Bulk fluid cleaning module

Abstract

A bulk fluid wash module for an automated processing apparatus that processes a tissue sample disposed on a slide includes a body, a cavity disposed in the body, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of bulk fluids dispensed from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid automation of the automated processing apparatus, whereby the plurality of probes are configured to dispense the bulk fluids to the slide and the cavity, and a purge port disposed in the body, the purge port in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to remove the bulk fluids from the cavity.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a bulk fluid washing module for an automated processing apparatus for processing a tissue sample disposed on a glass slide. The automated processing apparatus includes a bulk fluid robot including a plurality of probes configured to dispense a bulk fluid to the glass slide. In particular, and without exclusion, the bulk fluid washing module includes a cavity configured to contain the bulk fluid dispensed from the probes and a purge port configured to remove the bulk fluid from the cavity. BACKGROUND

[0002] Apparatuses for the automated processing of biological samples, such as anatomical pathology samples, are well known. The processing can include immunochemistry, in situ hybridization, special staining, and staining processes of typical kinds in cytology. Automation of some staining processes has increased the speed at which a pathology examination can be completed, resulting in earlier diagnosis, and in some cases, earlier intervention. Staining is typically performed on a sample placed on a microscope slide to highlight certain histological features of the biological sample, and incubation of the sample is typically performed with small quantities of reagents. In many cases, automated staining of a sample involves manipulation of a robotic arm to deliver aliquots of reagents to effect the staining.

[0003] In an example of an existing automated processing apparatus in use, a tissue sample is placed on a glass slide and moved to a glass slide processing module of the apparatus to be processed with reagents. The processing of the sample is automated here by one or more robots configured to dispense high value reagents to the sample on the glass slide in a predetermined order according to a staining protocol.

[0004] Additionally, the apparatus includes one or more robots configured to dispense bulk fluids, such as a de-waxing solution and alcohol, from the fluid dispensing end effectors of the robots to process the sample on the glass slide before and after staining. However, it can be necessary to purge these bulk fluids dispensed by the fluid dispensing end effectors of the robots from the fluid dispensing end effectors and / or from fluid lines between the fluid dispensing end effectors and fluid containers before other bulk fluids can be primed and dispensed from the fluid dispensing end effectors. This can result in delays, waste, inefficiency, and ineffective use of the automated processing apparatus. Bubbles can form after events such as opening or closing the apparatus while the fluid dispensing end effectors are primed with bulk fluids, and the bubbles can become trapped in the fluid dispensing end effectors. These bubbles can interfere with the effectiveness of the apparatus. Further, in the event that the bulk fluids are not immediately dispensed, dripping or leakage of the bulk fluids can occur from the fluid dispensing end effectors in the apparatus. SUMMARY

[0005] Accordingly, one aspect of the present application provides a bulk fluid wash module for an automated processing apparatus for processing a tissue sample disposed on a slide, the bulk fluid wash module comprising: a body, a cavity disposed in the body, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of bulk fluids dispensed from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid automation device of the automated processing apparatus, whereby the plurality of probes are configured to dispense the bulk fluids to the slide and the cavity; and a purge port disposed in the body, the purge port in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to remove the bulk fluids from the cavity.

[0006] Another aspect of the present application provides a method of removing bulk fluids from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid automation device for an automated processing apparatus for processing a tissue sample disposed on a slide, whereby the plurality of probes are configured to dispense the bulk fluids to the slide, the method comprising: positioning the probes in proximity to a cavity of a bulk fluid wash module of the automated processing apparatus; dispensing the bulk fluids from the probes into the cavity; and removing the bulk fluids from the cavity via a purge port in fluid communication with the cavity.

[0007] Preferably, the automated processing apparatus comprises one or more bulk fluid automation devices configured by a controller of the apparatus to dispense a plurality of smaller quantities of reagents (hereinafter referred to as bulk fluids) stored in reagent containers to the slide to process the tissue sample on the slide. For example, in some cases, a specified combination and order of high value reagents and smaller quantities of bulk fluids are dispensed to the slide in order to process the tissue sample on the slide. The bulk fluids include, but are not limited to: oxalic acid, sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, alcohol, de-waxing agent, hematoxylin, hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid), deionized water, and Bond TM wash to process the tissue sample disposed on the slide.

