Methods and devices for preparing microscopy samples

A system for preparing and holding specimens for microscopic analysis, cells, tissue culture or organ culture, the system comprising:

• a capsule having a first open end, a second end including at least one aperture, and defining a reservoir between the first open end and the second end, the reservoir having an inner wall defining an inner wall upper portion adjacent the first open end of the capsule and an inner wall lower portion adjacent the second end of the capsule, wherein the inner wall is wider adjacent the first open end in the upper portion and narrower adjacent the second end in the lower portion, and wherein the sides of the inner wall in the lower portion are generally parallel to each other;
• and
• a removable insert with a circumferential base and including a web extending across its center and including at least one aperture extending therethrough, the base configured to fit through the upper portion of the inner wall of the reservoir and to adjustably engage the inner wall of the reservoir in the lower portion so that a friction fit between the base and the inner wall will secure the insert in position within the reservoir, wherein the position of the insert in the lower portion of the reservoir defines a sample holding region between the insert and the second end of the capsule;
• an insertion tool configured to be inserted into the open end of the capsule and to releasably engage tabs on the insert with a plurality of arms at an insert engaging end of the insertion tool so that a portion of the insert extends beyond an outer surface of the insertion tool, the insertion tool sized to fit within the reservoir and position the insert within the lower portion of the reservoir, the insertion tool configured to permit the positioning of the insert at one or more positions within the reservoir, the insertion tool further configured to disengage the insert once the insert is positioned within the inner wall of the reservoir.