Patent ID: 8030063

Claim:
A system for vitrifying a biological specimen, said system comprising: an apparatus comprising: a cap member including a stem portion integrally formed with a receiving portion, said receiving portion having a disc-like shape and including an outer surface, said outer surface including a first skirt member comprised of a heat-sealable material, said first skirt member being attached along a circumferential portion of said outer surface; a tubular plunger having an open first end portion and a closed second end portion; and a specimen chamber for receiving said plunger, said specimen chamber having an open first end portion, a closed second end portion, and a cavity extending between said first and second end portions, said cavity being defined by oppositely disposed inner and outer surfaces, said specimen chamber further including a second skirt member comprised of heat-sealable material, said second skirt member being attached along a circumferential portion of said outer surface; and an applicator for inserting and withdrawing said plunger from said specimen chamber, said applicator comprising a mating portion, a handle portion, and a main body portion extending between said mating portion and said handle portion.