[0008] Thus, in one embodiment, the cavity is configured to contain at least a portion of the bulk fluids from the probes to remove the bulk fluids closest to the end of the probes to prevent the fluids from dripping from the probes.

[0009] In an embodiment, bulk fluid is supplied to the probe via multiple lines connected to multiple bulk fluid containers, and the cavity is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the bulk fluid in each of the lines and the probe. Thus, in one embodiment, the cavity is configured to accommodate the entire bulk fluid in each of the lines, allowing for the removal of all bulk fluid from the lines and the probe. That is, the cavity is sized to accommodate the entire bulk fluid in the lines and probe to reduce the risk of overflow from the bulk fluid cleaning module. Furthermore, once all fluid has been removed, all probes of the bulk fluid automation device can be simultaneously primed again. Thus, bulk fluid removal from the probe and lines may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including preventing foam from migrating within the fluid lines, thereby causing dripping or meniscus formation due to fluid properties, which may later be displaced by movement of the bulk fluid automation device.

[0010] Furthermore, as described above, air bubbles may form in the probe and tubing after events such as opening or closing the device or initializing the device while the probe is primed with bulk fluid. When the bulk fluid is removed from the probe in the manner described above, the air bubbles are also removed from the probe, and the turnaround time for another prime of the probe of the bulk fluid automation device can be reduced.

[0011] In an embodiment, the purge port includes a top purge port configured to receive a purge probe configured to apply a vacuum force to remove bulk fluid from the cavity, and the top purge port is beveled to guide the purge probe to be received in the purge port. Additionally, or in the alternative, the purge port includes a bottom purge port configured to output bulk fluid from the cavity. The bottom purge port is located at a lower point of the body such that bulk fluid flows toward the bottom purge port under the action of gravity and is located near the cavity such that less vacuum force is required to purge bulk fluid from the cavity via the top purge port.

[0012] In embodiments, the cavity includes a flow channel having a slope configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of bulk fluid dispensed from the probe to the purge port. The flow channel has a constant downward slope to provide a uniform flow of bulk fluid under the action of weight. In an example, bulk fluid dispensed from the probe flows to the bottom purge port mentioned above, and the top purge port is in fluid communication with a collection point adjacent to the bottom purge port, allowing the purge probe to remove bulk fluid from the cavity using vacuum forces. This uniform flow also reduces the risk of bulk fluid accumulation in the cavity. Preferably, the flow channel has a rounded bottom to prevent carryover in sharp corners, thereby preventing fluid from becoming trapped in sharp corners and meeting standard manufacturing methods.

[0013] In an embodiment, a first probe of the probes is configured to dispense a cleaning fluid, and the cleaning fluid flows through the flow channel of the cavity to remove bulk fluid dispensed from other probes of the probes from the cavity. For example, the cleaning fluid is alcohol.

[0014] In an embodiment, the body includes a top plane, the cavity is formed in the top plane, and the probe is configured to dispense bulk fluid into the cavity near the top plane of the cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity is configured to accommodate the probe below the top plane of the cavity. As described above, the cleaning fluid may be alcohol, and the cleaning fluid may be used to remove some of the bulk fluid that may adhere to the probe tip when the probe tip is accommodated below the top plane of the cavity.

[0015] In an embodiment, the cavity includes a plurality of probe ports configured to respectively accommodate each of the probes.

[0016] In an embodiment, the bulk fluid cleaning module further includes a liquid level sensor configured to sense the amount of bulk fluid dispensed into the cavity. Furthermore, the bulk fluid cleaning module further includes a pressure sensor configured to sense the pressure in the purge port. The liquid level sensor and the pressure sensor can be used to determine whether there is an obstruction in the cavity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a representation of a portion of an automated processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a bulk fluid cleaning module and a bulk fluid automation device;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a bulk fluid cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a bulk fluid cleaning module;

[0020] Figure 4 is a representation of a bulk fluid cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a bulk fluid cleaning module according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of removing bulk fluid from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid robot of an automated processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 11 shows an automated processing apparatus 10 for processing one or more tissue samples disposed on a slide according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a controller (not shown) configured to operate the apparatus 10 to automatically process the tissue samples on the slide. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments, the controller may be implemented remotely from the apparatus 10.

