TISSUE CASSETTE WITH RETRACTABLE MEMBER

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and method which reduces manual manipulation after a tissue sample is positioned and placed in a tissue cassette, and maintains the identity of the tissue sample.SOLUTION: The apparatus for holding a tissue sample includes a retaining member 6 having a first tissue contact surface 20 and at least one biasing element 22. The first tissue contact surface is movably attached to the retaining member. The apparatus further includes a base including a second tissue contact surface 14, which is configured in engagement with the retaining member so as to form an interior area 24 with the first and second tissue contact surfaces facing each other. The apparatus further includes a retracting member 5 connected to the retaining member, which is configured to retract the first tissue contact surface or compress the biasing element so as to form a gap between the tissue sample and one of the first tissue contact surface and the second tissue contact surface.