Benchtop equipment and consumables for specimen attachment and staining

Abstract

An apparatus for depositing and staining a cellular sample includes a slide processing module comprising a specimen entry port (SIP) dock configured to receive a SIP consumable containing a cellular sample and to position the SIP consumable such that a spray nozzle of the SIP consumable and an air nozzle of the slide processing module are aligned prior to the deposition operation; and a user interface configured to receive input from a user configuring the deposition and staining operations; and an auxiliary system module coupled to the slide processing module, the auxiliary system module comprising a housing including a removable storage container configured to hold a plurality of bottles containing one or more of a reagent, a buffer, or an ethanol-based fixative; and an electronics subsystem configured to execute a pre-programmed protocol for the deposition and staining operations based on the input from the user.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 168,522, filed March 31, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This document relates generally to laboratory procedures, and more specifically to sample attachment and staining for laboratory cytological procedures. [Background technology]

[0003] Cytological techniques have been developed to be minimally invasive, revolutionizing the practice of medicine. The ability to obtain high quality samples quickly with little discomfort has made such procedures more acceptable to the public. More recently, specimen collection techniques have adopted the use of consumable components designed to improve laboratory practice while ultimately providing better care to patients. The use of consumable components reduces cross-contamination and improves reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a mobile, dedicated system for rapid, on-site evaluation of biological tissue samples collected (e.g., using fine needle aspiration) in a cytopathology laboratory, which enables healthcare providers to perform these services in a consistent and timely manner, resulting in better patient outcomes. Some embodiments advantageously allow multiple cytology slides to be prepared in a substantially identical manner.

[0005] In one example, preparing two slides in a consistent manner allows a user to repeat an analysis or test to improve the reliability of the results, use one of the slides as a control slide, process the two slides at different times after the same or different processes, process one of the slides using a traditional histological stain and the other using a molecular staining process, or analyze one slide on-site and send the second slide to a lab for detailed cytological analysis of the specimen.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for depositing and staining a cellular sample includes a slide processing module positioned at an upper front location of the apparatus, the slide processing module including a specimen entry port (SIP) dock configured to receive a SIP consumable containing a cellular sample and to position the SIP consumable such that a spray nozzle of the SIP consumable and an air nozzle of the slide processing module are aligned prior to a deposition operation, and a user interface configured to receive input from a user configuring the deposition and staining operations, and a clamp module positioned at a lower front location of the apparatus to clamp at least one slide on the slide bed securely against the slide bed. the clamp module including a handle configured to be pushed downward to raise the slide bed along the linear rail to be covered by a sealing hood consumable and a solenoid latch configured to lock the slide bed until the deposition operation is completed; and an auxiliary system module positioned at the rear of the device including a housing including a removable storage container configured to hold a plurality of reagent bottles, a buffer bottle, and an ethanol-based fixative bottle, and an electronics subsystem configured to execute pre-programmed protocols for the deposition and staining operations based on input from a user.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing a fluid sample includes an inlet port configured to receive sample material, a moat surrounding the inlet port and configured to receive any overflow sample material, and first and second sample nozzles fluidly coupled to the inlet port for discharging the sample material, wherein a tubular junction fluidly couples the inlet port to a first tubular fluid path terminating in the first sample nozzle and a second tubular fluid path terminating in the second sample nozzle, a cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular junction being smaller than an average cross-sectional area of ​​the first and second tubular fluid paths, and a cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular junction being selected to draw the sample material from the inlet port into the tubular junction via capillary action.

[0008] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for loading a fluid sample includes a specimen entry port (SIP) stand configured to hold a SIP consumable, a jar positioned adjacent to the SIP stand configured to capture overflow fluid sample material when loading the fluid sample into the SIP consumable, and an armrest positioned proximate to the SIP stand configured to facilitate loading of the fluid sample.

[0009] In yet another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for improving deposition of sample material onto a target in a sample analysis system includes a body including a top panel, a front panel, a left panel, a right panel, and a back panel, where the top panel includes a first opening configured to receive sample material; a bottom panel positioned adjacent to the back panel and parallel to and perpendicular to the top panel, where the bottom panel includes a second opening for receiving a stain or dye following deposition of the sample material to the target; and a bottom rim supporting the body and the bottom panel, where the bottom rim is configured to adhere to the target prior to deposition, where a distance between the bottom rim and the top panel is configured to accommodate targets having various thicknesses.

[0010] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for depositing and staining a cell sample is provided using one or more of the devices described above.

[0011] These and other aspects and their implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, specification and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A-B] 1 illustrates various views and features of an exemplary specimen entry port (SIP) consumable.

[0013] [Figure 1C] 1 shows a cross section of the sample well of the SIP consumable.

[0014] [Figure 1D] Shown is a spray nozzle for SIP consumables.