[0024] The apparatus 10 includes a plurality of slide processing modules (not shown) arranged to receive slides for processing samples on the slides. These samples are processed with a high-value solvent and a relatively small amount of bulk fluid in a specified combination and order as described above to process and, in one embodiment, stain the tissue samples on the slides. The apparatus 10 further includes a bulk fluid cleaning module 12 configured to remove bulk fluid used in the process from a plurality of probes of one or more bulk fluid robots (BFRs) 14 of the apparatus 10, which are configured by a controller to dispense bulk fluid to the slides in the slide processing modules.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the BFR 14 includes a plurality of probes having output nozzles to dispense bulk fluids to the slides and the bulk fluid washing module 12. That is, the BFR 14 is configured by the controller to dispense bulk fluids (e.g., bulk fluid reagents) such as oxalic acid, sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, alcohol, deparaffinizing agent, hematoxylin, hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, EDTA, deionized water, and Bond to the slides. TM A wash to treat a tissue sample disposed thereon.

[0026] The apparatus 10 further includes at least one pumping device (not shown) for pumping bulk fluid from the containers 16 of the apparatus 10 via a plurality of tubing lines (not shown) to the output nozzle of the BFR 14. This process of pumping the bulk fluid to be dispensed by the BFR 14 is controlled by the controller of the apparatus 10 and is referred to as priming the BFR 14. The BFR 14 is then configured by the controller to dispense the bulk fluid in a predetermined sequence of slides in the slide processing module to individually process the tissue samples disposed on the slides. A tubing line is associated with each of the bulk fluids and extends from each of the containers 16 via a corresponding pumping device to the output nozzle of the BFR 14.

[0027] Additionally, the apparatus 10 includes a fluid transfer probe (FTP) robot 17 that is configured by the controller to dispense multiple high-value reagents stored in high-value reagent containers 19 to slides in the slide processing module via FTP nozzles disposed on the FTP robot 17. Thus, in use, the BFR 14 and the FTP robot 19 are configured by the controller to dispense bulk fluids and high-value reagents in a predetermined order to process tissue samples on the slides and, in one example, to stain the tissue samples according to a predetermined staining protocol for in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) applications. Thus, in this manner, the BFR 17 and the FTP robot 17 are configured by the controller to dispense reagents for each of the slide processing modules to individually process (e.g., stain) the tissue samples on each of the slides disposed in the slide processing modules.

[0028] In embodiments, the FTP robot 17 is also configured by the controller to move the slides in the apparatus 10 between various modules of the apparatus 10 for individual processing of the tissue samples on each of the slides. The FTP robot includes a gripper 21, such as a suction device, to grip the slides and move the slides from an input module, where an operator of the apparatus 10 introduces slides having tissue samples thereon to the apparatus 10 for processing, to the slide processing modules so that the tissue samples on the slides can be subjected to processing or staining. To this end, the FTP robot 17 is configured by the controller to move along x, y, z, and theta (theta) axes. Also, the BFRs 14 are configured by the controller to move along x, y, and z axes so that they do not interfere with the movement of the slides by the FTP robot 17. After processing, the FTP robot 17 moves the slides to an output module to await removal of the slides from the apparatus 10.

[0029] During processing, bulk fluids are dispensed by the probes of the BFRs 14. However, it can be necessary to purge bulk fluids from the probes or from the fluid lines between the probes and the containers 16 of the BFRs 14 before other bulk fluids can be primed and dispensed from the probes. To this end, the bulk fluid purge module 12 is configured to remove bulk fluids from the probes.

[0030] Figures 2 to 5Embodiments of bulk fluid wash module 14 are shown, all of which include a body 18, a cavity 20 disposed in body 18, and a purge port 22 disposed in body 18. Cavity 22 is configured to contain bulk fluids dispensed from a probe of BFR 14 of apparatus 10. The probe of BFR 14 is configured by a controller to dispense bulk fluids to both a slide and to cavity 20. Purge port 22 is in fluid communication with cavity 20 and is configured to remove bulk fluids from cavity 20.

