Loading the biological sample in the HPF pods.

Flip the platelet upside down and clip it to the tip of the rod in the designated area. Then flip it back over and place the rod in the gutter, sliding it forward until the platelet aligns with the knob in the gutter.

Using a 0.5 to 2 microliter pipette, fill the platelet with a drop of BSA 20% cryoprotectant, which will form a dome on the surface.

Lay out a drop of MS medium on a glass microscopy slide and use a disposable razor blade to cut the root tip at approximately 1 mm from the tip.

Using a clean toothpick, pick up the cut root tip from the MS medium and carefully place it on top of the BSA bubble in the platelet.

Push the rod forward to engage the platelet in the pod, then use a torque screwdriver to tighten the sapphire until two clicks are heard.

Screw the pod holder onto the top of the pod to complete the assembly.

All work should be performed under a binocular for precision. Keep in mind that samples are living, so minimize the time between sampling and HPF to preserve near-native cellular structure.