Patent Publication Number: US-2022225969-A1

Title: Biopsy carrier

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of devices for handling tissue samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a device adapted to facilitate transport of a viable biopsy sample from a sterile extraction site whereat it is extracted from the patient to laboratory-type equipment by which the biopsy sample is processed. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Skin grafts have become more common and useful in recent years, particularly for the treatment of burns as well as other skin lesions. However, the limiting factor in an efficient treatment, particularly where large affected areas exists on the patient&#39;s body, is the ability to supply a suitably large skin graft. As will be apparent to the skilled person, the best skin graft will always be made of the patient&#39;s own skin. However, when the affected area is large, this presents a challenge, because only relatively small skin areas can be removed from a patient, to be grafted at a different location on his body. 
     Attention has been paid in recent times to growing larger autologous skin grafts in the laboratory, using the patient&#39;s own skin as a precursor. Doing so involves taking a biopsy of the patient&#39;s skin and processing it in the laboratory by a variety of methods, so as to eventually produce a skin graft substantially larger in area than the originally taken biopsy. As a first step in the processing of the biopsy, the skin sample can be cut up into smaller parts, and further processed according to a variety of existing methods. 
     A substantial problem arises, however in the transferring and handling of the skin biopsy, which may easily become infected and/or otherwise damaged in the course of the transfer from the medical location where the biopsy is taken, to the laboratory which needs to process it, as well as in the process of transferring the biopsy to additional equipment for further processing. 
     The risk of contamination to a biopsy sample would be significantly reduced if the laboratory equipment by which the biopsy sample is processed would be deployed in the same sterile environment as the location of the biopsy procedure; however, available space in the sterile environment needed by patients and the medical staff for facilitating biopsy and other medical procedures would be compromised. 
     It is therefore clear that the need exists for a device that obviates the above-identified problems and allows for the safe transferring and handling of the skin biopsy. 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide such a device. 
     It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a biopsy carrier from which the biopsy sample is able to be aseptically transferred to laboratory-type equipment by which the biopsy sample is able to be processed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect the present invention provides a biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample, the carrier comprising:
         an aseptically closed structure having a cavity prefilled with transport medium;   a selectively sealable and unsealable outlet tube attached to a port in said structure, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity;   wherein, the cavity is configured to receive a biopsy sample such that the biopsy sample is maintained under sterile and wetted conditions while being transported to laboratory-type equipment, thereby maintaining the viability of the biopsy sample; and   wherein the biopsy sample is caused to be discharged through the outlet tube to the laboratory-type equipment.       

     According to some embodiment, the biopsy sample is caused to be discharged through the outlet tube to the laboratory-type equipment by a suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment. 
     According to other embodiments, the biopsy carrier further comprises a selectively sealable and unsealable inlet tube attached to a port in said structure, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity. In one embodiment, the biopsy sample is caused to be discharged through the outlet tube to the laboratory-type equipment is caused by flushing fluid flowable through the inlet tube into the cavity of the biopsy carrier. 
     According to one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises immobilizing means for protecting the biopsy sample from damage or disfigurement. 
     According to another embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises one or more pre-processing element, for pre-processing the biopsy sample prior to the discharging of the biopsy sample to the laboratory-type equipment. The pre-processing element may be a plurality of blades for cutting the biopsy sample into pieces and/or other pre-processing elements selected from at least one of:
         one or more nozzles for introducing liquid to the biopsy sample, wherein the liquid is a washing solution, a disinfecting solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer;   one or more additional ports for introducing liquid to the biopsy sample, wherein the liquid is a washing solution, a disinfecting solution, a solution comprising a reagent or a buffer;   one or more additional ports for extracting liquid from the cavity of the biopsy carrier;   one or more micro-needles for conditioning the surface of the biopsy sample;   one or more sensors for measuring the pH, dissolved oxygen (dO), biochemical compounds and/or the temperature of the liquid inside the cavity;   a bacteria test component; and   a transparent part allowing visual contact with the biopsy sample by an imager.       

     According to a further embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises one or more contact elements which, following motion between the one or more contact elements relative to the plurality of blades, are set in pressing contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of blades to cause comminution of the biopsy sample and to immobilize the biopsy sample. 
     In a specific embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises a closure carrying the one or more contact elements and which is in releasable engagement with the structure, to occlude aseptically closed cavity; wherein engagement of the closure with the structure causes the one or more contact elements to be set in pressing contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of blades. 
     The biopsy carrier may further comprise a sample support assembly, the sample support assembly comprises:
         a blade support, which is recessed with a plurality of blade-receiving slots within each of which is received a corresponding blade of the plurality of blades and with a plurality of spaced apertures, such that each aperture is delimited by one or more blade-receiving slots; and wherein the blade support comprises a plurality of legs extending from the underside of the blade support.   a stripper plate comprising a planar plate in abutting relation with the underside of said blade support, a plurality of blade guards protruding upwards from the planar plate, each blade guard is accommodated in a corresponding aperture in the blade support, and an aperture accommodating the corresponding leg of the blade support;   a force transmitting unit located beneath the stripper plate and comprising a contact plate, which is set in parallel to the stripper plate and the blade support and is in contact with the plurality of legs of the blade support, and a force applier which extends perpendicularly from the underside of the contact; and optionally   a blade frame placed in juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of the blade support that is positioned radially outwardly from the apertures formation of the blade support, the blade frame comprising a plurality of spaced grooves, each of which is configured to receive the end of a corresponding blade, and a peripheral curved portion of the same curvature as the peripheral portion of the blade support and aligned therewith;       

     wherein when no force is transmitted to the force applier, the blade guards extend higher than the plurality of blades and form a grid onto which the biopsy sample is introduced; and 
     wherein when force is transmitted to the force applier, contact plate pushes the blade support by means of the plurality of legs away from the stripper plate in the direction of the transmitted, thus causing the plurality of blades to surpass the plurality of blade guards in height, thereby causing the plurality of blades to cut through the biopsy sample. 
     In one embodiment the biopsy carrier further comprises a closure and optionally means for displacing the sample support assembly upwardly relative to the structure upon removal of the closure wherein the means for displacing the sample support assembly upwardly relative to the structure comprises a plurality of legs extending from the underside of the planar plate of the stripper plate and chambers configured to receive a corresponding leg of the planar plate; wherein each of the chambers comprises a spring that surrounds the leg of the planar plate; wherein when the closure is engaged with the structure, a compressive force is applied to the plurality of blade guards, which is transmitted to the stripper plate, thereby causing compression of the springs surrounding the legs of the planar plate; and wherein the springs surrounding the legs of the planar plate are extended to cause displacement of the sample support assembly upon removal of the closure. The closure may further comprise one or more contact elements which, following engagement of the closure with the structure, the one or more contact elements are set in pressing contact with both the biopsy sample and the plurality of blade guards to immobilize the biopsy sample and to keep it in wetted condition while being submerged in transport medium. 