[0015] [Diagram 2] Another view of the SIP consumables is shown.

[0016] [Diagram 3] 1 shows various views of an exemplary SIP stand.

[0017] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates various views and features of an exemplary food consumable.

[0018] [Diagram 5] 1 shows an external view of an exemplary tabletop device.

[0019] [Figure 6] 1 shows an open side view of the tabletop device.

[0020] [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an open view of both sides of an exemplary auxiliary system of a tabletop appliance.

[0021] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an example auxiliary system enclosure.

[0022] [Figure 9] 1 shows an example of a housing backplate that separates the "fluid" side from the "dry" side of a tabletop device.

[0023] [Figure 10] 1 shows an example of a false wall that gives a neat appearance to the bottle cavity in a tabletop device.

[0024] [Figure 11] 1 shows an example of a pneumatic system used in a benchtop device for spray deposition.

[0025] [Figure 12] 1 shows an example of a drip tray in a tabletop device.

[0026] [Figure 13] An example of a slide processing mechanism is shown, which is explained in more detail in Figures 14 to 31.

[0027] [Figure 14] An example of a SIP dock is shown.

[0028] [Figure 15] 1 illustrates examples of air nozzle geometries.

[0029] [Figure 16A] 1 illustrates an exemplary operation of a SIP lateral spring.

[0030] [Figure 16B-C] 2 illustrates an exemplary operation of a SIP switch.

[0031] [Figure 17] An example of a SIP manifold is shown.

[0032] [Figure 18]1 shows an example of a removable cassette.

[0033] [Figure 19] An example of a slide bed is shown.

[0034] [Figure 20A] An example of a slide bed is shown.

[0035] [Figure 20B] An example of a slide switch is shown.

[0036] [Figure 21] An example of a sliding spring bed is shown.

[0037] [Figure 22] An example of an ethanol fixation system is shown.

[0038] [Figure 23] 1 shows an example of an inlet fitting.

[0039] [Figure 24] An example of an ethanol sprayed insert is shown.

[0040] [Diagram 25] 1 shows an example of a buffer system.

[0041] [Figure 26] An example of a buffer nozzle located above a SIP well is shown.

[0042] [Figure 27] 4 illustrates an exemplary operation of an air curtain.

[0043] [Figure 28] 1 illustrates an example of a reagent manifold assembly.

[0044] [Figure 29] An example of a hood switch is shown.

[0045] [Diagram 30] 1 shows an example of a cleaning port.

[0046] [Diagram 31] An example of a reagent route is shown.

[0047] [Figure 32A] 4 shows an example of a clamping mechanism.

[0048] [Figure 32B] 1 illustrates an exemplary handle of a clamping mechanism.

[0049] [Diagram 33] 1 illustrates an exemplary solenoid latch for a clamping mechanism.

[0050] [Diagram 34] 1 shows examples of covers and doors for tabletop equipment.

[0051] [Diagram 35] 1 shows an example of a door that provides access to the internal components and circuitry of a tabletop device.

[0052] [Diagram 36] 1 shows an example of a front handle and a read handle for a tabletop device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent, various embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the embodiments and features in the embodiments in this specification can be combined with each other.

[0054] In this specification, section headings are used to enhance the readability of the description and do not in any way limit the discussion or embodiments to only the respective section.

[0055] Biological tissue samples are collected from patients for microscopic and molecular diagnostic analysis for clinical, diagnostic and research applications. These samples are collected in a variety of laboratories, clinics, and other healthcare or medical research settings. For example, cells / tissues may be collected from patients using collection devices such as biopsy brushes, swabs, or cutting tools. However, there remains a need to improve laboratory practices, for example, by reducing cross-contamination, while ultimately providing better patient care.

[0056] Subsequent histological or cytological analysis of these cell samples is highly dependent on the quality of the prepared specimen. Inadequate preparation of the specimen can result in inaccurate data, leading to errors in the interpretation of results and misdiagnosis. In addition, complex and non-automated systems lead to backlogs, delayed diagnoses, unintended types of artifacts due to the complexity of the procedure, and unacceptable time-to-time variability. There remains a need to develop a simplified and reliable system for obtaining rapid and accurate results using a low-cost system to reduce and / or eliminate these unintended artifacts and provide high quality results.

[0057] Embodiments of the disclosed technology describe benchtop instruments and consumables for sample deposition and staining that address the problems discussed above. In some embodiments, consumable components for preparing collected cell samples, dispersing the sample evenly onto the specimen slide, and preventing unintended dispersion and cross-contamination of the aerosolized sample are described in Sections 1-3, and Section 4 describes a benchtop instrument that is a self-contained device configured to perform sample spray deposition (using the consumables discussed above) and substrate staining, as well as on-board waste management, to prepare and stain substrates for pathological assessment.

