System and method for preserving surgically explanted tissue samples

Abstract

A system for preserving surgically explanted tissue samples has a first packaging station for placing the tissue samples in containers selected from a plurality of containers of different sizes. Each container has an airtight cover (50) having an opening (33) equipped with a non-return valve (51). The system also has a final packaging station equipped with a filling system for filling the selected container with a preservative substance, the filling system comprising a nozzle holding head (28) movably mounted on a vertical guide (29). A method is also described, which is arranged to select a container based on an estimate of the volume of the tissue sample, to hermetically close the container immediately after the addition of the tissue sample, and to fill the container with the help of a nozzle (31) of the filling system inserted in the non-return valve (51) of the airtight cover (50).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for preserving surgically explanted tissue samples.

[0002] The system provides a disposable container suitable for containing a tissue sample in a preservative substance and a machine for a medical professional to introduce the preservative substance into the container itself under safe conditions.

[0003] The preservative substance may be a fixative-preservative solution; and other most commonly used solutions, among which there are solutions that must be used and transported by law to avoid the risk of exposing medical professionals because they contain substances known to be toxic by contact and inhalation. Alternatively, the preservative substance may also be an inert gas such as nitrogen or a mixture of inert gases. Background Art

[0004] Specimens of human or animal tissues or organs or parts of tissues or organs that have been surgically explanted and are to be subjected to diagnostic histopathological examination (either histological and cytomorphological, immunohistochemical or molecular) must be immersed in a suitable fixative-preservative agent in order to inhibit the degradation process and to preserve the architectural and macromolecular structure of the tissue intact.

[0005] In medical institutions and university clinics, disposable containers of various shapes and capacities are used for this purpose, having a variable volume from 120 ml to 6,500 ml and hermetically sealed with a pressure cap or a screw cap, in which a fixative-preservative agent is present or added, which usually but not exclusively contains formaldehyde in a concentration of 2-8% w / v in a buffer.

[0006] The toxicity of formaldehyde has been known for a long time. Formaldehyde is a volatile substance. The updated EU Regulation (EURegulation) 605 / 2014 (which incorporates EU Regulation 1272 / 2008) reclassified formaldehyde as "Carc.1B" (presumed or proven carcinogen) and "Muta 2" (substance suspected of causing genetic changes). However, to date, solutions containing formaldehyde are still considered the best for tissue fixation and preservation in diagnostic histopathology.

[0007] Therefore, the medical professional must use the above-mentioned preservative-fixative agents in accordance with the requirements of "Good Laboratory Practice", working with extreme caution and taking all available protective procedures, both for his / her own safety and that of others and to comply with current regulations.

[0008] US2012 / 294782 A1 discloses a method and system for automatically dosing a fixative in a flexible plastic bag containing an explant. According to the method described in the aforementioned document, the flexible bag is placed in a dosing device, wherein the required volume or weight of the fixative is calculated based on the mass of the explant or based on the volume of the flexible bag containing the explant. In particular, the flexible bag containing the explant is placed on a scale of the dosing system and, after the fixative has been introduced and the air has been removed from the inside, the flexible bag is heat-sealed.

[0009] WO2015 / 092772A1 describes a machine for heat-sealing liquid containers after filling / filling. The machine comprises a support structure on which a bell-shaped element is mounted in a higher position than a support device for at least one container to be filled and sealed. The bell-shaped element comprises a measuring device, a die-cutting device and a sealing device for die-cutting and sealing a film sliding between the bell-shaped element and the container to be filled.

[0010] The support means for the container comprises a drawer element including opposed recesses adapted to support the container.

[0011] The machine comprises lifting means for vertically lifting the drawer element and for moving the container from the filling and sealing position to a lower position to allow the sliding of the membrane.

[0012] The measuring device comprises an injection nozzle controlled by a metering pump and coupled to a supply tube which in turn is coupled to a liquid tank.

[0013] US2009191533 A1 describes a process for preserving tissue, which comprises transferring the tissue into a container and evacuating the container.

[0014] The vacuum device used to preserve tissue after surgery includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump, an electrical control unit, electric valves for air and gas control, and a heat sealer.

[0015] WO2017 / 114598A1 relates to a machine and method for packaging, preserving and transporting surgical specimens. The specimen is placed in a container in the machine to be filled with formalin and then sealed by heat sealing of a pre-treated aluminum tray. After the automated operation is completed, the operator closes the container with a hard cover so that the container is safely transported to a pathological anatomy laboratory.