     In some embodiments, the one or more contact elements are a plurality of protrusions formed in a releasable closure, and the plurality of blades are fixed to a body member associated with the structure. 
     In further embodiments, the closure is provided with two or more guides, and the body member is provided with two or more guide rails, each of the rails adapted to receive a guide slidable therein, and the structure is provided with a thermoplastic elastomer configured to undergo deformation when the closure is engaged with the structure. 
     According to one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises an additional cover configured to maintain a discharge end of the inlet and outlet tubes in a closed environment. 
     In specific embodiments, the force that is transmitted to the force applier is manually transmitted, or automatically transmitted by a wirelessly operated piston mechanism located between the bottom of the carrier and force applier. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for aseptically transporting a biopsy sample using the biopsy carrier described above, the method comprising:
         prefilling the biopsy carrier with transport medium, while the inlet and outlet tubes connected to the biopsy carrier are secured by closing means;   placing a biopsy sample in a cavity of the biopsy carrier;   transporting the biopsy carrier to laboratory-type equipment;   connecting the outlet tube of the biopsy carrier to an interface of the laboratory-type equipment;   releasing the closing means from the outlet tube, thereby opening the tube of the biopsy carrier; and   causing the biopsy sample to be discharged via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment.       

     In one embodiment, causing discharge of the biopsy sample via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment is carried out by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment. 
     In another embodiment, prior to causing discharge of the biopsy sample via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment, the above method further comprises connecting the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier to a source of a flushing liquid and releasing the closing means from the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier, thereby opening the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier, such that causing discharge of the biopsy sample via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment is carried out by introducing flushing liquid via the inlet tube into the cavity. 
     In some embodiments, the method further comprises pre-processing the biopsy sample prior to discharging the biopsy sample via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment. 
     In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for preparing a biopsy sample for subsequent processing operation using the biopsy carrier of the invention, the method comprising:
         placing the biopsy sample in the cavity of the biopsy carrier;   immobilizing the biopsy sample by engaging the closure of the biopsy carrier with the structure of the biopsy carrier, thereby;
           a. setting the one or more contact elements of the closure in pressing contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blades, thereby causing comminution of the biopsy; or   b. setting the one or more contact elements of the closure in pressing contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blade guards, wherein when the one or more contact elements is set in pressing contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blade guards, the method further comprises applying force to the force applier, thereby causing the plurality of blades to cut the biopsy sample into pieces;   
           connecting the outlet tube of the biopsy carrier to an interface of the laboratory-type equipment and releasing the releasing the closing means from the outlet tube, thereby opening the tube of the biopsy carrier; and   causing the biopsy sample to be discharged through the outlet tube of the biopsy carrier into the laboratory-type equipment.       

     In one embodiment, causing the biopsy sample to be discharged via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment is carried out by suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment. 
     In another embodiment, prior to causing discharge of the biopsy sample via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment, the above method further comprises connecting the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier to a source of a flushing liquid and releasing the closing means from the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier, thereby opening the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier, such that causing discharge of the biopsy sample via the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment is carried out by introducing flushing liquid via the inlet tube into the cavity. 
     All the above characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative description of a specific embodiment thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  shows steps in a method for aseptically transferring a biopsy sample from the location of the biopsy procedure to laboratory-type equipment using the biopsy carrier of the invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising an outlet port and outlet tube; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a set of blades. 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a nozzle. 
         FIG. 2C  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with an additional port. 
         FIG. 2D  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a micro-needle. 
         FIG. 2E  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a sensor. 
         FIG. 2F  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a bacteria test strip. 
         FIG. 2G  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a transparent part allowing visual contact with an imager. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to a specific embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 3 , taken along the D-D plane of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to another specific embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the carrier of  FIG. 5  fitted in a transport container in a ready for transport state. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to yet another specific embodiment in a closed configuration and ready for transport; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 7 , taken along the A-A plane of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is another cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 7 , taken along the B-B plane of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment, shown when positioned in a horizontal orientation and uncovered; 
         FIG. 10B  is a schematic illustration of the carrier of  FIG. 10A , shown when positioned in a horizontal orientation and covered; 
         FIG. 10C  is a schematic illustration of the carrier of  FIG. 10A , shown when positioned in a vertical orientation and covered; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a biopsy carrier according to a further specific embodiment, shown when covered; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a housing member used in conjunction with, and separated from, the carrier of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a second closure used in conjunction with, and separated from, the carrier of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , taken along the C-C plane of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , taken along the C-C plane of  FIG. 11 , while a sample support assembly received within its interior is shown in perspective unsectioned view; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a blade support used in conjunction with, and separated from, the carrier of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a stripper plate used in conjunction with, and separated from, the carrier of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a blade frame used in conjunction with, and separated from, the carrier of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a force transmitting unit used in conjunction with, and separated from, the carrier of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , taken along the C-C plane of  FIG. 11 , shown when an aseptically closed cavity thereof is filled with a liquid transport medium; 
         FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , taken along the C-C plane of  FIG. 11  without the second closure  53 , and with inlet and outlet tubing exposed; 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the top of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating the sample support assembly being upwardly displaced in response to detachment of a first closure therefrom; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the top of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating placement of a biopsy sample on top of the sample support assembly; 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the top of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating engagement of a first closure therewith; 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the top of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating the closing of a first closure with respect to a protruding lip; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the bottom of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating detachment of a second closure therefrom; 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the bottom of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating linear displacement of the force transmitting unit, the blade support carrying the blade array and the blade frame; 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective cross-sectional view from the top of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , schematically illustrating comminution of a biopsy sample; 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic illustration of a biopsy carrier according to an embodiment of the invention, configured with a wirelessly operated piston mechanism; 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view from the side of the carrier of  FIG. 11 , when vertically oriented and ready to be connected to laboratory-type equipment through the means of sterile connectors; 
         FIG. 31  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 30 , schematically illustrating a discharge procedure of the biopsy sample; and 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective cross-sectional view of the carrier of  FIG. 30 , schematically illustrating a rinsing procedure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A biopsy carrier is well suited for facilitating the transport of viable biopsy samples by being configured with a housing that maintains an introduced biopsy sample under sterile and wetted conditions within a prefilled transport medium without being damaged or disfigured while being transported to a laboratory or laboratory-type equipment by which the biopsy sample is able to be processed. The biopsy carrier may also be provided with a grid of blades (or a blade array) or other pre-processing elements and with means for completely discharging the pre-processed biopsy sample to the laboratory-type equipment. 
