A cassette for holding a tissue sample includes a body having a bottom
wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly with respect to the
bottom wall to define an interior space for receiving the tissue sample.
A lid is configured to be received in the interior space, and the
cassette is sectionable in a microtome. Sensing elements are associated
with the body or lid and configured to allow an automated sensing system
to determine at least one characteristic of the cassette. A flange
extends along upper portions of at least two of the side walls and
includes a plurality of holes. Other features are included to more
effectively and efficiently manufacture and use the cassette.