[0016] US10109376 B2 describes a measuring device for tracking tissue, which comprises a processing area for receiving tissue, a detection unit configured to detect a unique code identifying the tissue, a measuring unit configured to automatically measure quantitative properties of the tissue, and a processing and storage unit for automatically associating the quantitative properties with the tissue code and for automatically storing the properties and the code so as to find the properties according to the code.

[0017] The above-described systems and methods of the prior art do not address or overcome the problems associated with properly selecting a container for a tissue sample, transferring a fresh or soaked in a preservative substance into an unsealed container, the optimal amount of preservative substance to use, and inserting the optimal amount of preservative substance into a container for a tissue sample.

[0018] Indeed, during the transfer of the not yet sealed container from the operating room to the packaging site or the laboratory, accidental opening may occur with spillage in the surrounding environment and damage to the sample.

[0019] If the preservative substance is a fixative-preservative solution, the amount of fixative-preservative solution may be insufficient to adequately fix the tissue in the event that an undersized container is selected. The operator will therefore be forced to pour the tissue sample to be analyzed into a new container with an amount of fixative-preservative solution suitable for achieving complete fixation of the tissue to be analyzed; in addition to disrupting the workflow, this drawback will inevitably lead to delays in completing the analysis of the tissue sample and may also contribute to degradation processes of the sample. Summary of the invention

[0020] The object of the present invention is to provide an in vitro diagnostic system having as application the storage and transfer of tissues or parts of human or animal organs to be subjected to histopathological examinations of histo- and cytomorphological types, immunohistochemical types and molecular types.

[0021] In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a packaging machine for introducing preservative substances, in particular fixative-preservative solutions, into disposable containers in a manner that is completely safe for the health worker and for the tissue sample obtained.

[0022] Another object is to provide a disposable container which allows, in a first packaging step, to accommodate the explanted sample directly in the operating room without the risk of it falling, and in a second packaging step, to fill the disposable container with a preservative substance which, even as a gaseous substance, is unlikely to be dispersed in the environment.

[0023] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method characterized by being simple to use and being able to avoid the risk of exposure both by contact and by inhalation when the preservative is a fixative-preservative solution which usually contains formaldehyde and / or other toxic or hazardous substances.

[0024] These and other objects are achieved in a first aspect of the invention by a system for preserving surgically explanted tissue samples and in a second aspect of the invention by a related method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of an embodiment of a system for preserving surgical explanted tissue samples, which is illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a first packaging station for packaging tissue samples;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a tissue container packaging machine in a final tissue sample packaging station, the structure of the machine being shown in a transparent manner;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic side view of a packaging machine in FIG.

[0029] Figure 4 is a schematic central vertical cross-section of a partial view of a tissue container with the cover removed;

[0030] Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a partial schematic side view of a packaging machine and a tissue container in successive operating steps.

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic side view with partial cutaway of details of the machine and the container.

[0032] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged front view of the packaging machine; and

[0033] Fig. 9 is a front view of a detail according to an alternative embodiment of the machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Initial reference Figure 1 , Figure 1is a schematic front view of a station for the first packaging of tissue samples. The first packaging station is located in the operating room. The first packaging station includes an electronic control computer 1, a volume sensor 2 for measuring the volume of the tissue T or another organ to be surgically explanted, an electronic device 3 in which software for the selected container is installed, a first printer 4, a first barcode reader 5, etc. The last of these components of the first packaging station is positioned on a workbench 6, and the volume sensor 2 is shown as being fixed to a wall 7. However, even if not shown, the volume sensor 2 can also be portable or desktop. The tissue T whose volume is to be estimated is supported on a base 9 by a support 8. As an alternative to the electronic control computer 1 and to the electronic device 3 in which software for the selected container is installed, a laptop computer would also be sufficient for the management of the first barcode reader 5 and for both data processing and label generation, or for the first labeling. In addition, a balance or other weighing device can also be used instead of a volume sensor; a table for comparing the specific gravity of tissues present in the software allows the volume of the explanted tissue to be estimated.

[0035] A cabinet 10 is provided near the workbench 6, the cabinet having shelves on which containers C1, C2, C3 and C4 of various sizes are placed. The containers C1, C2, C3 and C4 are provided with their own barcode or a first barcode.

