Multipurpose
Cassettes are one of the most used consumables in histopathology. Their small, plastic, rectangular structure provides a secure housing for tissue samples during multiple histology processes.
Tissue Processing: Cassettes are first introduced at tissue processing. After a tissue sample is collected (i.e from a biopsy), it is placed into a cassette. The cassette is then put through a series of steps where the tissue is dehydrated, cleared, and infiltrated with paraffin wax. This usually happens automatically in a tissue processor. The perforations in the cassette allow chemicals to flow through, access the tissue and drain out.
Embedding: Once the tissue is infiltrated with paraffin during tissue processing, the sample is embedded into a block of paraffin wax using an embedding centre.
A small of amount molten wax is dispensed into a tissue mould in preparation for the tissue to be delicately placed into the mould using forceps. The sample is then embedded with more molten wax until it reaches an adequate level for the cassette to sit upon. The same cassette used in tissue processing is then placed on top of the molten wax so that the wax will set with the cassette part embedded. This creates a paraffin block suitable for sectioning.
Sectioning/Microtomy: The paraffin block containing the tissue is mounted onto a microtome using the cassette. The clamp clasps the cassette in place allowing the paraffin block to move in linear movement up and down, creating thin tissue sections against the microtome blade.
Identification and Tracking
Cassettes are a great tool for tracking and identifying samples. They are available in an extensive range of colours that facilitate the categorisation of samples or sample tracking. Its design offers a flat end that allows for writing, labelling, or printing including barcodes/ QR codes that help sample identification and tracking.
Routine Cassettes
Routine Embedding Cassettes are typically used for most routine histology samples and are supplied without lids. Routine Embedding Cassettes offer larger perforations in comparison to other cassettes for optimum flow-through and drainage. Because they are the most commonly used cassettes in histology, they are compatible with most base moulds.
Biopsy Cassettes
Biopsy Cassettes are cassettes that feature small holes or a fine mesh for maximum fluid exchange. They come with an attached hinged lid that has a click-shut design for secure closure and specimen safety. This ensures the tissues’ protection during processing preventing it from getting lost. Biopsy Cassettes are also available compartmentalised, with an option of 4 or 6 cells, allowing for several tissue samples to be processed together in one cassette.
Mega Cassettes
Mega Cassettes are double the depth of standard routine cassettes with dimensions of 40 x 26 x 13mm, allowing thicker and whole tissue samples to be processed without the need for grossing. These cassettes also have attached hinged lids that fold to close, keeping samples safe during processing.
Despite their larger appearance, all Mega Cassettes are compatible with standard microtome clamps allowing large tissue samples to be sectioned without the hassle of changing clamps.
Super Cassettes
Super cassettes are the largest of cassette sizes with the dimensions of 74 x 52 x 18mm. Super Cassettes allow large sections of a specimen like brain, eyes, intact joints, some whole animal organs, whole prostates, complete multiple tissue cases and any other larger specimens to be processed.
All super cassettes come with hinged lids and are available in 6 different colours.
Printer Cassettes
Printer Cassettes are specially designed to be compatible with either ink-jet, thermal-transfer or laser printers to guarantee a good print of words, numbers, barcodes and QR codes. Printer cassettes are resistant to solvents ensuring that any print remains on the cassette throughout all processes and that the print is as clear as it was when it was first printed for accurate reading. These are available either loose or pre-loaded in tubes ready to be loaded into a printer.
For more information about our cassette range or to place and order speak to our team on +44 (0) 844 8080 900 or email labsupplies@solmedialtd.com