Pot for cleaning tools used in histological procedures such as collation procedures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a basin for cleaning tools used in histological procedures, such as collating procedures. The basin (1) comprises: a cleaning chamber (10) defined by a side wall (11) extending from a bottom (12); an inlet duct (30) arranged to deliver cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber (10) via the outlet opening (31), where the inlet duct (30) extends through the side wall (11) and / or the bottom (12); and a liquid conditioning conduit (50) arranged to subject the cleaning liquid to a Venturi effect and / or cavitation upstream of the outlet opening (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a basin for cleaning tools used in histological procedures such as finishing procedures, a method for cleaning tools used in histological procedures and the use of such a basin in a histological approach. Background Art

[0002] For histological examination of human or animal tissue samples, the samples are cut from the patient by a clinician in an outpatient setting or by a surgeon during surgery and then placed in a container. Standard practice requires the use of containers of varying shapes and volumes (e.g., buckets, bags, vials) filled with a fixative, which in most cases is 10% neutral buffered formalin in which the sample is placed. The container containing the sample is then sent to a histology laboratory or anatomic pathology laboratory for appropriate analysis. After the tissue sample is received in the histology laboratory, the first operation performed by the operator is cataloguing and organizing.

[0003] The inventory consists of registering the tissue samples received and entering the data into the Laboratory Information System (LIS). During this phase, a unique tissue code is assigned to the tissue sample.

[0004] In the next preparation step, the tissue sample is removed from the carrier (e.g., transport carrier) and reduced and sampled in a manner suitable for further processing. Although the reduction and sampling of large and micro biopsy samples are different, the main goal is the same, namely to ensure that as many diagnostic features as possible are visible on the microscope slide.

[0005] The reduced tissue sample is then placed inside a tissue carrier. The reduced tissue sample must be small enough to fit inside a tissue carrier, such as a standard (histology) tissue cassette. Some tissue samples (eg small biopsies) are usually already small enough and do not need to be reduced.

[0006] The instrument that is used for reduction, sampling and tissue transfer in the tissue carrier in the arrangement procedure is mainly tweezers, clamps, knives and scissors. These instruments can be reused for many tissue samples. It is crucial for the cleaning of the instrument between the arrangement of different tissue samples. In fact, after the tissue sample is arranged, some tissue fragments may remain and stick on the instrument (for example, tweezers, clamps or knife), and if not removed, these fragments may cause the legacy and cross contamination of the tissue sample behind, thereby cause wrong diagnosis.

[0007] According to a study of tissue sample contamination along the entire procedure, more than 90% of foreign tissue is believed to come from the pathology laboratory, with a total foreign tissue rate of 2.9% on retrospectively reviewed slides (Richard J Zarbo; Unsafe Ancient Processes in Histopathology: A Manifesto for Change; American Journal of Clinical Pathology, Vol. 158, No. 1, July 2022, pp. 4-7); (Gephardt GN, Zarbo RJ. Foreign tissue in surgical pathology: A Q-Probes study of 275 laboratories by the College of American Pathologists. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 1996; 120: 1009-1014). Foreign tissue can cause serious diagnostic dilemmas, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis. A significant portion of this foreign tissue is related to incomplete or ineffective cleaning of finishing tools.

[0008] Simple rinsing under running water is not sufficient to effectively remove debris (e.g., which may remain on the jagged portion of the clamp tip), while using a brush or sponge, etc. may cause debris to accumulate on the surface of the brush or sponge, which may be transferred back into the clamp, etc. during subsequent cleaning.

[0009] Other methods such as sterilization, gamma radiation, ultrasound, autoclaves, etc. may be very effective, but are too slow and discontinuous for routine work where only a few seconds of tool cleaning time are expected.

[0010] Furthermore, the supposed solution involving the use of disposable tools that are thrown away after use is economically disadvantageous and also not environmentally friendly.

[0011] It is therefore an object to overcome one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0012] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a basin for cleaning tools used in histological procedures such as finishing procedures. The basin comprises: a cleaning chamber defined by side walls extending from a bottom; an inlet duct arranged to deliver a cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber via an outlet opening, wherein the inlet duct extends through the side walls and / or the bottom; and a liquid conditioning duct arranged to subject the cleaning liquid to a venturi effect and / or cavitation upstream of the outlet opening.

[0013] The advantage of the basin is that tools used in histological procedures such as finishing procedures are effectively cleaned. With the help of the basin, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning room is moved not only due to being transported into the cleaning room by the inlet duct, but also due to traversing the liquid regulation duct. In particular, the liquid regulation duct can convey the cleaning liquid under such conditions that the tools can be cleaned (rinsed, washed, etc.) in the cleaning room in a particularly effective manner. Through the Venturi effect and / or cavitation effect caused by at least the liquid regulation duct, in particular, the cleaning liquid is in an agitated state in the cleaning room, thereby effectively cleaning the tools therein. In addition, by means of the liquid regulation duct, the basin can provide effective cleaning without requiring too much space. For example, complex cleaning devices for disinfection, gamma radiation and / or ultrasound, such as autoclaves, can be omitted while still providing effective cleaning of the tools.

[0014] The basin can be used in different stages of tissue sample manipulation, for example, at least during or after the finishing process. The basin can be used as an additional module of a (fixed) basin. For example, the basin comprises a supporting structure (for example, a chassis), which supports the components (i.e. at least the cleaning chamber, the inlet duct and the liquid conditioning duct) (directly or indirectly).

[0015] The liquid regulating conduit may comprise a Venturi tube, or may be a Venturi tube. This offers the advantage of achieving the Venturi effect and / or the cavitation in a particularly easy manner.

[0016] The liquid regulating conduit may include an inlet opening connectable to a liquid source (eg, tap water or mains water), an outlet opening connected to the inlet conduit, and a constriction section arranged between the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the liquid regulating conduit.

