Methods and apparatus for preparing and embedding tissue samples for histological examination

摘要

@ A tissue specimen processing capsule (10) is provided which includes a pair of interlocking frames (18a, 18b) each having a porous web (22) spread across its central openings (19) for holding specimen in a region defined between the webs. The porous webs permit access to the specimen by processing and impregnating liquids. After the tissue specimen (12) is processed, it is removed from the capsule and placed in a mold depression (50), and the empty capsule (10) is placed over the depression. Molten casting material is poured into the mold to fill the depression and to cover the porous material. The molten casting material solidifies to form a tissue block (16) with the capsule (10) serving as a clampable base for an outwardly extending, tissue-containing portion. The capsule may be formed in a single operation in an injection molding process using a press that includes a pair of mold blocks that together define frame-forming cavities and between which is sandwiched a segment of an elongated web of porous material (22). Molten plastic, injected into the cavities, forms the frames (18a, 18b) and impregnate portions of the web within the cavity, and the molten plastic solidifies with the porous material permanently affixed to newly molded frames.