     As opposed to prior art methods whereby the container within which the biopsy sample is stored while being transported is opened before being manually transferred to laboratory equipment and being under risk of contamination, the biopsy carrier of the present invention allows the biopsy sample to be discharged and to be transferred directly to the laboratory-type equipment without being exposed to an unsterile environment since the biopsy carrier remains aseptically closed. 
     The term “aseptically closed” as used herein refers to a structure or cavity that does not allow passage of materials, such as liquids, from or to said structure or cavity. However, the aseptically closed structure or cavity may enable gas exchange between the interior of said structure or cavity with the ambient air for ventilation purposes through ventilation membranes that allow only exchange of gases, but prevent the passage of contaminating agents, such as bacteria, into the closed structure or cavity. Thus, although the aseptically closed structure or cavity is not necessarily completely sealed, said structure or cavity remains sterile. As would be appreciated, a completely sealed structure or cavity is also encompassed by the term “aseptically closed”. 
     As would be appreciated the laboratory-type equipment may be located at the same facility as the place of biopsy extraction or at a laboratory located at a different facility. 
     The biopsy sample can be maintained viable during transport by the biopsy carrier of the invention for a duration of time of up to one week from the time of the extraction of the biopsy from the patient, assuming the appropriate transport medium and transport conditions (such as temperature) were selected according to the expected duration of the transport. 
     The term “transport medium” as used herein refers to a solution that is suitable for maintaining a tissue sample viable, such as saline (0.9% NaCl in water), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and any conventional cell culture medium, such as Dulbecco&#39;s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM)- or Roswell Park Memorial Institute Medium (RPMI)-based medium, supplemented with one or more of serums, buffers and antibiotics. Of course, the composition of the transport medium is selected according to the time during which the biopsy sample is expected to be in transport. The longer the transport duration, a medium more reach in nutrients and pH buffers should be selected. For example, for a transport duration of up to 1 hour, transport medium in the form of saline or PBS would suffice, while for a longer transport duration, transport media comprising a cell culture medium supplemented as indicated above would be recommended. 
     During transport, the biopsy carrier can be kept at any temperature suitable for maintaining the biopsy sample viable, for example, the biopsy carrier can be kept at room temperature during short-term transport (such as up to 16 hours), while for longer durations, it is recommended to keep the biopsy carrier at a low temperature, typically about 4° C., by external cooling. Since the device is aseptically closed it can be transported in any cooling environment without compromising its sterility. 
     The biopsy sample is generally a skin sample that is obtained in a minimally-invasive procedure; however, the biopsy carrier is also capable of handling and transferring other types of biopsy samples under sterile conditions that are obtained invasively or by minimally invasive techniques, such as biopsy samples from liver tissue, kidney tissue, spleen tissue, cornea tissue, bone tissue, tumor tissue and extracts or tissue from the gastrointestinal tract. The biopsy carrier is also capable of handling and transferring other types of human and animal tissue, including connective tissue and small organs present in the body insofar as they have sufficient cohesiveness not to disintegrate in the transport medium. 
     Broadly speaking, a biopsy sample may be aseptically transported from a sterile environment at the location of the biopsy procedure to laboratory-type equipment using the biopsy carrier of present invention according to the method set forth in  FIG. 1A . Firstly, the biopsy carrier is prefilled with liquid transport medium in step  174 , while the inlet and outlet tubes connected to the biopsy carrier are securely closed, such as by closing means to prevent leakage of the prefilled transport medium. Then, the biopsy sample is received in the aseptically closed cavity of the biopsy carrier at a sterile environment in step  176 . After the biopsy carrier is transported to laboratory-type equipment in step  178 , the outlet tube is connected to a suitable interface of the laboratory-type equipment in step  180 . Optionally (as indicated by the dashed line in  FIG. 1A ) the inlet tube is connected to a source of a flushing liquid in step  182 . Following release of the previously secured closing means on the outlet tube, thereby opening the outlet tube of the carrier and also of the inlet tube if connected to a source of liquid, in step  184 , the biopsy sample is caused to be discharged from the biopsy carrier via the outlet tube and the interface of the laboratory-type equipment in step  186 , by vacuum suction facilitated by the laboratory-type equipment or if the inlet tube is connected to a liquid source-introducing flushing liquid via the inlet tube into the cavity. 
     As the biopsy sample is never exposed to unsterile surroundings while being transported and transferred to the laboratory-type equipment, the risk of contamination to the biopsy sample is precluded. 
     In an optional step  177  (as indicated by a dashed line in  FIG. 1A ), the biopsy sample is pre-processed in preparation of the subsequent processing operation. Although step  177  is listed as being performed prior to step  178 , it will be appreciated that step  177  can also be performed prior to other steps as well. 
     It should be noted that the transport medium can also be extracted from the biopsy carrier and further analyzed for its content, for example, in order to comply with regulatory and quality control procedures of a Regulation Authority to analyze the bioburden of the medium (e.g. the sterility of the medium and the presence of mycoplasma). 
     The term “aseptically transporting” as used herein refers to transporting a biopsy sample, while maintaining said sample under sterile conditions. 
     The term “closing means” as used herein refers to any means for preventing leakage of the liquids therethrough, such as a clamp and/or a sterile connector, e.g. the genderless CPC AseptiQuik® connector. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a biopsy a biopsy carrier for transporting a biopsy sample as schematically illustrated in  FIG. 1B . The biopsy carrier  400  comprises an aseptically closed structure  401  having a cavity  402  prefilled with transport medium. Biopsy carrier also comprises a selectively sealable and unsealable outlet tube  403  attached to a port  404  in said structure, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity. 
     When biopsy carrier  400  is arrived at the laboratory, it can be sterilely connected to a laboratory-type device, via outlet tube  403  and an interface of the laboratory device. Then, after unsealing the outlet tube, discharge of the biopsy sample is caused be suction facilitated by the laboratory equipment. 
     Alternatively, the biopsy carrier may also comprise a selectively sealable and unsealable inlet tube attached to a port in the structure of the carrier, the port being in fluid communication with the cavity, such that upon connecting the inlet tube to a source of liquid and unsealing of said inlet tube, discharge of the biopsy sample via the outlet tube connected to an interface of the laboratory-type equipment is caused by introducing a flushing fluid through the inlet tube. 