[0017] By means of the contraction section, a pressure drop of the cleaning liquid in the liquid regulating conduit can be easily achieved. This pressure drop may allow gas to be sucked or inhaled into the cleaning liquid in the contraction section. For example, the pressure drop affects the pressure in the contraction section, wherein the pressure is lower than the external (atmospheric) pressure, thereby affecting the flow of gas into the cleaning liquid located in the contraction section. By enclosing the gas in the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid moves in the cleaning chamber in a manner that is particularly effective for cleaning the tool. Additionally or alternatively, the pressure drop may allow the (static) pressure of the cleaning liquid in the contraction section to be reduced to below the vapor pressure of the liquid, thereby causing cavitation, i.e. the formation of small cavities filled with vapor in the cleaning liquid. Through these cavities, the cleaning liquid moves in the cleaning chamber in a manner that is particularly effective for cleaning the tool.

[0018] Thus, the Venturi effect and / or the cavitation can cause gas (e.g. air) bubbles and / or small cavities filled with steam to be present in the cleaning liquid conveyed into the cleaning chamber via the outlet opening. As a result, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber is particularly better agitated and / or turbulent, so that the tools in the cleaning chamber can be subjected to particularly effective cleaning (rinsing, washing, etc.).

[0019] The contraction may comprise a suction opening (e.g. a hole such as a drilled hole) through which gas (e.g. air) can be sucked from an area outside the liquid regulating conduit and into the (cleaning) liquid in the contraction. This achieves the advantage that the cleaning liquid can be transferred in a particularly efficient manner into a state that is conducive to cleaning. The reduced pressure in the contraction may influence the entry of fluid from this area via the suction opening into the (contracting) channel of the contraction (and thus into the liquid provided therein).

[0020] Thus, the liquid conditioning conduit may have three fluid connections: a first inlet connection for the liquid flow source, a second inlet connection for the gas (e.g., air) source, and an outlet connection to the clean room via the inlet conduit. The first inlet and the outlet may be coaxial with each other, and the second inlet may be perpendicular or nearly perpendicular with respect to the first inlet and outlet. The liquid conditioning conduit may include the fluid path having different diameters between the first inlet and the outlet, and the second inlet is connected to the fluid path in the throat, where (or nearly there), the diameter is smaller.

[0021] The contraction section may be free of any suction opening through which gas (e.g. air) may be sucked from an area outside the liquid regulating conduit and into the liquid in the contraction section. This achieves the advantage that the liquid regulating conduit can be arranged in a simple manner, while still being able to regulate the cleaning liquid in the contraction section, e.g. at least by cavitation. For example, the liquid regulating conduit may comprise only a single channel (with different sections), wherein the channel may extend from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the liquid regulating conduit.

[0022] Preferably, the liquid regulating conduit is made of plastic or metal material.

[0023] The side wall may have a curved cross-section. For example, the side wall may form a curved (eg cylindrical) body, or may be part of the curved body.

[0024] Preferably, the inlet duct and / or the liquid regulating duct do not extend radially relative to the side wall and / or the (at least partially curved) cleaning chamber. Thus, the cleaning liquid can be delivered into the cleaning chamber in a manner that allows a particularly efficient movement of the cleaning liquid within the cleaning chamber. Thus, tools within the cleaning chamber can be cleaned in a particularly efficient manner. Additionally or alternatively, the inlet duct and / or the liquid regulating duct may extend tangentially relative to the side wall.

[0025] The basin may comprise a cover. In particular, the cover provides the advantage that the cleaning liquid moving within the clean chamber does not overflow and / or splash out of the clean chamber.

[0026] Preferably, the cover is arranged to cover at least a portion of an opening defined by the side wall or by a flange extending from the side wall. Preferably, the cover is arranged to cover only a portion of the opening. Thus, in the closed state of the cleaning chamber, the cover may still provide some access to the cleaning chamber, for example for cleaning tools.

[0027] The cover may be attached to the side wall and / or the flange, for example by fastening means such as one or more screws.

[0028] The cover may include a tool opening, which is arranged to receive the tool to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber. Therefore, the user can clean the tool by the basin without being too exposed to the cleaning liquid moving in the cleaning chamber. Preferably. In the closed state of the cleaning chamber, the cover can provide access to the cleaning chamber only via the tool opening. The tool opening may have the form of a slot. The tool opening may be arranged to help one or more tools to be correctly placed in the flow discharged via the outlet opening of the inlet conduit on one side of the top of the cover. For example, the tool opening is convenient for placing the tool contained in the tool opening in front of the liquid regulating conduit. The tool opening may include a plurality of tool openings (e.g., having the same or different shapes), which may be arranged so that the tool received by these tool openings is arranged in a limited position related to the outlet opening of the inlet conduit or the liquid flow discharged therefrom.

[0029] The cover may comprise mechanical positioning means adapted to interact with a portion of the basin in such a way that the tool opening is in a defined position relative to the side wall of the inlet duct and / or the outlet opening. This has the advantage that a tool received by the tool opening may be arranged in a specific area within the cleaning chamber where the moving cleaning liquid is particularly effective for cleaning the tool.

[0030] The basin may include a drain for draining liquid from the clean room. Thus, it can be ensured that the liquid in the clean room does not exceed a certain level. The drain may include a plurality of drains.

[0031] The bottom may comprise the drain. Additionally or alternatively, the side wall may comprise the drain. The drain arranged in the side wall may form an overflow / protection device.

[0032] The drain openings may include one or more first drain openings and one or more second drain openings, wherein the bottom includes the one or more first drain openings and the sidewall includes the one or more second drain openings.

