Importance

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Abstract

Disclosed is a biological sample holder, a container for storing multiple holders, and an automated holder retrieval system. The sample holder may comprise an elongate generally planar support including a handle end and an opposing biological sample storage end, wherein, a substrate for accepting a biological sample is mounted to the holder at said sample storage end. Optionally the substrate is so mounted within a recess in the surface of the support and the recess has a local surface providing a reaction surface for allowing a sub-sample to be removed from the medium by mechanical action, such as cutting or punching. The container may include an array of wells each well being generally square or rectangular in plan and the holders dimensioned so that they are held diagonally in a respective well. The automated biological sample storage apparatus may include a mechanical handling device, and an associated electronic control capable of controlling the mechanical handing device to pick a predetermined sample holder from an associated well, or to place a predetermined sample holder into an associated well, optionally removing or replacing a container lid where a lid is used.

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First Claim