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the “recipient” block. The desired insertion depth can be directly

selected in the software application. However, it is better to do this

step manually by experience hand. Adjustable mechanical stops are

included both for the “donor” needle and the “recipient” one to

set the height of the “donor” core and the “recipient” hole,

respectively.

The instruction of the semi-automated TMA is as follow:

At this step, we need to calibrate the needle and then start the

application because of the existence of some mechanical play dur-

ing the instrument mounting. The alignment between the needles

and the center of the optics could be affected by an offset error.

Needle calibration is necessary to correct this offset.

At this stage, we need to edit the template and design the core

localizations in the paraffin block.

Template Edit: Given number of the cores, the templet could be

designed in different ways. Based on our experience, the following

3.2.1 Setup

3.2.2 Operation

Fig. 2 Semi-automatic TMA. (a) The setup of semi-automatic TMA machine. It comprises a computer, a joy-
stick, and the platform for working with the “donors” and “recipient” blocks. (b) Higher magnification of the (a)
showing the needles for making the TMA. The smaller one is for punching holes in the paraffin. One is for
taking the tissue from the “donor” block and inserting into the hole in the “recipient” block made by the other
needle. The green colored handle is used to rotate the needle when it is inside the tissue. (c) Insertion of the
needle into the “donor” block. (d) Insertion of the needle with the tissue into the “recipient” block

Nassim Saremi and Alfred K. Lam