     According to one embodiment, the biopsy carrier further comprises immobilizing means for protecting the biopsy sample from damage or disfigurement 
       FIGS. 2A-G  schematically illustrate various biopsy carriers, each of which being configured with different integrated pre-processing elements in order to perform a corresponding pre-processing operation for preparing the biopsy sample to be further processed by the laboratory-type equipment. It is envisioned that any one of these biopsy carriers may be configured with more than one of the illustrated pre-processing elements. Each of these biopsy carriers may be configured with an anti-rotation lock, or other means for reducing the risk of unintentionally opening the lid. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 A of  FIG. 2A  is configured with a set of blades  191  for pre-processing the biopsy sample by comminution. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 B of  FIG. 2B  is configured with one or more nozzles  192  for washing or disinfecting the biopsy sample, after the inlet port, which is resealable, is connected to a source of washing or disinfecting liquid; alternatively, a reagent or a buffer (such as a wash solution, labeling molecules, antibodies and enzymes) is introducible to the cavity via the nozzle. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 C of  FIG. 2C  is configured with an additional port  193 , which is resealable, through which a reagent or buffer as described above is introduced or from which sampling media for analysis is extractable. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 D of  FIG. 2D  is configured with a micro-needle  194  or an array of micro-needles for conditioning the surface of the biopsy sample. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 E of  FIG. 2E  is configured with a sensor  195 , such as a sensor for measuring pH, dissolved oxygen (dO), biochemistry compounds or temperature inside the biopsy carrier. The term “biochemical compounds” refers to compound present in the transport medium during transport that are components in the composition of fresh transport medium, compounds secreted by cells or tissues transported by the biopsy carrier of the invention and metabolites and derivatives thereof. Non-limiting examples of such biochemical compound are carbohydrates (e.g., glucose and lactate), amino acids, pyruvates, bicarbonates, proteins (such as cytokines and enzymes) and reactive oxygen species. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 F of  FIG. 2F  is configured with a bacteria test strip  196  to rapidly determine whether the biopsy sample has a condition that requires special treatment, such as the presence of methicillin-resistant  Staphylococcus aureus  (MRSA), which is resistant to commonly used antibiotics and therefore requires a specific reagent for its elimination. 
     Biopsy carrier  190 G of  FIG. 25G  having a transparent part, such as transparent window  197 , that allows visual contact with the biopsy sample residing inside the carrier, would enable imaging and/or measuring of the biopsy sample, for example to assess its size or to determine whether it has undergone coloration, by an imager/camera  198  or by other types of monitoring means. It should be noted that measuring the area of the immobilized skin biopsy while inside the carrier, is an important parameter for calculating the amount of reagents, such as enzymes, necessary for processing of the sample within the carrier itself and/or after transferring the biopsy sample to the laboratory-type processing equipment. 
     The sterile biopsy carrier of the present invention may further comprise immobilizing means to fix the biopsy sample in place during transport or otherwise prevent damage or disfigurement to the biopsy sample. The immobilizing means generally comprise a component that is set in pressing contact with both the biopsy sample and another component usually located at the opposite side of the biopsy sample. 
     The structure of the biopsy carrier is described with respect to its orientation when capable of receiving and transporting a biopsy sample, for example when a housing member cover is located above the housing member; however, the biopsy carrier may be repositioned to any other orientation without detracting from its functionality as it is configured to ensure that the biopsy sample will remain submerged within the transport medium regardless of the orientation of the biopsy carrier, assuming sufficient media is present. 
     Reference will now be made to several detailed embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable, similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate an embodiment of a biopsy carrier  210  wherein the biopsy sample is introduced into a tube  211  prefilled with transport medium. Dip tube  212  is positioned within tube  211 , such that the bottom end of dip tube  212  is slightly vertically spaced from the bottom of tube  211 , so as to be in liquid communication with the interior of centrifuge tube  211 . Dip tube  212  facilitates suction-assisted flushing of the biopsy from the biopsy container into a laboratory-type equipment. 
     Tube  211  may be any commercially available sterile tube, for example, a sterile conical centrifuge tube. In a specific example, tube  211  is a 50 ml centrifuge tube. As would be appreciated, a conical bottom to tube  211  contributes to the sucking effect of the biopsy sample through dip tube  212 . 
     After placing the biopsy sample in tube  211 , tube  211  is covered by lid  213 , for example by a barbed connection, from which upwardly protrude relatively narrow inlet tube  214 , e.g. having a 3.2-mm inner diameter, and a relatively wide exit tube  215 , e.g. having a 9.6-mm inner diameter. The upper end of dip tube  212  is positioned at an intermediate region within the interior of exit tube  215 , and a sterile connector  217   b  is in communication with the terminal end of exit tube  215 . Sterile connector  217   a  is in communication with the terminal end of inlet tube  214 . Both connectors are able to be removably and separately fixated on stand  216 . 
     When connectors  217   a - b  are in a released condition and a flushing solution is introduced via connector  217   a  or a vacuum suction is applied via connector  217   b,  the biopsy sample is caused to be discharged via exit tube  215  and connector  217   b  to facilitate sterile transfer of the biopsy sample from the carrier to the laboratory-type equipment. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an embodiment of a biopsy carrier  220 , which is similar to biopsy carrier  210  of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , but is configured without a stand. The biopsy sample and transport medium are received in process container  223 . Relatively narrow inlet tube  225  terminating with sterile connector  229   a  protrudes from the bottom of process container  223 , and relatively wide exit tube  226  terminating with sterile connector  229   b  protrudes from the side at the bottom of process container  223 . Process container  223  is covered by lid  224  having an anti-rotation lock  227 , and is fitted within transport container  221  such that anti-rotation lock  227  and lid  224  protrude upwardly from transport container  221 . Transport container  221  may have a basic three dimensional rectangular shape, optionally with niches  228  for enabling better grip of the container by a user. 
     When connectors  229   a - b  are in a released condition and a flushing solution is introduced via connector  229   a  or a vacuum is applied via connector  229   b,  the biopsy sample is caused to be discharged via exit tube  226  and connector  229   b  to facilitate sterile transfer of the biopsy sample from the carrier to the laboratory-type equipment. 
     It should be noted that in order to prevent discharge of the liquid transport medium from the process container  223  during transport, clamps  222   a  and  222   b  may be provided on the tubes  225  and  226 , respectively. 
     Reference is now made to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , which comprises pre-processing elements. Biopsy carrier  100  in the shape of a box has a central section  101 , a thermoplastic elastomer section  102 , which is a part of central section  101 , the purpose of which will be explained below, a top cover  103  and a bottom cover  104 . Cover  103  or portions thereof may optionally be made transparent to allow viewing the biopsy sample, once housed in the device. 
