| abstract |
A sample holder comprises: an exterior container 500, 510; and a plurality of interior tubes, wherein the plurality of interior tubes includes: a shorter tube 504 with a closed bottom and a top opening (Figure 11, 508) for receiving a biological sample support device (BSSD) and at least one taller tube 502, said taller tube having a bottom opening and an aperture (506, fig 11) located above a top opening (508, fig 11) in the shorter tube. The exterior container has a bottom portion with openings therein to permit the passage of cryogenic fluid, through the bottom of the at least one taller tube, and through the aperture in the at least one taller tube and into the top opening in the shorter tube. The sample holder may be used to retain specimens, such as embryos or unfertilized eggs. A soft, cushioning material, such as cotton, may be provided between the tubes and a wall of the bottom portion to ensure a snug fit. |