Module for freezing and storage of frozen tissue

A frozen tissue specimen storage kit comprising:

• a base having a first surface and an opposing second surface and an outer peripheral edge, wherein the second surface includes an area comprising a plurality of protuberances and configured to attach and maintain orientation of a frozen tissue specimen block;
• a removable lid having a (i) first side and a second side, wherein the first side defines a continuous planar surface and the second side defines a recessed portion configured to cover a frozen tissue specimen block and (ii) an outer rim configured to engage with the outer peripheral edge of the base;
• a slotted U-shaped clamp configured to receive the base and a tissue specimen mold that is aligned with the area of the base;
• and
• a chuck configured for mounting at least the base onto a cryostat.

A method for preparing a frozen tissue specimen block comprising:

• placing a tissue specimen and matrix material into a mold having an opening;
• contacting the mold with a base having a first surface and an opposing second surface and an outer peripheral edge, wherein the second surface includes a holding area comprising a plurality of protuberances, such that the mold opening aligns with the holding area of the base;
• subjecting the base/mold/tissue specimen to a temperature sufficient to freeze the matrix material resulting in a frozen tissue specimen block disposed on the holding area of the base;
• and
• coupling a lid to the base, wherein the lid has a (i) first side and a second side, wherein the first side defines a continuous planar surface and the second side defines a recessed portion configured to cover the frozen tissue specimen block, and (ii) an outer rim engaged with the outer peripheral edge of the base.

A method for microtome sectioning a frozen tissue specimen block comprising:

• providing a frozen tissue specimen block stored inside a holder, the holder comprising (i) a base having a first surface and an opposing second surface and an outer peripheral edge, wherein the second surface includes a frozen tissue specimen attachment area comprising a plurality of protuberances, and (ii) a lid having a recessed portion configured to cover the frozen tissue specimen block;
• mounting a chuck onto a cryostat, wherein the chuck has a peripheral rim;
• coupling the base of the holder to the chuck via engaging the peripheral edge of the base with the peripheral rim of the chuck;
• removing the lid from the base to present a frozen tissue specimen block extending from the second surface of the base;
• and
• microtome sectioning the frozen tissue specimen block.

An article comprising:

• a planar base having a first surface and an opposing second surface and an outer peripheral edge, wherein the second surface includes an area comprising a plurality of protuberances and configured to attach and maintain orientation of a frozen tissue specimen block;
• a removable lid having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side defines a continuous planar surface and the second side defines a recessed portion configured to cover a frozen tissue specimen block;
• and
• a mold disposed between the planar base and the removable lid;
• wherein the area of the base comprising a plurality of protuberances, the recessed portion of the lid, and the mold are aligned.