[0036] Reference now Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 2 is a schematic perspective view and side view of a first embodiment of a packaging machine for packaging tissue containers. The packaging machine (generally designated 20) is positioned in a final tissue sample packaging station generally a short distance from the first packaging station. Figure 2 ), the following components are positioned on the first shelf 25 starting from the top: an electronic control panel 22 or touch screen, a second printer 23 and an inlet dust filter 24.

[0037] The second shelf 26 is formed with a notch 27, which is shaped to fit into a tissue container (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The filling system (assuming first that the filling system is a filling system with a fixative-preservative solution) comprises a nozzle holding head 28 movably mounted on a vertical guide 29 by means of a belt 30. The nozzle holding head 28 preferably has two nozzles 31, 32, which are positioned so that the nozzle holding head 28 moves along the y axis ( Figure 3) is lowered to reach the opening 33 of the container C1, C3. For the sake of simplicity, the device for lowering and raising the nozzle holding head 28 is not shown in more detail. In the same second shelf 26 of the structure 21, a pump 34 for dosing a conventional fixative-preservative solution is also shown, the pump forming part of the filling system. Preferably, the pump is provided for dosing each tank with an unconventional fixative for special purposes not shown in the figure. On the third shelf 35 starting from the top, a vacuum pump 36, at least one canister 37 containing a conventional fixative-preservative solution, and a level sensor 38 for the fixative-preservative solution for each canister 37 are arranged. On the same third shelf 35, a filter 39 specifically for reducing formaldehyde is also provided, the filter preferably but not exclusively using graphene or activated carbon and a suction cup 40. In the fourth shelf 41, the lowest part of the structure 21, the air extraction fan is provided with a biohazard absolute filter 42, and on a guide 43, a drawer 44 has an external connection to a disposable box 45 with a drip-proof quick connector. The disposable box 45 is used to contain fixative-preservative solutions that are not in regular use, that is to say for special purposes.

[0038] By means of a fan with an absolute biohazard inlet filter 42 for air intake, the air is filtered through the inlet dust filter 24 and conveyed out through the filter 39. In addition, the filter 39 ensures the total absorption of any toxic-harmful vapors of the fixative-preservative solution in the event of an accident in the packaging machine, in which an alarm system is also provided in case of formaldehyde escape. The air leaving the packaging machine through a pipe (not shown in the figure) can be conveyed to the gas exhaust system from the operating department.

[0039] Reference now Figure 4 , Figure 4 : is a schematic central vertical section of a tissue container C1 with its lid removed, showing a partial view. The lid is indicated as 50. The container C1 is a conventional truncated cone-shaped container made of plastic; however, the container may also be of a different shape, such as cylindrical or prismatic. The lid 50 snaps onto the top of the container. However, the lid does not need to be described in detail except that it preferably, but not exclusively, has an opening in the center that is closed by a non-return valve 51. The non-return valve 51 is located at Figure 7 It is more obvious in Figure 7 is a schematic side view, partly cut away, of a detail of the machine and the container, which will be shown in more detail below.

[0040] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 is a partial schematic side view of a packaging machine and a tissue container C1 , two consecutive operating steps being shown. Figure 5The nozzle holding head 28 is shown in its uppermost position, above the container C1 located in the recess 27 in the base 53 of the second shelf 26. The container C1 is closed with a lid 50, the upper opening of which is provided with a non-return valve 51 and is arranged coaxially along the axis y at the nozzle 31. Figure 6 The nozzle holding head 28 is shown having been lowered along the vertical guide 29 by means of a motor 54 with displacement means (not described in detail). In this position, the nozzle 31 is sealed in the non-return valve 51 to allow dispensing of the fixing-preserving solution.

[0041] Reference now Figure 7 , Figure 7 is a schematic, partially cut-away side view of a detail of the machine and the coaxially arranged container. As shown, the nozzle 31 is inserted with its free end 55 in the non-return valve 51 .

[0042] As can be seen in the schematic representation, the check valve 51 has a lower part 56 located below the cover 50 and an upper part 57 connected to the lower part 56 and located above the cover 50. Both the lower part 56 and the upper part 57 have coaxial holes, respectively designated 58 and 59. In addition, the lower part 56 has a side opening, which is designated 60.