[0033] The drain may include a filter. In particular, the filter may be designed to retain tissue fragments removed from the tool during the cleaning process inside the cleaning chamber. The filter may be used to avoid the inadvertent or accidental loss of useful tissue samples that may have been mistakenly left on the tool before cleaning.

[0034] The filter may be removable, for example for cleaning and to avoid drain blockage.

[0035] At least part or the bottom can be inclined or skewed, for example relative to the side walls and / or the cover. In particular, this inclination achieves the advantage that the clean room can be completely emptied in a simple manner. Additionally or alternatively, at least a part of the bottom can be flat or horizontal, for example perpendicular relative to the side walls.

[0036] Preferably, at least a portion of the bottom may be inclined (eg relative to the side walls and / or the cover) in such a way that liquid on the bottom may flow towards the drain by means of gravity.

[0037] At least a portion (and preferably all) of the liquid conditioning conduit may be arranged outside the clean room.

[0038] At least a portion of the inlet duct may be arranged inside the clean room and / or extend (protrude etc.) into the clean room.

[0039] The basin may further comprise: a valve arranged upstream of the liquid regulating duct, wherein, preferably, the valve is at least a time-controlled valve; and / or a pressure and / or flow regulator arranged to control the pressure and / or flow of the liquid flowing towards or in the inlet duct; and / or a heater, preferably arranged to heat the cleaning liquid or a component of the cleaning liquid (e.g., tap water and / or another component such as detergent) upstream of the cleaning chamber.

[0040] Providing the heater may have an advantageous effect on conditioning the liquid by cavitation. In particular, by means of the heater the temperature of the liquid may be increased, making the liquid heated thereby more susceptible to cavitation in the downstream liquid conditioning conduit.

[0041] The valve may be manually operated by a joystick / button, or operated using an automatic detection sensor. The valve may be time controlled in such a way that it is in the open position only for a period of less than 1 minute, for example in the range of 5 seconds to 30 seconds (e.g., 5 seconds to 15 seconds, such as 10 seconds).

[0042] The pressure and / or flow regulator and / or the heater may be connected to the inlet of the valve, wherein the outlet of the valve may be connected to the liquid regulating conduit. Through the pressure and / or flow regulator, the flow regulation of the liquid may be achieved, thereby reducing the cleaning time and / or improving the cleaning efficiency. Similarly, through the heater, the heating of the liquid may be achieved, thereby reducing the cleaning time and / or improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0043] The basin may include a control element for controlling a flow of liquid (eg, the flow of cleaning liquid delivered to the cleaning chamber). The user control element may include a touch-sensitive (eg, capacitive and / or resistive) control element and / or a mechanical control element (eg, a mechanical button).

[0044] The basin may include a plate for receiving the cleaning chamber and the user control element. For example, the side walls and / or the cover are attached to the plate. The plate may extend in a direction perpendicular to the side walls and / or parallel to the cover.

[0045] The user control element may be used to control the valve and / or the pressure and / or flow regulator and / or the heater.

[0046] For example, a user may operate the user control element in order to open the valve. In the open state, the valve allows liquid (e.g., tap water) to flow in the liquid regulating conduit and thereafter into the cleaning chamber. After a defined period of time, e.g., after a time for proper cleaning of the tool, the valve may switch to the closed state due to its time-controlled configuration, thereby terminating the flow of liquid from the liquid source into the liquid regulating conduit.

[0047] Preferably, the support structure (e.g., chassis) is made of stainless steel or similar material. As an option, the support structure can also support and / or accommodate a faucet for general use. The support structure can also be accommodated.

[0048] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning tools used in a histological procedure such as a finishing procedure, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) providing a basin as described above; b) subjecting a cleaning liquid to a Venturi effect and / or cavitation upstream of the outlet opening via the liquid conditioning conduit; c) delivering conditioned cleaning liquid (i.e. the cleaning liquid conditioned by step b)) into the cleaning room via the inlet conduit and the outlet opening; d) cleaning tools in the cleaning room by means of the delivered cleaning liquid (i.e. the cleaning liquid delivered by step c)); and e) optionally, reusing the cleaned tools in a histological procedure such as a finishing procedure.

[0049] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a basin as described above in a histological approach, for example during or after a grooming procedure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] The present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a basin according to an embodiment;

[0052] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the basin shown in , which shows the basin from below, wherein the cover is omitted;

[0053] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic top view of the basin shown in , wherein the cover is omitted;

[0054] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a liquid regulating conduit of a basin according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 A schematic top view of the liquid regulating conduit shown in ;

[0056] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 and Figure 5 The liquid regulating conduit shown in FIG. Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0057] Figure 7 Shows Figures 4 to 6 A schematic front view of a fluid regulating conduit is shown;

[0058] Figure 8 Shows Figures 4 to 7 Another schematic diagram of a fluid regulating conduit shown in ;

[0059] Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a basin according to an embodiment;

[0060] Fig.10 shows a schematic perspective view of a basin according to an embodiment;

[0061] Fig.11 Shows that there is Fig.10 A schematic perspective view of a basin finishing station shown in ; and

[0062] Fig.12 A flow chart of a method according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figures 1 to 3 Each shows a schematic diagram of a basin 1 according to an embodiment. The basin 1 is used to clean tools used in histological procedures such as finishing procedures. The tool can be a knife. The tool can be forceps, clamps, a knife and / or scissors. The tool can be designed to remove a part of a tissue sample or specimen, such as analyzing the part in a histological examination. During this process, fragments of the tissue sample can adhere to the tool, wherein the tool needs to be cleaned and the fragments removed to avoid cross contamination.

[0064] The basin comprises a clean room 10 defined by a side wall 11 and a bottom 12, wherein the side wall 11 extends from the bottom 12. The side wall 11 may comprise a curved cross section, such as a circular or oval cross section. The side wall 11 may form part of a curved (e.g., cylindrical, conical and / or only partially curved) body 13 comprising the clean room 10. In other embodiments, the side wall 11 may also have another cross section, such as a straight cross section or a rectangular cross section.

