Fixation and storage of biological organic samples
A method for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample comprises placing the bag with the sample in a dosing system (e.g., on a holder or weighing device), computing a required volume or weight of fixative solution as a function of the sample or the bag with the sample, and automatically transferring the computed volume or weight of fixative solution from a storage container into the bag. A system is also described for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample, a carrier for said flexible bags, and a storage cabinet for storing the carrier.
1. A system for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample, the system comprising:
a holder to hold a flexible bag containing the biological organic sample upright in the system;
a pump to transfer an amount of fixative solution from a storage container into the flexible bag;
a control unit for controlling the pump to automatically transfer an amount of fixative solution from the storage container into the flexible bag; and
a fixative solution delivery nozzle for discharging the amount of fixative solution from the storage container into the flexible bag, wherein the fixative solution delivery nozzle is moveable between a delivery position, in which the fixative solution delivery nozzle extends into the flexible bag, and a sealing or retracted position, in which the fixative solution delivery nozzle is retracted from the flexible bag.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a weighing device, wherein the holder is designed to hold the flexible bag containing the biological organic sample upright on the weighing device.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the weighing device comprises a device for volumetrically and/or gravimetrically weighing.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the weighing device comprises a load cell, and wherein the holder is attached to the weighing device in a fixed or removable manner.
5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising evacuation means for evacuating the flexible bag, the evacuation means being controlled by the control unit.
6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising sealing means for sealing the flexible bag, the sealing means being controlled by the control unit.