| abstract |
A method, apparatus and system for automated removal of an embedding medium from an embedded biological sample. The method comprising the steps of: providing an automated sample processing apparatus having an automated process operation capability that causes automated process operation events through robotic sample process functions; providing a clearing solvent, e.g. an organic solvent, capable of lowering the melting point of an embedding medium and/or dissolving an embedding medium; loading a plurality of carriers with embedded biological samples in the automated sample processing apparatus; exposing an embedded biological sample to the clearing solvent, whereby the embedding medium is liquefied; and providing a washing solution capable of removing the clearing solvent and the liquefied embedded medium from said biological sample, said clearing solvent and said washing solution being immiscible. |