     The operation of the device and of its various parts will be easily understood by looking at  FIG. 8 , which shows the interior of the device. The underside of top cover  103  is provided with a plurality of pressure elements in the shape of protrusions or knobs  201 , which are designed to come into contact with a plurality of blades  202 , associated with central section  101  and located above thermoplastic elastomer section  102 . Of course, alternative shapes can be provided for the pressure elements, as long as they fulfill their role of causing the blades to cut the biopsy sample when they apply pressure onto its surface. The biopsy sample is placed on blades  202 , which is arranged, according to one embodiment, in a regular grid, and then lid  105  located on the top cover  103  is closed. Once closed, lid  105  is airtight, thus ensuring that the biopsy sample is kept under sterile conditions. Before closing lid  105 , the chamber which is located in the interior of the thermoplastic elastomer section  102  and top cover  103  is filled with a transport medium for the purpose of maintaining the biopsy sample in viable conditions during transport. The top cover is provided with guides  203  and  203 ′, which are slidable into guide rails  204  and  204 ′, which are part of central section  101 . When pressure is applied on top cover  103 , guides  203  and  203 ′ slide into guide rails  204  and  204 ′, thus allowing pressure elements  201  to apply a pressure on the surface of the biopsy sample, thus causing it to be cut into smaller pieces by blades  202  and administered into the medium-filled chamber below. Thermoplastic elastomer band  102  is designed to absorb the displacement of the liquid resulting from the downwards movement of cover  103 . 
     Two sterile fluid connectors,  205  and  205 ′ (e.g., CPC AseptiQuik®) are provided for the purpose of aseptically transferring the comminuted biopsy sample from the device, once it reaches the laboratory-type equipment or once it is set in liquid communication with the laboratory-type equipment, and is connected, via said fluid connectors, to the inlet of the next processing apparatus. As would be appreciated by a skilled artisan, when fluid connectors  205  and  205 ′ are closed, the chamber inside the carrier and the biopsy sample remain sterile. Bottom cover  104  is only removed when it is desired to discharge the comminuted biopsy sample through said fluid connectors  205  and  205 ′. It should also be noted that in order to prevent discharge of the liquid transport medium from the chamber during transport, a check valve or a clamp may be provided on the tubing that lies between the chamber and the fluid connectors  205  and  205 ′. 
       FIG. 9  shows the device of  FIG. 7  in a cross-sectional lateral view taken along the B-B plane, with fluid connector  205 ′ partially seen. 
       FIGS. 10-28 and 30-32  illustrate another embodiment of a biopsy carrier which is configured to prevent spillage of the liquid transport medium when its lid is opened, for example when the biopsy sample is introduced into the carrier interior. 
     Reference is first made to  FIGS. 10A-C , which schematically illustrate inventive aspects of a biopsy carrier  10  in three different stages of operation, respectively. 
     In  FIG. 10A , biopsy carrier  10  provided with a housing  5  and a movable sample support  7  received within the housing is positioned in a horizontal orientation, such that inlet  2  and outlet  4  in liquid communication with housing  5  are laterally spaced from one another. Liquid transport medium  1  is introduced into the housing interior  8  to a level that is above inlet  2  and outlet  4  while providing a void region  9  of air above the transport medium, and support  7  is biased to its normal height which is above the upper surface of transport medium  1  and above inlet  2  and outlet  4 . Inlet  2  and outlet  4  are occluded with closures to prevent outward discharge of liquid transport medium  1  therefrom. A biopsy sample  3  is placed on top of support  7 . Two spaced venting membranes  11  and  12 , which are generally gas permeable and liquid impermeable, cover corresponding small vent openings formed in upper regions  16  and  17 , respectively, of housing  5  and in fluid communication with the housing exterior, so as to prevent cross-contamination of biopsy sample  3 . At least one of the venting membranes is located above biopsy sample  3 . 
     In  FIG. 10B , cover  15  of biopsy carrier  10  is positioned in pressing contact with both biopsy sample  3  and support  7  and in sealing contact with upper regions  16  and  17  of housing  5 , thus preventing ingress of contaminating air to biopsy sample  3 . Due to the pressing contact of cover  15 , support  7  is forced downwardly and liquid transport medium  1  is displaced upwardly, causing air  19  to be expelled through venting membranes  11  and  12  and reducing the size of void region  9 . It should be noted that venting membranes  11  and  12  are filtered such that the sterile conditions inside the carrier are not compromised by these membranes. Once cover  15  is removed, support  7  is urged to gradually return to its original position at a height above inlet  2  and outlet  4 . 
     Either support  7  or cover  15  is configured with pre-processing means adapted to pre-process biopsy sample  3 , such as by comminution. The pre-processing means are configured to be operational so as to pre-process biopsy sample  3  upon setting cover  15  in pressing contact with both biopsy sample  3  and support  7 . 
     Following pre-processing of biopsy sample  3 , biopsy carrier  10  can be repositioned to a vertical orientation as shown in  FIG. 10C , such that inlet  2  is located above outlet  4 . After the closures of inlet  2  and outlet  4  are removed, a flushing medium is injected into inlet  2  to force the pre-processed biopsy sample together with the transport medium to be downwardly discharged through outlet  4 , so as to be received by the laboratory-type equipment. Even though cover  15  is no longer in pressing contact with support  7 , the cover remains in sealing contact with upper housing regions  16  and  17 , and therefore liquid is discharged only downwardly through outlet  4 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a biopsy carrier  40  provided with at least the same inventive aspects shown in  FIGS. 10A-C . 
     As shown, biopsy carrier  40 , which is made of biocompatible materials, comprises a housing member  41 , a cover  45  attached to housing member  41 , a first relatively small-sized closure  32  releasably attachable to cover  45  for facilitating introduction of the biopsy sample when released, and a second relatively large-sized closure  53  releasably attachable to housing member  41  at a portion thereof that is opposed to first closure  32 . First closure  32  may in turn comprise a plurality of elements—for example a threaded ring  34  engageable with a protruding lip of cover  45 , a planar window  38  for viewing the biopsy sample, and a holder  37  for window  38 . Optionally, when ring  34  is rotated for opening (or closing) closure  32 , holder  37  and window  38  are fixed in place. It should be noted, however, that when lifting closure  32  during opening, all of ring  34 , holder  37  and window  38  are lifted as a single unit. Venting opening  301  associated with venting membrane  54  ( FIG. 14 ) is also visible. 
     Optionally, the entire cover  45  may be transparent. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , housing member  41  has a curvilinear peripheral wall  43 , although any other shaped peripheral wall is also within the scope of the invention, and a planar support surface  44  substantially perpendicular to peripheral wall  43 . Support surface  44  is adapted for connection with cover  45  by a plurality of apertures  46 , and may be chamfered to provide a smooth transition to the outer surface of peripheral wall  43 . 
     Housing member  41  is configured with a main cavity  48  recessed from support surface  44  for the insertion therein of a displaceable sample support assembly. A secondary cavity  52  to accommodate a force applier of the sample support assembly may be recessed from a central region of an undersurface  49  of main cavity  48 . Spring chambers  69 , the purpose of which will be explained below, projecting from undersurface  49  are also visible. 
