Method and device for determining the relevance of sample array preparations

A device (10) for determining the relevance of preparations (4) of sample arrays (1), in particular tissue sample arrays, that contain a plurality of individual samples (3) at various positions, characterized in that a device (11) for non-destructive scanning of the preparations (4) of the sample arrays (1) before predefined intense studies of the sample arrays (1) is provided, said scanning device (11) is connected to a database (12) that contains information on the positions of the individual samples (3) of the preparations (4) and to a computer unit (16) for processing the scanned preparations (4) and for generating data fields for each individual sample (3) and for selecting at least one parameter from each individual sample data field and for comparing this parameter or a value derived therefrom or a combination of parameters or values derived therefrom to at least one threshold value, said threshold value is selected on the basis of at least one inherent property of the individual samples (3), said property is to be examined within the predefined studies;

• and in that a device (17) is provided for displaying the value of the comparison to at least one threshold value as a relevance criterion for the individual sample (3) for said studies, and a memory (18) is provided for storing this relevance criterion together with the position of the individual sample (3) of the preparation (4).