[0043] The nozzle 31 is inserted with its end 55 through the hole 59. The end 55 has a distal portion with a lateral opening, conveniently indicated by 61, and a proximal passage indicated by 62. After insertion, the lateral opening 61 is delimited below by a bonnet 63 loaded by means of a helical spring 66 which, at its other end, abuts against the bottom of the lower part 56 of the non-return valve 51. In fact, the free end 55 of the nozzle 31 presses on the bonnet 63 which, in normal conditions, closes the non-return valve 51 and which, when at rest, positions itself in a notch 64 of the upper part 57 of the non-return valve 51 to allow the non-return valve to operate.

[0044] When the free end 55 has moved the valve cap 63 downward, a fixative-preservative solution can be fed, thereby escaping from the nozzle 31 following arrow F through the hole 58 and opening 60 of the lower part 56 of the check valve 51. In this way, the fixative-preservative solution is introduced into the container C1. The fixative-preservative solution containing formaldehyde is shown as advancing along the nozzle 31 following arrow F, while air is freely escaping at the proximal part of the free end 55 following arrow A through the hole 59 of the upper part 57 of the check valve 51. Figure 2 Both nozzle 31 and nozzle 32 in the embodiment can be used to fill a container, such as Figure 7 as shown in .

[0045] The air leaving the check valve 51 may contain formaldehyde vapor. Figure 8 ( Figure 8As shown in FIG. 1 , which is a partially enlarged front view of the packaging machine, it is possible to generate a low pressure in the container C3 before filling with the fixing-preserving solution by partially sucking the air contained in the container through a nozzle 32 connected to a suction pump (not shown).

[0046] Reference now Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 is a front view of a detail of another embodiment of the machine according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. 9 The nozzle holding head 28 is shown holding a nozzle 310. Different from what has been described for the nozzle holding head 28, the nozzle 310 is connected to a V-joint 300 by means of a hose 311. The V-joint 300 serves as a connection to a feed pipe / hose 312 for supplying a fixative-preservative solution and to an air pipe 313 connected to a pump that acts as a compressor to supply air and to drop the nozzle into a container C1 or C3 or other container before extracting the nozzle from the cap 50.

[0048] Alternatively, you can also use Fig. 9 The embodiment shown in , is used for preserving tissue samples under controlled temperature conditions using an inert gas (such as, for example, nitrogen) or a mixture of inert gases. Since the process requires evacuating air from the container C1 or C3 before subsequently adding the inert gas to the container, the nozzle 310 connected to the V-joint 300 by means of a hose 311 first performs suction of air from the container through a tube 313 connected to a pump operating as a suction pump, and then supplies the inert gas to the container C1 or C3 through a feed pipe / hose 312. The inert gas can be generated by any known type of device, which replaces the provision of a box and all parts of the device described above that are not necessary for the use of inert gas. As an example, a filter will not be necessary, and when no preservatives that are harmful and dangerous to the operator are used, a filter is not required.

[0049] A method for preserving a tissue sample according to the present invention in an embodiment using a fixative-preservation solution will now be described.

[0050] Operators working in the operating room fixing tissue samples use volume sensors 2 ( Figure 1) to measure the volume of the tissue or organ or organ part to be surgically explanted. The control electronic computer 1 automatically specifies the volume of the container C1, C2, C3 or C4 to be used for storing the tissue and for delivering the appropriate amount of fixative-preservative solution required for proper fixation. The containers C1, C2, C3 and C4 are provided with their own barcode or a first barcode. Good results in histological preparation depend on fixation, because fixation allows the structure and morphology of the tissue to be maintained unchanged. The operator then takes the designated container from the cabinet 10 and positions the first barcode reader 5 on the barcode or the first barcode of the container to verify the correct identification; next, he / she enters the patient's data and all necessary information in accordance with the current guidelines and procedures implemented in the clinical center. Using a drop-down menu, the operator selects the department of origin and the organ or organ part to be processed. The electronic device 3 on which the software is installed helps the operator to select the relevant items, including the use of conventional fixative-preservative solutions, or the use of fixative-preservative solutions for special purposes, and whether to apply a low pressure (so-called partial vacuum) in the container.

[0051] After the surgically explanted tissue sample has been added to a suitable container, such container is closed with a cap 50, which may have a safety seal attached thereto.

