Automated system and method for processing specimens to extract samples for both liquid-based and slide-based testing

Abstract

Apparatus and method for processing specimens, e.g., biological specimens, to extract samples for both liquid (i.e., extracellular) and slide-based (i.e., intracellular) testing. Both types of samples can be obtained from a single fluid specimen. A fluid sampling station removes fluid from a specimen container and places it in a sample receptacle. A specimen acquisition station removes fluid from the container, separates particulate matter (e.g., cells) from the removed fluid, and forms a sample layer of particulate matter, which is transferred to a slide. The two sampling operations can be carried out in any order. The fluid sample receptacle may have a special one-way valve arrangement. The apparatus can be automated so as to process multiple fluid specimens in their respective containers. The machine according to this invention is a "platform instrument" that can produce all required liquid samples and slide-based samples for essentially all cytopathology tests.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of commonly owned U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 330,092, filed Oct. 19, 2001, No. 60 / 372,080, filed Apr. 15, 2002, and No. 60 / 373,658, filed Apr. 19, 2002, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also is related to the commonly owned non-provisional application filed concurrently herewith, entitled "Automated System and Method for Processing Multiple Liquid-Based Specimens" and naming Norman J. Pressman and William J. Mayer as inventors, which is also incorporated herein by reference.[0002] The invention relates to processing fluid specimens, e.g., biological fluid specimens, to extract samples for testing.[0003] In the medical community it is commonly hypothesized and accepted that patient outcomes are improved by early disease detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring and intervention. Scientific advances in cell biology, cytogenetics, and molecular pathology are leading to new screening and diagno...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a receptacle for collecting a fluid sample, e.g., for use at the fluid sampling station. The receptacle has a hollow body for receiving and holding fluid. A one-way valve is carried by the body and has a fluid flow passage between the exterior and the interior

Problems solved by technology

No single instrument exists that can produce samples from clinica

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