[0065] Preferably, the clean room 10 has an inner diameter in the range of 2 cm to 50 cm, more preferably 10 cm to 15 cm, and / or a height in the range of 2 cm to 40 cm, more preferably 5 cm to 15 cm. The clean room 10 (e.g., the side wall 11 and / or the bottom 12 and / or the body 13) may include or be made of a metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum and / or brass) and / or a plastic material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PETG, POM, PFA, etc.). A coating or paint may cover at least a portion of the side wall 11 and / or the bottom 12 and / or the body 13.

[0066] Basin 1 can comprise at least one drain opening 14,15, preferably in the form of at least one hole. For example, at least one drain opening 14,15 comprises a (first) drain opening 14 arranged in bottom 12. Drain opening 14 can comprise a plurality of drain openings 14, and the plurality of drain openings can be arranged in a matrix or a grid. Drain opening 14,15 can comprise a (second) drain opening 15 arranged in side wall 11. Drain opening 15 can be a single drain opening, or can comprise a plurality of drain openings 15. Drain opening 15 can be arranged to be used as an overflow port. Therefore, drain opening 15 ensures that the liquid in cleaning room 10 is kept below a specific liquid level defined by drain opening 15.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown in , the drain 15 may include a filter 16. By means of the filter 16, tissue fragments removed from the tool during the cleaning process can be retained in the cleaning room 10. The filter 16 can preferably be attached to the side wall 11 in such a way that the filter 16 can be removed from the side wall 11 to be cleaned and / or replaced. For example, the filter 16 can be removed in order to analyze the tissue fragments accumulated on the side of the filter 16 facing the interior of the cleaning room 10.

[0068] Additionally or alternatively, drain 14 may include a filter, such as a filter designed according to filter 16. Drain 14 may include a plurality of drains 14 in such a manner that drain 14 acts as a filter. In other words, the size of each of drains 14 may be designed such that tissue fragments of a certain size cannot flow through the corresponding drain 14, but accumulate on bottom 12 and in chamber 10. Multiple drains 14 may be combined with an additional filter, wherein the filter may be arranged within chamber 10.

[0069] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the embodiment shown in , the bottom 12 is inclined relative to the side wall 11, which means that the extension direction of the side wall 11 is not perpendicular to the bottom 12 or the plane formed by the bottom 12. For example, the bottom 12 can be inclined in such a way that liquid arranged on the bottom 12 can flow toward the drain 14 by gravity so as to be effectively drained from the cleaning room 10. In particular, by the inclination of the bottom 12, the bottom 12 can include a top and a lower part, wherein the lower part includes the drain 14.

[0070] The basin 1 further comprises an inlet conduit 30 arranged to deliver a cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber 10 via an outlet opening 31. The inlet conduit 30 may comprise or may be a pipe or tube. The cleaning liquid may comprise or may be water, such as tap water or mains water. The inlet conduit 30 extends through the side wall 11. In other embodiments, the inlet conduit 30 may extend through the bottom 12, for example in addition to extending through the side wall 11. Figure 3 , a portion of the inlet duct 30 is arranged inside the clean room 10 and / or protrudes into the clean room 10. In other embodiments, the inlet duct 30 may not be arranged inside the clean room 10 and / or may not protrude into the clean room 10. Then, the outlet opening 31 may be provided in the side wall 11. If the inlet duct 30 extends into the clean room 10 with at least a portion, the outlet opening 31 may be completely arranged in the clean room 10. Preferably, the inlet duct 30 includes the outlet opening 31.

[0071] The inlet duct 30 is not limited to extending in a particular manner relative to the sidewall 11. For example, the inlet duct 30 does not extend radially relative to the sidewall 11. In other words, the inlet duct 30 can extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) relative to the radial direction defined by the sidewall 11 and / or the clean room 10. Preferably, the inlet duct 30 extends tangentially relative to the sidewall 11.

[0072] The inlet duct 30 may be integrally formed with the side wall 11. In other words, at least a portion of the inlet duct 30 and at least a portion of the side wall 11 may be part of an integral structure. Alternatively, the inlet duct 30 may be arranged to be detachable from the side wall 11, for example by at least a flange-like and / or threaded connection.

[0073] The basin 1 further comprises a liquid regulating conduit 50 which, in the embodiment shown in the drawings, is arranged in the form of a venturi tube. The liquid regulating conduit 50 is arranged so that the cleaning liquid is subjected to a venturi effect and / or cavitation upstream of the outlet opening 31. For example, the venturi effect and / or cavitation may be caused by the liquid regulating conduit 50 being a venturi tube, which is Figures 6 to 8 is shown in more detail in .

[0074] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown in , the liquid regulating conduit 50 may include an inlet opening 51 that can be connected to a liquid source (e.g., tap water or mains water). The inlet opening 51 can be connected to the liquid source by a fastening device such as a threaded connection device (directly or indirectly). The inlet opening 51 can have a diameter in the range of 11mm to 14mm (e.g., 12mm to 13mm). The liquid regulating conduit 50 may include an outlet opening 52 connected to the inlet conduit 30, for example by using a fastening device such as a threaded connection device. The outlet opening 52 may have a diameter in the range of 18mm to 22mm (19mm to 22mm). Between the inlet opening 51 and the outlet opening 52, the liquid regulating conduit 50 may include a contraction section 53. The contraction section 53 includes a channel having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the inlet opening 51a and preferably smaller than the diameter of the outlet opening 52. For example, the channel of the contraction section 53 has a diameter that does not exceed 10mm (e.g., in the range of 1mm to 10mm, preferably 2mm to 8mm, and more preferably 3mm to 5mm). The passage of the constricted section 53 may at least partially comprise a section having a constant diameter.

