System for improved tissue-handling and in line analysis of the tissue

A tissue biopsy and imaging system, comprising:

• an imager comprising an imaging field;
• a specimen holder;
• and
• a biopsy device having a tissue output portion fluidly coupled to the specimen holder by a flexible tissue aspiration line, wherein the specimen holder is positioned in a fluid communication path between the biopsy device and a vacuum source so such that a tissue sample obtained with the biopsy device is delivered through the aspiration line into a tissue holding compartment of the specimen holder,
• wherein the system is configured to move the specimen holder relative to the imager in order to position the tissue holding compartment within the imaging field of the imager for imaging the tissue sample while the specimen holder remains positioned in the fluid communication path.