Cellsafe Biopsy Insert

EMS Catalog #s: 62327-10 62329

Introduction

The CellSafe is designed to contain small tissue fragments and biopsies during tissue processing. The plastic frame and nylon mesh are suitable for use in common tissue processing reagents including Formaldehyde solutions, Bouin's Fluid, Alcohol solutions, Xylene, Chloroform, Citrus based clearing agents and Paraffin wax (melting point up to 65°C).

The plastic frame is made from the same material widely used in the manufacture of plastic processing cassettes. If you are using any unusual reagents it is suggested that you carry out preliminary chemical compatibility tests before using the CellSafe to contain tissue samples.

The CellSafe is designed for single use only.

Instructions

The CellSafe comprises two interlocking plastic frames - one slightly smaller than the other - which are linked by a mesh hinge. The frames surround a nylon mesh membrane with a pore size of 200x200 micron, which will contain the majority of small specimens received for tissue processing.

The CellSafe can be closed in two ways to produce a 1mm cavity or a 3.5mm cavity.

It is recommended that the 1mm cavity be used when processing fragments of skin and other thin material, which may have to be kept flattened during processing. The 3.5mm cavity can be used for other larger biopsies.

When closed the CellSafe is 5mm thick and will fit into most standard size tissue processing cassettes. However, due to the large number of manufacturers and designs of such cassettes, before processing any tissue in a CellSafe you should ensure that the cassette lid can be securely closed with the CellSafe in position. The CellSafe can be placed in the cassette either before or after the tissue as been placed inside.

Many users issue the CellSafe to the clinic so that the biopsy can be placed inside immediately and returned to the laboratory in a pre-filled fixative container. This greatly reduces the risk of damage to the biopsy - or even loss of material. It also saves time in the laboratory.

Cassettes With Stainless Steel Lids

(Do Not Use In Microwave Processors)

1. Insert the larger plastic frame into the cassette.
2. Place the tissue onto the mesh.
3. Close the CellSafe by pushing the smaller frame into position ensuring it is completely closed.
4. Fit the stainless steel lid.

Cassettes With Plastic Lids

1. Insert the larger plastic frame into the cassette with the hinge adjacent to the label end of the cassette.
2. Place the tissue onto the mesh.
3. Close the CellSafe by pushing the smaller frame into position ensuring it is completely closed. There should be a 1mm gap between the frame and the cassette wall, which will accommodate the plastic edge and the locating tabs on the cassette lid.

In some instances tissue fragments or washings may need to be processed.

The CellSafe can be used as a filter using the following procedure:

1. Insert the larger frame into the cassette in the deeper 3.5mm cavity mode.
2. Hold or support the cassette horizontally and slowly pour the suspension through the CellSafe. The tissue fragments will be retained in the CellSafe and when all of the suspension has been filtered the CellSafe and the cassette can be closed.

After Processing

After processing in the normal manner the cassette can be opened and the CellSafe removed. The CellSafe can be opened by pulling the two tabs away from each other. The tissue can then be removed and embedded following your standard procedure.

The Cellsafe Must Now Be Discarded - It Is Not Designed To Be Reused.

Online Ordering

Cellsafe Biopsy Inserts are available online from the EMS Catalog. For ordering or product information, click here.