[0075] Thus, liquid may pass through the liquid regulating conduit 50 at least through the inlet opening 51 , the contraction section 53 (ie, the passage via the contraction section 53 ), and the outlet opening 52 (in this order).

[0076] By the liquid flowing from the inlet opening 51 into the contraction section 53, the fluid pressure in the liquid is reduced. Therefore, the pressure of the liquid in the contraction section 53 is lower than the pressure of the liquid at an upstream position of the contraction section 53 (e.g., in the inlet opening 51). The contraction section 53 can be designed so that the pressure of the liquid in the contraction section 53 drops below a pressure, thereby causing air, such as gas (air) from the area 54 outside the liquid conditioning conduit 50, to flow into the contraction section 53 (i.e., in the channel of the contraction section) and thus into the cleaning liquid. Therefore, by the Venturi effect, the gas (e.g., in the form of bubbles) can be enclosed in the cleaning liquid at least in the contraction section 53. The cleaning liquid is conditioned with the gas and can then flow downstream through the outlet opening 52 and flow into the inlet conduit 30 and then into the cleaning chamber 10 via the outlet opening 31. The cleaning liquid discharged through the outlet opening 31 is in a particularly agitated and / or turbulent state, which makes the cleaning of the tools in the chamber 10 particularly effective.

[0077] In order to extract gas from region 54 (which is arranged outside the liquid regulating conduit 50) and enter the contraction section 53 (where the gas can be mixed with the liquid), the contraction section 53 may include a suction port 55. In other words, the liquid regulating conduit 50 may include a suction port 55 to connect the contraction section 53 with the region 54 fluid. Therefore, by having a pressure lower than the pressure in the region 54 by the liquid in the contraction section 53, gas (e.g., air) can be caused to flow from the region 54 into the contraction section 53, where the gas can be mixed with the liquid. As shown, the suction port 55 can be conical. However, the suction port 55 is not limited to a specific form. For example, the suction port 55 can be cylindrical. By a conical design, the suction port can have a cone angle in the range of 12 degrees to 18 degrees (e.g., 14 degrees to 16 degrees). The suction port 55 can have a diameter in the range of 5mm to 7mm, preferably in the range of 6mm to 7mm.

[0078] The liquid flowing into the contraction section 53 may also be subject to cavitation. More specifically, the liquid flowing into the contraction section 53 may experience a pressure drop in such a way that the (static) pressure of the liquid drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid. This results in the formation of small cavities filled with steam in the liquid. The cavities filled with steam are closed and the liquid can then flow downstream of the contraction section 53 to the outlet opening 52 and into the inlet duct 30 and then into the cleaning chamber 10 via the outlet opening 31. In the cleaning chamber 10, the cleaning liquid is then in a particularly agitated and / or turbulent state due to the cavities filled with steam, so that the cleaning of the tools in the cleaning chamber 10 is particularly effective.

[0079] Depending on the design of the suction opening 55, the contraction section 53 may not have any suction opening. In other words, the contraction section 53 may only include a passage through which the liquid can flow from the inlet opening 51 to the outlet opening 52. Therefore, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning chamber 10 can be agitated only by the cavitation in the contraction section 53. In an embodiment, the inlet duct 30 may not have any suction opening except for the outlet opening 31 and the inlet opening of the inlet duct 30.

[0080] The liquid regulating conduit 50 may include a (upstream) wide section 56 arranged between the inlet opening 51 and the contraction section 53. In other words, the wide section 56 may be arranged downstream of the inlet opening 51 and upstream of the contraction section 53. The wide section 56 includes a channel that is wider than the channel of the contraction section 53. Therefore, the liquid flowing in the wide section 56 has a higher pressure than the pressure of the liquid flowing in the contraction section 53. That is, the (cleaning) liquid experiences a pressure drop when flowing from the wide section 56 into the contraction section 53, thereby causing a Venturi effect and / or cavitation. Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown in FIG. 5 , the channel of the wide section 56 may taper toward the converging section 53. The channel of the wide section 56 may include or define the inlet opening 51. The taper angle (or cone angle) of the channel of the wide section 56 may be in the range of 13 to 17 degrees (e.g., 14 to 16 degrees).

[0081] The liquid regulating conduit 50 may include a (downstream) wide section 57 arranged between the contraction section 53 and the outlet opening 52. In other words, the wide section 57 may be arranged downstream of the contraction section 53 and upstream of the outlet opening 52. The wide section 57 includes a channel that is wider (e.g., has a larger diameter) than the channel of the contraction section 53. For example, the channel of the wide section 57 may taper toward the contraction section 53. In other words, the channel of the wide section 57 may widen toward the outlet opening 52. The cleaning liquid regulated at least in the contraction section 53 may flow from there into the wide section 57. When the cleaning liquid flows toward the outlet opening 52 in the wide section 57, the pressure of the cleaning liquid regulated in this way gradually increases (build up). However, the wide section 57 may also be omitted, so that, for example, the contraction section 53 is directly connected to or defines the outlet opening 52. If a wide section 57 is provided, the channel of the wide section 57 may include or define the outlet opening 52. The channel of the wide section 57 may have a taper angle (or cone angle) in the range of 16 degrees to 20 degrees (eg, 17 degrees to 19 degrees).

[0082] The liquid regulating conduit 50 may comprise an integral piece 58 comprising at least the openings 51, 52 and the constriction 53. Preferably, the integral piece (or body) may also comprise fastening means for connecting the inlet opening 51 to the liquid source and / or fastening means for connecting the outlet opening 52 to the inlet conduit 30. The integral piece 58 may comprise a suction port 55. The integral piece 58 may comprise a wide section 56 and / or a wide section 57. Preferably, the integral piece 58 comprises a single channel connecting the openings 51, 52 to each other, wherein the single channel comprises the channel of the constriction 53 and preferably comprises the channel of the wide section 56 and / or the wide section 57. The integral piece 58 may comprise only one channel, namely the single channel, or comprise more than one channel, for example only two channels, namely the single channel and the suction port 55.