[0031] As described above, bulk fluids are supplied to the probe of BFR 14 via lines connected to bulk fluid container 16. The dimensions of cavity 20 shown in the figures are set to contain all of the bulk fluids in each of the lines as well as all of the bulk fluids in the probe of BFR 14 to reduce the risk of spillage of bulk fluid wash module 12. In use, the probe of BFR 14 is initially primed with bulk fluids via the action of a pumping device, and these bulk fluids are typically dispensed to a slide. However, in some cases, such as when apparatus 10 is turned on or off, it is necessary to remove bulk fluids from BFR 14 so that the probe of BFR 14 can be primed again at the same time. Also, after events such as turning on or off while the probe of BFR 14 is primed with bulk fluids, air bubbles can form in the probe and lines. Thus, removing bulk fluids from the probe using bulk fluid wash module 12 removes air bubbles from the probe.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 5 Alternative embodiments of cavity 20 of bulk fluid wash module 12 are shown. In Figure 2 , cavity 20 includes a slot 23 configured to contain a probe therein. In Figure 5 , cavity 20 does not have any guides or slots for containing a probe. As can be seen in these figures, body 18 includes a top plane, and cavity 20 is formed on the top plane. Thus, the probe of BFR 14 can be configured to dispense bulk fluids to cavity 20 near (above or below) the top plane of cavity 20. For example, in Figure 2 , the probe of BFR 14 is configured by a controller to be positioned below the top plane of cavity 20.

[0033] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of the cavity 20 of the bulk fluid rinsing module 12 is shown. The cross-sectional view shows the fluid communication between the cavity 20 and the purge port 22 for removing bulk fluid from the cavity 20. Specifically, the purge port 22 includes a top purge port 24 configured to receive a purge probe configured to apply a vacuum force to remove bulk fluid from the cavity 20. Also, the top purge port 24 is beveled to direct the purge probe to be received in the purge port 24. That is, the purge probe is configured by the controller of the apparatus 10 to be sealingly received in the beveled top purge port 24 to apply a vacuum force to remove bulk fluid from the cavity 20.

[0034] The purge port 22 further includes a bottom purge port 26 also configured to output bulk fluid from the cavity 20. The cavity 20 includes a flow channel 28 configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of bulk fluid from the probes to the bottom purge port 26. That is, the slope of the flow channel 28 is a constant downward slope to provide a uniform flow of bulk fluid toward the bottom purge port 26. The top purge port 24 is in fluid communication with a collection point 30 adjacent the bottom purge port 26 so that the top purge probe can utilize a vacuum force to purge bulk fluid from the cavity 20. Also, the bottom purge port 26 provides that the purge probe requires less vacuum force to purge bulk fluid from the cavity 20.

[0035] Additionally, in use, in the event that bulk fluid is not immediately dispensed from the probes to the slides, the probes of the BFR 14 can cause bulk fluid to drip from the probes. To prevent such dripping, some of the bulk fluid in the probes of the BFR 14 is dispensed by the controller into the cavity 20. Thus, the cavity 20 is sized to receive at least a portion of the bulk fluid closest to the end of the probes to prevent the fluid from dripping from the probes.

[0036] Figure 4 An embodiment of the bulk fluid rinsing module 12 in use is shown. Here, the probes 32 are configured to dispense bulk fluid in the form of alcohol, ER1, ER2, deionized water (DI water), and a dewaxing solution to the cavity 20, and the purge probes 34 are configured to remove the dispensed bulk fluid from the cavity 20 in the manner described above. Also, a first one of the probes 32 is configured to dispense alcohol, and the alcohol flows through the flow channel 28 of the cavity 20 in the direction of arrow A under the force of gravity to remove bulk fluid dispensed from the other probes 32 from the cavity 20. In embodiments in which the tips of the probes 32 are below the top plane of the cavity 20, the alcohol flows through the flow channel 28 and cleans the tips of the other probes 32.