     The thickness of peripheral wall  43  at region A of housing member  41  is significantly larger than the thickness of peripheral wall  43  at region B of housing member  41 . Region B surrounds main cavity  48  by an angular distance of approximately 200 degrees, while region A surrounds main cavity  48  by the remaining angular distance. 
     To facilitate gas exchange with respect to main cavity  48 , a vent opening  51  is formed in region B of peripheral wall  43  and extends to an inner surface  42  of the housing member that delimits main cavity  48 , such that vent opening  51  is in fluid communication with both main cavity  48  and the ambient air outwardly from peripheral wall  43 . Cross-contamination through vent opening  51  is prevented by means of a gas permeable and liquid impermeable venting membrane  58  ( FIG. 14 ). Vent opening  51  may have two differently sized bores to accommodate venting membrane  58 , the latter being sealingly engaged at the interface between the two differently sized bores, such that the larger sized bore is in communication with the ambient air and the smaller sized bore is in communication with main cavity  48 . 
     Housing member  41  may have an additional inner surface  36  that extends substantially perpendicularly from support surface  44  and that is shorter than, and disposed outwardly with respect to inner surface  42 . An additional support surface  33  for supporting a complementary element of cover  45  is defined by additional inner surface  36 . 
     An additional fluid passage opening, such as an outlet port  116  in communication with main cavity  48  may be formed in thickened peripheral wall region A of housing member  41 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , an inlet port  61  may be in fluid communication with the smaller sized bore  59  of the vent opening, in order to bypass venting membrane  58  fitted in the interface between larger sized bore  55  and smaller sized bore  59  of the vent opening, which is shown to be oblique with respect to the surface of outer peripheral wall  43  through which it is bored. 
     Second closure  53  is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Second closure  53  has a planar bottom surface  62  and a peripheral wall  64  substantially perpendicular to planar surface  62  that is alignable with the peripheral wall of the housing member throughout its periphery. Second closure  53  is used to cover the operational parts located at the bottom of the carrier, such as the piston and the tubing connected to the inlet and outlet of the main cavity  48  ( FIG. 15 ), thus providing a physical barrier for protecting the valuable operation parts from a mechanical damage on route. As would be appreciated, in order to connect the biopsy carrier to the laboratory-type processing equipment via the inlet and outlet tubes, second closure  53  should first be removed in order to expose said inlet and outlet tubes. Furthermore, in order to pre-process the biopsy sample by way of cutting, both second closure  53  and then cap  35  should be removed in order to gain access to the force applier  94 , as will be explained in further details below. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a cross sectional view of biopsy carrier  40  when first closure  32  and second closure  53  are attached by a maximum extent to housing member  41 . That is, first closure  32  is rotatably and threadedly engageable with annular protruding lip  47  of cover  45 , and a plurality of fasteners  68  are used to secure second closure  53  to housing member  41 , for example passing through mounting holes  63  and  66  (visible in  FIG. 13 ) formed in second closure  53  and introducible into corresponding mating elements provided with housing member  41  (mating element  66 ′ in housing member  41  for mounting hole  66  is visible in  FIG. 27 ). 
     When first closure  32  is attached to housing member  41  as shown, and sealing ring  900  is fixated around tubular force applier  94  by seal fixation  901 , the main cavity is aseptically closed, such that the cavity is able to undergo gas exchange with the ambient air only via venting membranes: venting membrane  58  provided at unthickened peripheral wall region B, as described above, and via venting membrane  54  sealingly engaged at an interface between two differently sized bores formed in cover  45  at a region adjacent to protruding lip  47  and positioned obliquely with respect to the upper planar surface  50  of cover  45  so as to be in fluid communication with the main cavity. A similar venting membrane  902  is located in cap  35 . A cover seal  111  attached to surface  36  of housing member  41  for providing sealing engagement with cover  45  and a lip seal  113  attached to lip  47  of cover  45  for providing sealing engagement with a peripheral portion of sample contactor  39  assist in aseptically closing the main cavity  48 . Similarly, a cap seal  903  attached to cap  35  also contributes to the main cavity  48  being aseptically closed. 
     An outlet port  116 , to which outlet tube  136  is connected, is in fluid communication with the main cavity, and may be configured with two differently sized bores and formed in thickened peripheral wall region A of housing member  41 . Outlet port  116  may be obliquely positioned with respect to inner surface  42  of housing member  41  close to its junction with support surface  33  ( FIG. 12 ), and extend to one of the multi-level lower surfaces  70  formed in thickened peripheral wall region A. 
     With reference also to  FIG. 15 , displaceable sample support assembly  65  is shown to be received within the main cavity  48  of housing member  41 . Assembly  65  is able to be received within the main cavity only after cover  45  is removed since the lateral dimension of assembly  65 , generally its diameter, is greater than the inner diameter of lip  47 . 
     Sample support assembly  65  comprises a circular blade support  71 , a stripper plate  72 , a force transmitting unit  93  and a blade frame  88 . Circular blade support  71  having a planar surface which is recessed, as shown in  FIG. 16 , comprises a plurality of first elongated and mutually parallel blade-receiving slots  73  and a plurality of second elongated and mutually parallel blade-receiving slots  74  that are substantially perpendicular to the first blade-receiving slots  73 . Each of the first  73  and second  74  blade-receiving slots extend between two peripheral regions of circular blade support  71 . Blade support  71  is also recessed with a plurality of spaced apertures  76  arranged in a rectangular formation, e.g. square. Each aperture  76  is delimited by one or more first  73  and second  74  blade-receiving slots and accommodates an elongated blade guard  82  protruding from stripper plate  72 , the purpose of which will be explained below. A plurality of circumferentially spaced legs  79 , e.g. eight, extends from the underside of blade support  71 . 
     A first blade  86  is received in each first slot  73 , and a second blade  87  is received in each second slot  74 , such as by means of a thickened portion of the blade. In order to ensure perpendicularity of first blades  86  and second blades  87 , each first blade  86  may be higher than each second blade  87 , although shorter than each blade guard  82 . Thus each first blade  86  may be slotted, to allow a second blade  87  to be received in aligned blade slots. Other arrangements of interconnected blades are also within the scope of the invention. 
     Stripper plate  72 , shown in  FIG. 17 , comprises a planar plate  905  in abutting relation with, and of a larger diameter than, blade support  71 . A plurality of legs  77 , e.g. four, extend from the underside of planar plate  905  and are received in corresponding spring chambers  69 , within each of which a spring  67  surrounding a leg  77  and adapted to slow the rate of displacement of stripper plate  72  is inserted. A plurality of spaced blade guards  82  of equal length, protruding from planar plate  905 , defines a platform on top of which a biopsy sample is placeable. Each aperture  56  bore in stripper plate  72  accommodates blade support leg  79 . Planar plate  905  may be circular or may have an asymmetric shape, such that a tip  906  may is in contact with the inner surface of thickened peripheral wall region A, allowing better accommodation of the stripper plate  72  within the main cavity  48 . Stripper plate  72  also comprises a central leg  300  (visible in  FIGS. 15 and 21 ), which protrudes from the undersurface of the central region of the planar plate  905  and is received in hollow cavity  92  of the force transmitting unit  93 , where it surrounded by center spring  78 . 
