Microscope Slide Container

Abstract

The invention provides a container for the storage and transport of microscope slides. In particular, the container comprises one or more receiving means for receiving a plurality of microscope slides such that both surfaces of each slide are exposed to air and at least one side of the container is fully open. The container may also comprise a closing means capable of preventing microscope slides contained inside the container from sliding out of the container. The design of the container allows for air exchange between the outside and inside of the container to facilitate the drying of slides contained within the container. Methods of transporting and drying microscope slides are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 962,602 filed Jul. 31, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates to a container for transporting and storing microscope slides. In particular, the container is designed such that air passes into the container from the external environment and circulates freely within the container. Such a design allows for microscope slides to be dried while transported in the container.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Microscope slides are typically rectangular, thin pieces of glass on which biological specimens, such as tissue, cells, and fluids are adhered or smeared. Because microscope slides are relatively fragile, devices that securely hold the slides and protect the specimens that may be deposited on them during transport and storage are required.[0004]Diagnosis of many hematologic diseases relies on the ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]One object of the present invention is to provide a container for storing and transporting a plurality of microscope slides, in which sufficient air circulation is present to facilitate the drying of slides placed inside the container. Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises one or more receiving means, wherein each receiving means is structured to receive a microscope slide with both sides of the slide exposed to air, and wherein at least one side of the container is fully open. Such a container is simple and allows for slides to be easily inserted and removed without disrupting samples deposited on the slides. In some embodiments, the microscope slides are hematological slides.

[0008]In another embodiment of the invention, the container having a third side fully open may comprise a closing means capable of partially closing the third side of the container when it is in a closed position and preventing microscope slides contained inside the container from sliding out of the container. The closing means can be fixed to the third side of the container or be removable from the container.

[0009]In another embodiment, the container may have a fourth side that is partially open. The fourth side may comprise one or more slits or openings that enhance air flow into the container. The fourth side may comprise a mesh structure that partially covers the open side. The mesh structure keeps the slides from sliding out of the container as well as enhancing air exchange between the inside and outside of the container.

Problems solved by technology

Because microscope slides are relatively fragile, devices that securely hold the slides and protect the specimens that may be deposited on them during transport and storage are required.

A common problem in the storage and transport of slides containing biological specimens, particularly hematological samples, is that the slides are placed in containers before they have completely dried, which results in the degeneration and destruction of the cellular material in the sample before the slides have been stained or processed.

Such samples are of limited or no value for use in the diagnosis of diseases or disorders.

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