[0052] The first printer 4 automatically generates a barcode label or a second barcode label, which identifies all the patient data and the items selected for the proper packaging of the surgically explanted tissue sample. The label is attached to the selected container. Alternatively, in order not to burden the label with too much information, the data file including the patient data and the items selected for proper packaging can also be transmitted to the final packaging machine via a local area network.

[0053] The steps performed by the operator in the operating room are carried out in a sterile environment that excludes bacterial contamination of the air inside the container.

[0054] Disposable containers for tissue samples are of two types, one for the addition of fixative-preservative solutions and the other for the creation of a depression inside the container. Obviously, the second type of container has a better resistance to collapse caused by the creation of a partial vacuum inside the container. A depression obtained by extracting an amount of air equivalent to 30% to 40% of the volume of the disposable container is sufficient.

[0055] The method according to the invention continues by transferring the container to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The final packaging machine shown in ; this machine is typically, but not exclusively, arranged in the "dirty area" of the surgical department.

[0056] The operator who performs the final packaging uses the second barcode reader 15 to read the identification barcode or the second barcode on the container with all the patient data, including the item selected for this packaging type of the tissue sample for surgical explantation. The operator opens the machine door (not shown) and inserts the container in the second shelf 26 at the notch 27 in the base 53. Then, the machine door is closed and the final packaging machine is ready to perform the required item. If the selected item includes the addition of a fixative-preservative solution, the machine door closes the final packaging machine airtight to avoid the diffusion of formaldehyde vapor in the environment.

[0057] In this case, the encapsulation machine automatically doses the correct amount of conventional fixative-preservative solution required for the proper fixation of the tissue specimen, said amount being obtained in accordance with the procedure implemented in the individual center. In practice, the amount of fixative-preservative solution may vary from center to center. Since there are two tanks for conventional fixative-preservative solution, the solution can be supplied from the connected second tank after the first tank has been emptied.

[0058] If the selected item includes the addition of a fixative-preservative solution for a special purpose, the machine automatically checks the presence of a disposable box 45 of fixative for a special purpose in the side pull drawer. In the absence of a suitable box, this is signaled on the electronic control panel and the operator will simply replace the previous fixative box with another suitable fixative box by unfastening the drip-proof quick connector and inserting it in another, then identifying the box by reading the bar code or the first bar code on the box itself. Subsequently, the operator opens the side pull drawer that can slide on the guide 43 and actuates the valve placed on the drip-proof quick connector of the disposable box 45 to dose the fixative-preservative solution required for the proper fixation of the surgical explanted tissue sample. Instead of the disposable box 45 for a special purpose, a box with a normal fixative-preservative suitable for the tissue sample to be treated can be placed.

[0059] At the end of the selected packaging project, the machine door opens so that the container can be removed. The second printer 23 processes a second label or a second identification label with a barcode or a second barcode with all the patient data, automatically inserting the packaging date and time. The second label is attached to the container; the laboratory uses this final indication to calculate the correct fixation time of the tissue sample or organ or part of the tissue sample or organ to be examined in order to make a correct diagnosis.

[0060] The subsequent transfer of the disposable container with the tissue sample from the final packaging machine to the laboratory can be carried out without any risk of exposure of the operator and without biological or chemical contamination of the environment, thanks to the sealing of the non-return valve 51 and to the safety seal on the airtight cover 50. Once in the laboratory, the disposable container with the tissue sample can be opened and manipulated safely by the operator under the hood.

[0061] If the chosen project is one that utilizes fixative-preservative solutions, tissue excision will be performed for subsequent analysis; finally, the tissue sample will be restored to its container, which will be closed with an airtight lid and stored in accordance with the requirements of current regulations.

[0062] If the chosen project is one that does not utilize a fixative-preservative solution, the tissue is excised for fresh analysis; after this, the tissue sample will be returned to the container and filled with a fixative-preservative solution for proper fixation; at the end of fixation, the tissue to be analyzed will be excised again; after this operation, the tissue sample is placed in a container closed with an airtight cover and stored in accordance with the requirements of applicable regulations.

[0063] Instead of fixation, the tissue sample can also be preserved under controlled temperature conditions using an inert gas (such as, for example, nitrogen) or a mixture of inert gases. Since this procedure requires, as previously described, to evacuate air from the container C1 or C3 before subsequently adding the inert gas into the container, the nozzle 310 first implements the aspiration of air from the container through a tube 313 connected to a suction pump, and then supplies the inert gas to the container C1 or C3 through a feed tube / hose 312.

