Specimen processing systems and methods for holding slides

SPECIMEN PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HOLDING A method for holding a microscope slide (156), comprising: positioning a microscope slide (243) on a support element (703) such that a specimen-bearing portion of the slide (729) is supported by a first portion of the support element (733) and a label bearing portion of the slide (723) is supported by a second portion of the support element (735), wherein the first portion (733) surrounds the second portion (735) and a sealing member (709) is positioned between the first (733) and the second portions (735); wherein the sealing member (709) has a rounded corner polygonal shape as viewed along an axis generally perpendicular to the support surface; and the support element (650) includes a trench (737), and the sealing member (709) includes a compliant gasket having a main body (747) and a lip (749), wherein the main body (747) is positioned in the trench (737), and wherein the lip (749) extends radially outward from the main body (747); and drawing a vacuum through the second portion (735) while a sealing member (709) contacts the slide (243).