     A blade frame  88  is placed in juxtaposition with a corresponding portion of blade support  71  that is positioned radially outwardly from the rectangular apertures formation. As shown in  FIG. 18 , blade frame  88  has a straight edge  84  formed with a plurality of spaced grooves  89 , e.g. V-shaped grooves, each of which adapted to receive the end of a corresponding blade, and a peripheral curved portion  85 , generally of the same curvature as the peripheral portion of blade support  71  and aligned therewith. 
     Four blade frames  88  may be employed, one in juxtaposition with a corresponding radially outwardly positioned portion of blade support  71 . Alternatively, a single blade frame having four interconnected sections may be employed, each being identical to blade frame  88 . 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a force transmitting unit  93 . Force transmitting unit  93  comprises contact plate  91  substantially parallel to the stripper plate and the blade support, and hollow tubular force applier  94 , which extends perpendicularly from a central region of the underside of contact plate  91  and is generally of a significantly smaller diameter than that of contact plate  91 . The longitudinal axis of the hollow cavity  92  formed within tubular force applier  94  preferably coincides with the center of contact plate  91 , allowing the force transmitted by force applier  94  and dampened by center spring  78  received in cavity  92 , and generally protruding therefrom until contacting stripper plate  72 , to be balanced. The outer edge  96  of contact plate  91  may be formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced semicircular notches  97 , to accommodate the extension therethrough of corresponding stripper plate legs  77 . Since spring  78 , which surrounds central leg  300  of the stripper plate  72 , is compressed during application of compression force to the force transmitting unit  93 , spring  78  is elongated back to its resting position after removing the compressing force, thereby causing the force transmitting unit  93  and consequently the blade support  71  to be displaced back into their rested positions. 
     Each blade frame  88  is fixated to blade support  71 , for example by means of an elongated fastener passing through an aperture  83  formed in blade frame  88 , a through-hole  75  bored in a corresponding blade support leg  79  and aligned with aperture  83 , and a hole  99  aligned with through-hole  75  and which is formed in a region of contact plate  91  that is located between the projection of the outer surface of force applier  94  and outer edge  96  of contact plate  91 . The fastener may be secured by well-known means such as threading formed within hole  99 . 
     In the position shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , force applier  94  is received in, and contacted by, hollow cap  35 . Hollow cap  35  has a cylinder shape, the bottom of which is a threaded ring engageable with outer wall  57  of secondary cavity  52 , thus securing hollow cap  35  in place. Hollow cap  35  may also comprise a groove to accommodate cap seal  903 . When cap  35  is secured within cavity  52 , force applier  94  is prevented from unintentionally applying force to spring  78  and cause accidental cutting of the biopsy sample by blades  86  and/or  87 . 
     When first closure  32  is fully engaged with annular protruding lip  47  of cover  45 , transparent sample contactor  39 , which is located below window  38  and may be made of silicone, is in abutting relation with the biopsy sample from the top, while the plurality of blade guards  82  are pressing against the biopsy sample from the bottom, thus immobilizing the biopsy sample during transport. Furthermore, sample contactor  39  acts as a counterpressure during the cutting of the biopsy, such that stripper plate  72  is not displaced by the force applied during the cutting procedure. In addition, blades  86  and/or  87  will pierce through the silicone, allowing a better and complete cutting of the biopsy sample. As would be appreciated, the sample contactor  39  is an integral part of first closure  32 , such that removing first closure  32  from the biopsy carrier, sample contactor  39  would also be removed, and the blade array would then be accessible from the top. Sample contactor  39  may be porous or microporous to ensure wetting from the top side of the biopsy sample as well. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , main cavity  48  of housing member  41 , in which displaceable sample support assembly  65  is received, is accordingly defined and sealed from above by sample contactor  39  and cover  45 , from the sides by peripheral wall regions A and B, and from the bottom by housing member undersurface  49  and sealing ring  900 . 
     Accordingly, when main cavity  48  is completely filled with liquid transport medium  1  from housing member undersurface  49  to the level of sample contactor  39  as shown in  FIG. 20 , all of the blade guards  82  are completely covered by the liquid transport medium. Also, the liquid transport medium flows through opening  51  to venting membrane  58 , through inlet port  61  to inlet tube  134 , and through outlet port  116  to outlet tube  136 . It should be noted that tubes  134  and  136  are closed with a clamp and/or sterile connector to prevent leakage of the transport medium. When main cavity  48  is completely filled with liquid transport medium  1 , air is expelled through venting membranes  54  and  58  ( FIG. 14 ). 
       FIG. 21  shows a cross-sectional view of biopsy carrier  40  without secondary closure  53 , thus revealing inlet tube  134  and outlet tube  134 .  FIG. 21  clarifies that all parts of the sample support assembly  65 , including the force applier  94  and cap  35  which extend below housing member  41 , are actually associated with housing member  41  and are not connected to second closure  53 . Inlet tube  134  is connected to main cavity  48  through inlet port  61 , while outlet tube  136  is connected to main cavity  48  through outlet port  116 . Furthermore, in order to prevent leakage of the transport medium from tubes  134  and  136 , each of them is secured closed by clamps  800  and  801 , respectively. The distal end of inlet tube  134  is attached to sterile connector  141  for facilitating a sterile connection to a source of a flushing liquid. The distal end of outlet tube  136  is similarly attached to sterile connector  143  in order to facilitate a sterile connection to an interface of the laboratory-type equipment. 
     It should be noted that any commercially available sterile connectors can be used to facilitate connection between the inlet and outlet tubes of the biopsy carrier with their respective connection target. Optionally, tube-welding is also encompassed by the present invention to facilitate a sterile connection between the tubes of the biopsy carrier and their respective connection target. 
     When the first closure  32  is removed, as shown in  FIG. 22 , a compressive force applied by the first closure  32  to sample support assembly  65  is removed, allowing the spring force of springs  67  ( FIG. 14 ) to be released. Springs  67  consequently become extended and apply an upward force F to stripper plate  72 . Consequently, stripper plate  72  and blade guards  82  are upwardly and slowly displaced by such a slow rate that ensures that the liquid transport medium will not be spilled from the main cavity. As would be appreciate the rate of upwardly displacing sample support assembly  65  is dependent on the rotation rate of threaded ring  34  when detaching first closure  32 . 
