System and method for anatomical pathology sample handling, storage, and analysis

A carrier strip for retention of anatomical pathology specimens, comprising:

• a backing having a plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens;
• a plurality of specimen blocks, respective ones of the plurality of specimen blocks configured to receive an anatomical pathology specimen and to be disposed on the backing within a corresponding one of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens;
• a cover extending the length of the backing, the cover coupled to the backing along opposing side regions located along opposite longitudinal edges of the carrier strip and along intermediate regions extending between the opposing side regions and positioned between each of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens, one or more of the intermediate regions including a thinned region extending between the opposing side regions for allowing the carrier strip to flex at the one or more of the intermediate regions;
• wherein the backing and cover cooperate to retain the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens between the backing and the cover, and to individually retain the respective ones of the plurality of specimen blocks and the anatomical pathology specimens received thereby between the backing and the cover within the corresponding one of the plurality of areas for retaining anatomical pathology specimens.