A system for preparing a sample for study in a charged-particle microscope by: Providing a substantially planar sample holder having opposed faces substantially parallel to one another, comprising at least one aperture that connects said faces and across which a membrane has been mounted, which membrane comprises at least one perforation; Spanning a film of aqueous liquid across said perforation, which liquid comprises at least one study specimen suspended therein; Prior to said spanning step, placing a blotting sheet of blotting material in intimate contact with a first surface of said membrane, at a side distal from said sample holder; Depositing said aqueous liquid through said aperture and onto a second surface of said membrane, opposite said first surface; and Subsequently removing said blotting sheet from said membrane.