     After sample support assembly  65  has been successfully raised such that blade frame  88  is in contact with the bottom surface of protruding lip  47 , biopsy sample  3  is placed on top of blade guards  82 , as shown in  FIG. 23 . First closure  32  is then lowered on top of protruding lip  47  of cover  45  until positioned in threaded engagement therewith, as shown in  FIG. 24 . After threaded ring  34  of first closure  32  is rotated to a maximum extent, as shown in  FIG. 25 , sample contactor  39  is urged to be in pressing contact with biopsy sample  3  while stripper plate  72  and legs  77  force springs  67  to be compressed, thus maintaining biopsy sample  3  submerged in the transport medium even if biopsy carrier  40  is reoriented, for example when the biopsy carrier  40  is set to a vertical orientation or when inverted. 
     The procedure illustrated in  FIGS. 26-28  is carried out in order to pre-process the biopsy sample by comminution. 
     Firstly, when biopsy carrier  40  is inverted, for example, whereby force applier  94  is located below second closure  53 , as shown in  FIG. 26 , the second closure  53  is detached from housing member  41 , such as by removal of fasteners, and then cap  35  is rotated to be detached from secondary cavity wall  57 , thereby gaining access to force applier  94 . 
     An applied manual or automatic force M is then transmitted through the uncovered force applier  94 , causing contact plate  91  to push blade support  71  by means of legs  79  away from stripper plate  72  (which remains static due to the counter-pressure on blade guards  82  caused by sample contactor  39  when first closure  32  is fully engaged with cover  45 ) in the direction of force M, as shown in  FIG. 27 . During transmission of force M, spring  78 , which surrounds central leg  300  of the stripper plate  72 , is compressed. Accordingly, when the transmission of force M is ceased, spring  78  is elongated back to its resting position, thereby causing the force transmitting unit  93  and consequently the blade support  71  to be displaced back into their rested positions (as are shown in  FIG. 26 ). 
     When blade support  71  is displaced to a maximum extent, as shown in  FIG. 28 , a grid  98  of blades  86  and/or  87  surpasses the blade guards  82 , which remain static together with stripper plate  72 , in height. Grid  98  of blades thus cuts through biopsy sample  3  and becomes embedded in sample contactor  39 . 
     It should be noted that automatically applying force M may be carried out by wirelessly activating a piston mechanism located between cap  35  and force applier  94 .  FIG. 29  schematically illustrates a biopsy carrier  700  comprising a force transmitting unit  701  (similar to force transmitting unit  93  of carrier  40 ), wherein force M is applied by a wirelessly operated piston mechanism  703  located between the bottom of the carrier and force applier  702 . 
     Following pre-processing of the biopsy sample, the biopsy carrier may be advantageously used for aseptically discharging the pre-processed pieces to laboratory-type equipment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 30-32 , biopsy carrier  40  is set to a vertical orientation whereby unthickened peripheral wall region B is located above thickened peripheral wall region A. As mentioned above, second closure  53  is removed to reveal the inlet tube  134  and outlet tube  136 . Since both inlet tube  134  and outlet tube  136  are in fluid communication with the main cavity, a flushing solution introduced through inlet tube  134  will flow into the main cavity and cause pre-processed biopsy pieces, to be flushed through outlet tube  136  and to laboratory-type equipment, whereby the pre-processed biopsy pieces will be further processed. After the main cavity is flushed, it may be rinsed with a rinsing solution, such as culture medium or PBS to ensure that all pieces of the biopsy were flushed out of the carrier. 
     The laboratory-type equipment to which the pre-processed biopsy pieces are transported may be any type of a tissue processor device, for example, a device for isolation of single cells from tissue samples. The tissue processor device may be automated. 
     Inlet tube  134  and outlet tube  136  may be connected with sterile connectors  141  and  143 , respectively, such as the genderless CPC AseptiQuik® connector to facilitate a connection with an interface of the laboratory-type equipment. 
     It should be noted that although the embodiments of the biopsy carrier shown in  FIGS. 3-32  present both inlet and outlet tubes, the present invention also relates to a biopsy carrier having only an outlet tube (or a plurality of outlet tubes) that is suitable to be connected to a laboratory-type device having a vacuum suction operation in order to cause the biopsy sample to be aseptically discharged from the biopsy carrier. Of course, a suction-facilitated discharge of the biopsy sample may also take place from a biopsy carrier comprising both inlet and outlet tube, whether the inlet tube is connected to a source of flushing liquid or not. 
     The materials comprising biopsy carrier  40  can be selected according to their biocompatibility, sterilisability and application purpose. For example, housing and structure materials may be made of polycarbonate (PC) or a blend of PC and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), components that come in contact with the biopsy sample may be made of biocompatible materials such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the blades and springs of the carrier can be made of stainless steel, while silicone can be used for the seals. Venting membranes can be standard 0.2 μm filtered polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP) membranes. 
     The present invention also provides a method for preparing a biopsy sample for subsequent processing operation using the biopsy carrier of the invention, the method comprising:
         placing the biopsy sample in the cavity of the biopsy carrier;   immobilizing the biopsy sample by engaging the closure of the biopsy carrier with the structure of the biopsy carrier, thereby:
           a. setting the one or more contact elements of the closure in pressing contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blades, thereby causing comminution of the biopsy; or   b. setting the one or more contact elements of the closure in pressing contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blade guards; wherein when the one or more contact elements is set in pressing contact with the biopsy sample as well as with the plurality of blade guards, the method further comprises applying force to the force applier, thereby causing the plurality of blades to cut the biopsy sample into pieces;   
           connecting the outlet tube of the biopsy carrier to an interface of the laboratory-type equipment and releasing the releasing the closing means from the outlet tube, thereby opening the tube of the biopsy carrier; and   causing the biopsy sample through the outlet tube of the biopsy carrier into the laboratory-type equipment.       

     According to one embodiment, causing discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube is carried out by vacuum suction facilitated by the laboratory device. Alternatively, the method further comprises connecting the inlet tube of the biopsy carrier to a source of flushing liquid and releasing the closing means therefore to open the inlet tube, such that causing discharge of the biopsy sample through the outlet tube into the laboratory-type equipment is carried out by introducing flushing liquid via the inlet tube into the cavity. 
     It should be noted that the biopsy carrier of the invention is also suitable for transporting a tissue sample, such as a tissue graft, from the laboratory-type equipment to the location where the tissue is to be grafted onto the patient. 
     All the above description of an embodiment of the invention has been provided for the purpose of illustration, it being understood that the invention is not limited in any way to the specific illustrative embodiment. Many different arrangements of blades and cutting implements can be provided, different flow channels and ways to discharge the comminuted skin can be devised, and many different shapes, sizes and arrangements of the device can be provided by skilled persons, without exceeding the scope of the invention.