Removal of Embedding Medium

An apparatus for automated removal of an embedding medium from an embedded biological sample, comprising:

• an independently accessible clearing solvent holder for a clearing solvent;
• a plurality of independently accessible biological sample holders;
• at least one probe for dispensing a volume of said clearing solvent to at least one embedded biological sample arranged on one of said plurality of sample holders;
• characterized in that said apparatus is configured to remove embedding medium from an embedded biological sample by:
• providing a clearing solvent capable of lowering the melting point of an embedding medium and/or dissolving an embedding medium;
• exposing the embedded biological sample to the clearing solvent, whereby the embedding medium is liquefied;
• and
• providing a washing solution capable of removing clearing solvent and liquefied embedded medium from said biological sample, said clearing solvent having a lower density than the density of said washing solution, and said clearing solvent and said washing solution being immiscible.