Biological sample processing system and microfluidic cartridge therefor

Abstract

Biological sample processing system comprising an imaging unit () comprising a digital image processing system and at least one microscope including at least one lens (), a sample processing station () comprising a handling platform () including a support () and a displacement mechanism for moving the support (), and a sample processing unit () mounted on the handling platform (). The sample processing unit () comprises a tissue slide holder () for mounting thereon a tissue slide () with a biological sample () fixed thereon and a microfluidic cartridge holder () for mounting a microfluidic cartridge () thereon. The tissue slide holder () is coupled to the microfluidic cartridge holder () via a coupling () allowing the microfluidic cartridge and the tissue support to be mounted and removed from the sample processing unit in an opened position, and in a closed position for the tissue support () to be in sealing contact with the microfluidic cartridge (). The sample processing station comprises a plurality of said sample processing units mounted on the handling platform () and moveable from a position allowing mounting of the tissue slide, respectively microfluidic cartridge, or removal thereof, to a position in which the viewing window in the microfluidic cartridge holder () is positioned in alignment with the lens of said at least one microscope.