[0083] The liquid conditioning conduit 50 may be arranged relative to the sidewall 11 so as not to extend radially relative to the sidewall 11 and / or the clean room 10. For example, a central axis extending through the openings 51, 52 and the constricted section 53 may extend transversely (e.g., perpendicularly) relative to a radial direction defined by the sidewall 11. Preferably, the central axis is parallel to a tangent to the sidewall 11.

[0084] like Figures 1 to 3, the liquid conditioning duct 50 can be arranged entirely (i.e. completely) outside the clean room 10. In this way, good accessibility of the liquid conditioning duct 50 can be ensured, for example in order to easily remove the liquid conditioning duct 50 from the inlet duct 30. In another embodiment, only a portion of the liquid conditioning duct 50 can be arranged outside the clean room 10. Then, the corresponding remaining portion of the liquid conditioning duct 50 can be arranged inside the side wall 11 and / or the clean room 10.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown in , the basin 1 may include a cover 70. The cover 70 is arranged to at least partially close the clean room 10 on the top side of the clean room 10. Preferably, the cover 70 is arranged opposite to the bottom 12. Preferably, the side wall 11 extends between the bottom 12 and the cover 70. In the embodiment shown, in which the bottom 12 is inclined relative to the side wall 11, the bottom 12 is also inclined relative to the cover 70. The cover 70 may extend perpendicular to the side wall 11 and / or may have a circular shape. The side wall 11 and / or the flange 17 extending therefrom may define an opening 18 (see Figure 3 ), wherein the cover 70 is arranged to cover at least a portion of the opening 18. The cover 70 may be attached or attachable to the side wall 11 and / or the flange 17 by fastening means such as one or more screws. Preferably, the cover 70 is attached to the flange 17 by using a plurality of fastening means (e.g., evenly distributed along the flange 17). Preferably, the cover 70 is made of metal or plastic material.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown in, the cover 70 may include tool openings 71, 72, which are arranged to receive the tools to be cleaned in the clean room 10. Therefore, at least a portion of the tools to be cleaned in the clean room 10 can enter and exit the clean room 10 via the openings 71, 72. For example, the tools received in the tool openings 71, 72 can be arranged so that the part for handling the tool (which is usually not provided with tissue fragments) is not arranged in the clean room 10, wherein the part of the tool that is usually in contact with the tissue sample is arranged in the clean room 10. The openings 71, 72 can have a slot-shaped form and / or a curved form, such as a circular and / or elliptical form. The tool openings 71, 72 may include a plurality of tool openings, such as a first tool opening 71 and a second tool opening 72, wherein the tool openings 71, 72 may have different forms. Through different forms, different types of tools can be easily received.

[0087] The cover 70 may include a recess 73, wherein the tool openings 71, 72 extend from the bottom of the recess 73. This achieves the advantage that the tool openings 71, 72 and the tools received by the tool openings 71 and 72 can be arranged deeper in the cleaning room 10, thereby achieving particularly effective cleaning of the tools by the cleaning liquid in the cleaning room 10.

[0088] The cover 70 may include mechanical positioning means or structures (e.g., protrusions and / or recesses) which may cooperate with a component that is fixedly arranged relative to the side wall 11 and / or the outlet opening 31. By this cooperation, the tool openings 71, 72 may be brought into a defined position relative to the side wall 11 and / or the outlet opening 31 (and therefore relative to the cleaning liquid flowing in the cleaning chamber 10). Thus, the tools received by the tool openings 71, 72 may be cleaned in a defined area within the cleaning chamber 10, in which area the flow (turbulence and / or agitation) of the cleaning liquid may clean the tools in a particularly effective manner.

[0089] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown in , the basin 1 may include a user control element 90, such as a touch-sensitive button (e.g., a capacitive and / or resistive element, or a (small) touch screen, or any other control element that does not require mechanical action), for controlling a liquid flow, such as a liquid flow into the liquid regulating conduit 50. Controlling the liquid flow may include at least starting the flow of the liquid flow. For example, the basin 1 may include a valve (not shown) arranged upstream of the liquid regulating conduit 50, such as attached to the inlet opening 51. The valve may be a time-controlled valve. The control element 90 may be configured to control the valve. The user may operate the user control element 90 and trigger the valve to release a (pressurized) liquid flow (e.g., from tap water or mains water) into the liquid regulating conduit 50. After a defined period of time, the valve may be automatically closed, thereby terminating the flow of liquid into the liquid regulating conduit 50. Thus, at least partially automatic operation of a basin 1 for a cleaning tool may be provided in an effective manner.

[0090] The basin 1 may include a plate 91 that receives both the chamber 10 (or a body including the chamber 10 ) and the user control element 90 .

[0091] The basin 1 can be adapted as an extension and / or an additional module of a (fixed) basin, wherein the latter basin can be part of a laboratory or a basin. For example, the water outlet of the (fixed) basin can be connected to the liquid regulating conduit 50 as a liquid source. When used in combination with a (fixed) basin, at least a part of the clean room 10 can extend inside the (fixed) basin (i.e. the clean room of the basin).

[0092] Preferably, the basin 1 is free of any pump. That is, preferably, the basin 1 is configured to receive pressurized liquid from a liquid source which is not part of the basin 1, such as from tap or mains water.

[0093] like Fig. 9 As shown in , the basin 1 may include a mounting structure 100 (e.g., one or more arms) that is arranged to be supported on an edge or side wall of a (fixed) basin so that at least a portion of the clean room 10 is arranged within the (fixed) basin, i.e., within the clean room of the basin. For example, the basin 1 includes at least one arm 100 (preferably two arms 100) on each side of the basin 1.