[0037] The bulk fluid wash module 12 is configured to be easily removed from the apparatus 10, such as the cleaning module 12, and installed and reinstalled in the apparatus 10 by an operator. Also, the bulk fluid wash module 12 is made of a material that is compatible with the bulk fluid used by the apparatus 10, such as acetone or other material. Also, the bulk fluid wash module 12 is configured to be retrofitted to other apparatuses for processing tissue samples on slides and has a shape configured to avoid collision with the probes of the BFR 14 or FTP robot 17. Positioning pegs 36 are provided to assist the operator in positioning the bulk fluid wash module 12 in the correct position in the apparatus 10. When positioned in the correct position, fasteners are then inserted into the slots 38 to fasten the module 12 to the apparatus 10.

[0038] Reference will now be made to Figure 6 , Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method 100 of summarizing removal of bulk fluid from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid robot for an automated processing apparatus for processing tissue samples disposed on slides, whereby the plurality of probes are configured to dispense bulk fluid to the slides, includes the steps of dispensing 104 bulk fluid from the probes into a cavity and removing 106 the bulk fluid from the cavity via a purge port in fluid communication with the cavity.

[0039] Further aspects of the method 100 will be apparent from the above description of the apparatus 10. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the method can be implemented in program code. The program code can be supplied in a variety of ways, for example, on a tangible computer readable medium such as a disk or memory, or as a data file (for example, by transferring the file from a server).

[0040] In embodiments, the controller of the apparatus 10 implements the modules on the processor in conjunction with instructions stored in memory to control movement and reagent dispensing for each BFR 14 and FTP robot 17. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the memory can be resident in a computer housed in the apparatus 10, or can be hosted remotely from a computer in data communication with the controller.

[0041] It should be understood that various alternatives, additions and / or modifications can be made to the preceding parts described without departing from the scope of the present application and that the present application can be implemented in various ways as will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the above teachings.

[0042] The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present application. Such discussion is not an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were prior art to the application at the priority date of each claim of this application. CLAIM

[0043] Throughout the specification and claims, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

1. An automated processing apparatus for processing a tissue sample disposed on a glass slide, the automated processing apparatus comprising a bulk fluid robot and a bulk fluid cleaning module, the bulk fluid robot comprising a plurality of probes, the bulk fluid cleaning module comprising: main body; a cavity disposed in the body, the cavity configured to receive a plurality of bulk fluids dispensed from the plurality of probes of the bulk fluid automation device; a purge port disposed in the body, the purge port being in fluid communication with the cavity via a collection point and configured to remove the bulk fluid from the cavity, wherein the purge port comprises a top purge port in fluid communication with the collection point; and the top purge port is configured to receive a purge probe configured to apply a vacuum force to remove the bulk fluid from the collection point; wherein the top purge port is beveled to guide the purge probe to be received in the purge port, wherein the cavity includes a slot configured to receive a plurality of the probes therein and positioned below a top plane of the body; wherein the cavity includes a flow channel having a slope, the flow channel being configured to provide a substantially uniform flow of bulk fluid distributed from the plurality of probes to the collection point; wherein the plurality of probes are configured to dispense the bulk fluid into the cavity below a top plane of the cavity; and wherein a first one of the probes is configured to dispense alcohol, and the alcohol flows through the flow channel of the cavity to the collection point and cleans the tips of the other probes in the slot.

2. The automated processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The probe is configured to dispense the bulk fluid into the cavity near the top plane of the cavity.

3. The automated processing equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The cavity includes a plurality of probe ports configured to receive each of the probes. 4 . The automated processing equipment of claim 1 , further comprising a level sensor configured to sense an amount of bulk fluid dispensed in the cavity. 5 . The automated processing equipment of claim 1 , further comprising a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure in the purge port.

6. The automated processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channel includes a rounded bottom.

7. A method for removing bulk fluid from a plurality of probes of a bulk fluid robot of an automated processing apparatus for processing a tissue sample disposed on a slide, the method comprising: positioning the probe near a cavity of a bulk fluid cleaning module of the automated processing equipment according to any one of the preceding claims; dispensing the bulk fluid from the probe into the cavity; as well as The bulk fluid is removed from the cavity via a purge port in fluid communication with the cavity.

Images