more outlets. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , comprising a second conduit in fluid communication with the outlet. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the second conduit is in fluid communication with the outlet at a connection point located in the first conduit, and further comprising a valve configured to control the flow of fluid from the first conduit, the valve located downstream of the connection point. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a filter positioned to prevent the portion of the tissue sample from flowing into the second conduit. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a storage plate, the storage plate including one or more wells configured to receive the one or more portions of the tissue sample. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising a moveable tray configured to hold one or more storage plates with respect to the one or more outlets. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein one or more of the wells comprises one or more apertures to allow fluid to flow through a portion of the well without allowing a tissue sample section to flow through the apertures. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cross-section of at least one of the one or more outlets is non-round. 
     
     
         16 . A method of handling one or more portions of a tissue sample sectioned by a microtome, the method comprising the steps of:
 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.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein sectioning the one or more portions of a tissue sample comprises sectioning a plurality of portions of a tissue sample with a microtome. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein sectioning one or more portions of a tissue sample comprises sectioning a portion of a plurality of tissue samples with a microtome at substantially the same time. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein sectioning one or more portions of a tissue sample comprises sectioning a first portion of a tissue sample and a second portion of a tissue sample, wherein the second portion of the tissue sample is sectioned sequentially with respect to the first portion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein flowing the fluid comprises increasing flow through the at least one outlet in response to completing a cutting stroke during the sectioning.