[0094] like Fig.10 As shown in , the basin 1 may include a support structure 110 that accommodates a (sub) basin 120, such as a basin for washing hands. The support structure 110 may be a chassis. The support structure 110 may also accommodate user control elements 90. The clean room 10 or a body including the clean room 10 is received by the support structure 110.

[0095] The basin 1 may be part of a system or station provided or used in a histological approach, in particular in a procedure during or after a preparation procedure. In particular, a tissue sample station may include the basin 1. Fig.11 As shown in , the tissue sample station may be an organizing station 130 .

[0096] about Fig.12 , describes an exemplary method for cleaning tools used in histological procedures such as finishing procedures. The method 200 includes the following steps:

[0097] In step 201, a basin 1 is provided. For example, the basin 1 is arranged in a (fixed) water basin (e.g., as an additional module) or in a tissue sample station (workstation), such as a finishing workstation of a pathology / histology laboratory. For the cleaning liquid flowing in the basin 1, preferably, the basin 1 is connected to a liquid supply system (e.g., tap water or mains water) and / or a supply system of another cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid may include a liquid (e.g., water) and / or a liquid cleaning solution (e.g., but not limited to, an enzyme cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, an ion or anion-based cleaner, etc.).

[0098] In step 202, the cleaning liquid is subjected to the Venturi effect and / or cavitation upstream of the outlet opening 31 through the liquid regulating conduit 50. Prior to this, the tool to be cleaned can be inserted and accommodated in the appropriate tool opening 71, 72 (e.g., slot) of the cover 70, wherein the timing valve is then activated by operating the user control element 90 (e.g., by bringing a hand close to the automatic detection sensor) and / or by acting on a manual joystick / button. The liquid (e.g., water) passing through the valve is fed into the inlet opening 51 of the liquid regulating conduit 50. Due to the Venturi effect in the conduit 50, the liquid flowing into the interior from the inlet opening 51 (first inlet) generates a pressure drop in the contraction section 53 including the suction port 55 (second inlet; normally open at atmospheric pressure), which causes air or any other gas to be sucked into the interior via the suction port 55 and mixed with the liquid in the contraction section 53. The liquid in the contraction section 53 mixes with the gas flowing out of the suction port 55.

[0099] In another embodiment, the pressure of the liquid in the contraction section 53 is obtained (e.g., by the contraction section 53 and by adjusting the flow rate of the liquid relative to the temperature of the liquid), which is lower than the vapor pressure of the liquid flowing through the contraction section 53, whereby a rapid phase change from liquid to vapor (cavitation) occurs, thereby generating vapor bubbles in the liquid through the cavitation liquid regulating conduit 53 (e.g., a venturi tube). (For the generation of cavitation in a venturi tube, see: Shi Hongbo, Li Mingda, Petr Nikrityuk, Liu Qingxia; Experimental and numerical study of cavitation flow in a venturi tube: from CFD to empirical model; Chemical Engineering Science, Vol. 207, 2019, pp. 672-687.)

[0100] In both cases of step 202 (gas mixed into the liquid by the venturi effect or bubbles generated in the liquid by cavitation caused by the liquid conditioning conduit 50), the result is that the liquid is conditioned such that turbulence or agitation exists in the liquid.

[0101] In step 203 after step 202, the cleaning liquid conditioned in step 202 is delivered to the cleaning chamber 10 through the inlet conduit 30 and the outlet opening 31. The cleaning chamber 10 receives the turbulent liquid from the liquid conditioning conduit 50. The liquid may begin to fill the cleaning chamber 10. A drain 14 having an optional filter for discharging the liquid at the bottom 12 of the cleaning chamber 10 may be provided so that the liquid is discharged via the discharge opening 41 at a lower discharge flow rate than the inflow flow through the outlet opening 21. Therefore, the inflow liquid is more than the discharge liquid, whereby the cleaning chamber 10 begins to fill. After a certain time, the liquid level may reach the drain 15 in the upper part of the side wall 11 of the cleaning chamber 10, thereby discharging the liquid exceeding the liquid level. The drain 15 may have a size that allows the discharge flow to be higher than the inflow flow, thereby maintaining the liquid at a certain level to allow ordinary tools to be immersed in the correct position relative to the liquid.

[0102] In step 204 (which may be after or during step 203), the tools used during the histological procedure (e.g., the finishing procedure) are cleaned by the cleaning liquid delivered in step 203. The delivered cleaning liquid is still in the conditioned state obtained in step 202, so that the tools can be cleaned in a particularly effective manner. The turbulent liquid that reaches the cleaning room 10 from the liquid conditioning conduit 50 via the inlet conduit 30 and the outlet opening 31 mechanically acts on the surface of one or more tools placed inside the cleaning room 10, thereby separating tissue fragments from the tools. One or more tool openings 71, 72 on the top of the cover 70 help to place the tools in a defined area within the cleaning room 10, which is particularly effective for cleaning, such as just in front of the connection of the liquid conditioning conduit 50 (with the inlet conduit 30), that is, in front of the injection of the liquid flow, where the turbulence is the largest. One or more tool openings 71, 72 can be positioned to allow ordinary tools to be accommodated in the correct position relative to the liquid flow in the cleaning room 10.

[0103] The optional tangential position of the liquid conditioning conduit 50 relative to the clean room 10 helps to generate vortices inside the clean room 10, which adds further mechanical forces for separating tissue fragments from the tool. In addition, the cover 70 has the function of avoiding that some droplets ejected by the turbulent flow may reach the operator.

