Device for preparing microscopy samples
A device, method and system for preparing and storing samples for microscopic analysis is disclosed. The device provides a reservoir that can be attached to a displacement pipette thereby filling the reservoir with reagents desired for preparing the samples for microscopic analysis. In some embodiments, the specimen may be contained on a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid. In other embodiments, the sample may be a light microscope (LM) specimen or a scanning electron microscope (SEM) specimen. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing samples for microscopic examination including a device for preparing TEM grids with, a device for preparing TEM, SEM or LM specimens with and a device for storing both grids and specimens in. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a system for tracking the preparation, analysis and histological evaluation of multiple samples while also providing for their long term storage.
1. A device for preparing microscopy specimens comprising:
a unitary reservoir, the reservoir comprising;
a) a first end adapted and configured to accept a pipette and a second end having an inlet/outlet therein;
b) a screen provided in the second end;
the reservoir being dimensioned and configured to mate with a second reservoir such that the first end of the first reservoir forms a liquid tight seal with the second end of a second reservoir; and
the second end of the reservoir being dimensioned and configured to mate with a pipette tip; and
the reservoir being adapted to contain a specimen for microscopic evaluation and displacement of the pipette results in filling or emptying of the reservoir with one or more reagents;
whereby filling the reservoir with the one or more reagents prepares the sample for microscopy.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the screen comprises a plurality of holes.
3. The device of claim 1 , further including a replaceable cap for the first end.
4. The device of claim 1 , further including a replaceable cap for the second end.
5. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a protrusion on an inner face of the reservoir optimized to break surface tension of a liquid contained in the reservoir.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is adapted and configured to accept one or more grids.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the one or more grids have a specimen for analysis affixed thereto.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein the specimen is prepared, fixed and stored for microscopic analysis within the reservoir.
9. The device of claim 8 , wherein after the specimen is fixed, the reservoir and specimen contained therein can be sectioned by a microtome for analysis.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is adapted to hold multiple articles.
11. The device of claim 1 , wherein a computer readable label is affixed thereto.
12. The device of claim 1 , wherein the specimen is analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, confocal microscopy, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, atom probe tomography or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization.
13. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a removable screen suitable for use as a microscope grid.
14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the unitary reservoir is fabricated from a plastic selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene and combinations thereof.
15. A device for preparing specimens for microscopic analysis comprising a reservoir is adapted to fit inside a pipette tip and wherein filling the pipette tip with a fluid allows the fluid to enter the reservoir.
16. A device for preparing specimens for microscopic analysis comprising:
a unitary reservoir the reservoir comprising;
a) a first end adapted and configured to accept a pipette and a second end having an inlet/outlet therein;
b) a screen provided in the second end;
the reservoir being dimensioned and configured to mate with a second reservoir such that the first end of the first reservoir forms a liquid tight seal with the second end of a second reservoir; and
the second end of the reservoir being dimensioned and configured to mate with a pipette tip; and
the reservoir being configured to contain a specimen for microscopic evaluation and displacement of the pipette results in filling or emptying of the reservoir with one or more reagents; and
the reservoir including a protrusion on the inner surface configured to break the surface tension of a liquid held in the reservoir;
whereby filling the reservoir with the one or more reagents prepares the sample for microscopy.
17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the reservoir is adapted to accept one or more grids.
18. The device of claim 17 , wherein the one or more grids have a specimen attached thereto.
19. The device of claim 16 , wherein, after fixation, the reservoir and specimen contained therein can be sectioned by a microtome for analysis.
20. The device of claim 16 , wherein the microscopic analysis is performed with a light microscope, a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope, a confocal microscope, secondary ion mass spectroscopy, electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis, atom probe tomography or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization.
21. The device of claim 16 , wherein the first end is compatible with an adapter including an adapter usable to connect more than one fluid inlet to the reservoir.
22. The device of claim 16 , wherein the reservoir is fabricated from a plastic selected from the group consisting of: polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polytetrafluoroethylene and combinations thereof.