Sectionable cassette for embedding automation in surgical pathology

Embedding automation can be a step ahead in histology processing development. Among advantages in replacing time-consuming manual embedding, the possibility of the final specimen orientation by the grossing person is very attractive for surgical pathology. There is not yet a satisfactory technological solution for 2 main problems in the design of a sectionable cassette for biopsy specimens and small specimens: maintaining the orientation of the sample at the end of grossing and substitute fine skill manual alignment of the sample at the surface of the block for microtomy. The technical note presents attempts to solve these problems in the design of sectionable cassette. The latest sectionable cassettes by Sakura Finetek for shave and core biopsy specimens are discussed in detail.