[0104] In an optional step 205 after step 204, the cleaned tools are reused in a histological procedure such as a finishing procedure. For example, after a preset time (e.g., 10 seconds), the valve will automatically close, thereby terminating the flow of liquid. At this point, the inflow rate is zero, and then the cleaning chamber 10 is gradually emptied, and the remaining liquid is discharged through the drain 14 of the bottom 12. In an embodiment in which the bottom 12 of the main body 13 is inclined, the inclined surface of the bottom 12 transports the liquid to the drain 14, thereby ensuring complete emptying of the cleaning chamber 10. Therefore, it is possible to avoid that the dirty liquid used to clean the tools remains inside the cleaning chamber 10. For example, during the process of emptying the cleaning chamber 10, the operator can remove the cleaned tools from the basin 1 and reuse them for the finishing or any other histological procedure of the subsequent samples without causing cross contamination.

[0105] The filter 16 disposed in one or more of the drains 14, 15 can retain tissue fragments removed from the tool inside the cleaning room 10. This helps avoid overlooking or accidentally losing useful tissue samples that were mistakenly left on the tool before cleaning. Both filters can be disassembled for cleaning to avoid drain blockage.

[0106] In the case of fresh samples or if molecular biological analysis of tissue samples is required, it may be necessary to decontaminate the tools after cleaning and before reuse (e.g., between steps 204 and 205). This can be achieved by rinsing the cleaned tools in an appropriate detergent (e.g., enzymatic detergent, hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, etc.).

[0107] Method 200 may include one, more or all of the following optional steps: before step 202, using the tool to perform a histological procedure (e.g., a tidying procedure) on the tissue sample; before step 202, inserting the tool into the tool openings 71, 72 of the cover 70; activating the valve, for example by operating the user control element 90, and starting to clean the tool in the cleaning room 10; cleaning the tool for a specific (cleaning) time; when the specific (cleaning) time has passed, automatically deactivating the valve, thereby terminating the cleaning of the tool in the cleaning room 10; removing the tool from the basin 1; between step 203 and step 204 or after step 204, for example between step 204 and step 205, additional cleaning (e.g., decontamination) of the tool, for example by using a different cleaning agent, such as a detergent and / or a cleaning agent containing a detergent.

Claims

1. A basin (1) for cleaning tools used in histological procedures such as finishing procedures, the basin (1) comprising: - a clean room (10) defined by side walls (11) extending from a bottom (12); - an inlet duct (30) arranged to convey cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber (10) via an outlet opening (31), wherein the inlet duct (30) extends through the side wall (11) and / or the bottom (12); and - a liquid conditioning duct (50) arranged to subject the cleaning liquid upstream of the outlet opening (31) to a Venturi effect and / or cavitation.

2. The basin (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid regulating conduit (50) comprises a Venturi tube or is a Venturi tube.

3. The basin (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The liquid regulating conduit (50) comprises: an inlet opening (51) which is connectable to a liquid source; an outlet opening (52) which is connected to the inlet conduit (30); and a contraction section (53) which is arranged between the inlet opening (51) and the outlet opening (52) of the liquid regulating conduit (50).

4. The basin (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The contraction section (53) includes a suction port (55) through which gas, such as air, can be drawn from an area (54) outside the liquid regulating conduit (50) into the liquid within the contraction section (53).

5. The basin (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The contraction section (53) or the liquid regulating conduit (50) is free of any suction opening through which a gas, such as air, can be drawn from an area external to the liquid regulating conduit into the liquid within the contraction section.

6. Basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The side wall (11) has a curved cross section, and wherein the inlet duct (30) and / or the liquid conditioning duct (50) do not extend radially relative to the side wall (11) and / or the clean room (10), or extend tangentially relative to the side wall (11).

7. The basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover (70), wherein: The cover (70) comprises a tool opening (71, 72) arranged to receive a tool to be cleaned in the cleaning chamber (10), wherein the cover (70) is preferably arranged to cover at least a portion of an opening (18) defined by the side wall (11) or by a flange (17) extending from the side wall (11).

8. A basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a drain (14, 15) for draining liquid from the clean room (10), wherein Preferably, the bottom (12) and / or the side wall (11) comprises the drainage opening (14, 15).

9. The basin (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The drains (14, 15) include filters (16).

10. Basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least a portion of the bottom (13) is inclined, preferably so that liquid on the bottom (12) can flow toward the drain (14) by gravity.

11. Basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least a portion of the liquid conditioning conduit (50) is arranged outside the clean room (10), and / or wherein at least a portion of the inlet conduit (30) is arranged inside the clean room (10).

12. The basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - a valve arranged upstream of the liquid regulating conduit (50), wherein the valve is preferably at least a time-controlled valve; and / or - a pressure and / or flow regulator arranged to control the pressure and / or flow of a liquid flow flowing towards or in the inlet duct (30); and / or - A heater arranged to heat the cleaning liquid or a component of the cleaning liquid, preferably upstream of the cleaning chamber (10).

13. Basin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a user control element (90) for controlling the flow of liquid, for example for controlling the valve and / or the pressure and / or flow regulator and / or the heater, wherein Preferably, a plate (91) receives said clean room (10) and said user control elements (90).

14. A method (200) for cleaning tools used in a histological procedure, such as a finishing procedure, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing (201) a basin (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, b) subjecting the cleaning liquid upstream of the outlet opening (31) to a Venturi effect and / or cavitation (202) via the liquid conditioning conduit (50), c) delivering (203) the conditioned cleaning liquid into the cleaning chamber (10) through the inlet duct (30) and the outlet opening (31), d) cleaning (204) the tool in the cleaning chamber (10) using the delivered cleaning fluid, and e) Optionally, reusing (205) the cleaned tool in a histological procedure, such as a finishing procedure.

15. Use of a basin (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 in a histological approach, such as during or after a preparatory procedure.

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