Claims

1. A system for preserving a tissue sample explanted during surgery, comprising: Multiple containers of different sizes; A first packaging station, the first packaging station is used to place the tissue sample in a container selected from the plurality of containers of different sizes, the first packaging station comprising Control electronic processor (1), a volume sensor (2) for measuring the volume of surgically explanted tissue (T) or another organ, a first printer (4) configured to automatically generate a first barcode label identifying all patient data and items selected for proper packaging of the surgically explanted tissue sample, a first barcode reader (5) configured to verify the correct identification of the barcode label on the container, a cabinet (10), the plurality of containers of different sizes having airtight covers (50) being located on a shelf of the cabinet (10); as well as The final packaging station includes: a filling system for filling said selected container with a fixing-preserving substance, The filling system comprises a nozzle holding head (28) movably mounted on a vertical guide (29), The nozzle holding head (28) has at least one nozzle (31) for filling the selected container, a second printer (23) configured to process a second label or a second identification label with a barcode carrying all the patient data, thereby automatically inserting the packaging date and time, wherein the label is intended to be attached to the selected container, It is characterized in that The airtight cover (50) of the selected container is provided with an opening (33) equipped with a non-return valve (51), and The at least one nozzle (31) is configured to be inserted into a check valve (51), The control electronic processor is configured to specify the volume of the container to be used to store the tissue and is configured to deliver an appropriate amount of fixative-preservative substance required for proper fixation, The first packaging station further includes an electronic device in which software for selecting a container from a plurality of containers based on a volume of the explanted tissue sample is installed.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The check valve (51) comprises: a lower portion (56) located below the cover (50) and housing the coil spring (66) and the valve cap (63), the lower portion (56) having a hole (58) on the bottom and a side opening (60), and An upper part (57) connected to the lower part (56) and situated above the cover (50), the upper part (57) being provided with a hole (59) concentric with the hole (58) of the lower part (56) in a recess (64) intended to be closed by a bonnet (63).

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the nozzle (31) has an end (55) intended to be inserted into a hole (59) in the upper part (57) of the non-return valve (51) against a valve cap (63) controlled by a coil spring (66), and the end (55) has a distal part with a lateral opening (61) and a proximal channel (62) for the antiseptic substance to leave when the nozzle (31) is inserted into the non-return valve (51).

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The volume of the explanted tissue sample is provided to the software by a volume sensor (2).

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first packaging station includes a scale for the explanted tissue samples and a comparative weight and volume table for each type of explanted tissue in the software for selecting a container based on the volume of the explanted tissue sample.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing-preserving substance is a fixing-preserving solution.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The fixative-preservative solution is based on formaldehyde.

8. A method for preserving a sample of surgical explanted tissue, comprising the following steps: A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is provided, Choose from a variety of containers of different sizes to fit your tissue sample. Measuring the volume of surgically explanted tissue or another organ by means of a volume sensor, Calculate the amount of preservative material needed to preserve the tissue sample based on its volume. generating a first barcode label identifying all patient data and items selected for proper packaging of the surgically explanted tissue sample, Using the first barcode label, the container is labeled for the first time to facilitate container identification. Add tissue sample to selected container, Verifying the correct identification of the barcode label on the container by means of a first barcode reader, Transfer the selected container to the final packaging station, filling the selected container with a calculated amount of the fixing-preservative substance by inserting the nozzle in the non-return valve, and A second barcode label is generated by a second printer, and the second barcode label automatically adds the packaging date and time, Label the containers a second time to calculate the correct time to store tissue samples for diagnostic testing. in The selection of the container is made based on an estimate of the volume of the tissue sample; The volume of a container for storing tissue samples is automatically designated by a control electronic computer (1), wherein the container is provided with its own bar code or a first bar code; Immediately after the tissue sample is added to the selected container, the selected container is hermetically sealed, the selected container being equipped with the airtight cover (50) having the check valve (51); and Filling of the container with the fixing-preserving substance is carried out by means of the nozzle (31) of the filling system inserted into the non-return valve (51) of the airtight cover (50) of the selected container.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The fixing-preserving substance is a fixing-preserving solution.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The fixative-preservative solution is based on formaldehyde.

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