[0058] 1. Exemplary Sample Entry Port (SIP) Consumables

[0059] In some embodiments, the specimen entry port (SIP) consumable is composed of three injection molded polycarbonate parts: a body and two nozzles. The SIP consumable has an inlet into which the user can inject the sample directly from a needle or a mixture of sample and buffer from a pipette or custom vial. The two spray nozzles of the SIP consumable allow the sample to exit the consumable for deposition onto two slides (e.g., cytology slides). The SIP consumable advantageously allows the sample to be deposited onto two slides in a substantially similar manner. For example, the sample may be cellular material and deposited onto the slide (or substrate) as a monolayer with no overlapping cells.

[0060] Figures 1A and 1B show various views and features of an exemplary SIP consumable. As shown in Figure 1A, the SIP consumable includes a sample well (101A), a spray nozzle (102A), a moat (103A), a sorting spike (104A), a thumb guard (105A), and a grip tab (106A). A snap feature (107B) is shown in Figure 1B.

[0061] 1.1 Sample well

[0062] FIG. 1C shows a cross-section of the sample well of the exemplary SIP consumable shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. The sample well (101C) is designed to keep the sample centered and evenly distributed when twin bursts of air over the nozzle tip (103C) create a Venturi effect. This is achieved by taking advantage of the tendency of liquids to move into the smallest space. The design of the sample well (101C) ensures even distribution of the sample within the well, as uneven distribution of the sample within the well can result in uneven deposition on the slide. A pair of capillary nozzles draws fluid from the well body, but a "capillary stop" (102C) at the outer end prevents the fluid from moving further (104C).

[0063] The detail in the top right of Figure 1C shows an example of a capillary stop. In one example, the capillary nozzle was designed to be 0.7 mm and the capillary stop was increased in diameter to 0.9 mm. These specific values ​​were optimized through testing and found to be important to the performance of the SIP consumable and therefore the sample deposition operation.

[0064] In some embodiments, the size of the sample well (101A) is selected to allow a monolayer size to be deposited on the slide (or substrate). In addition, the size has been optimized through testing to allow standardization to be achieved regarding the amount of sample required for the sample deposition and staining method in cytopathology procedures. In one example, the sample well of the SIP consumable is designed to hold 20 μL to 30 μL of liquid.

[0065] 1.2 Spray nozzle

[0066] The sample well of the SIP consumable is shown in various views in Figure ID. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure ID, the spray nozzle features reference surfaces (103D, 104D, 105D) for precisely positioning the nozzle tip relative to the air nozzle, a clip (102D) for fastening the piece on the SIP body during assembly, and a hard stop (101D) to prevent over-rotation during assembly.

[0067] In some embodiments, the spray nozzle shown in FIG. 1D is designed so that the same parts can be used on both sides of the SIP consumable.

[0068] In some embodiments, the interior channel of the spray nozzle is tapered to accommodate tooling. The tapered nozzle tip advantageously minimizes turbulence from the air pulse in the immediate vicinity of the spray nozzle. This allows for simple tooling for manufacturing and has been found during testing to result in a uniform distribution of cells on the slide when compared to other designs.

[0069] 1.3 Moat

[0070] Returning to Figure 1A, the sample well (101A) of the SIP consumable is surrounded by a larger cavity or moat (103A). In some embodiments, the moat serves the following purposes:

[0071] - Catches any overflow if the user dispenses more sample from the needle than the sample well can accommodate.

[0072] -Catch any splashes from the needle during dispensing.

[0073] - Acting as a mixing vessel, allowing the user to use a pipette to pre-mix the sample with a buffer (e.g. to reduce the viscosity of the sample) before depositing the sample in the well.

[0074] 1.4 Sorting spikes

[0075] The SIP consumable includes sorting spikes (104A) located above the sample wells (101A), which can be used to catch blood clots or debris in the sample prior to deposition in the sample well. The presence of any type of debris in the sample well typically results in an uneven distribution of cells on the slide, thus the built-in sorting spikes advantageously allow a separate pre-treatment step to remove the debris (possibly using other components in conventional procedures) to be avoided. The sorting spikes may be different in number and arranged differently than the example shown in FIG. 1A. For example, there may be 2-6 spikes fixed to the SIP consumable in either a linear, circular or polygonal configuration to allow blood clots and debris to be cleared from the sample deposited in the sample well, thereby preventing clogging of the spray nozzle.

[0076] 1.5 Thumb guard

[0077] The thumb guard (105A) provides a barrier between the user's thumb and the needle if the user chooses to dispense into the SIP while holding the SIP, and also cooperates with the benchtop instrument's cassette (see Section 4.2) to create a barrier to prevent leakage of the aerosolized sample out the front of the benchtop instrument.

[0078] 1.6 Grip tabs

[0079] The gripping tab (106A) is used to hold the SIP consumable for insertion into and removal from the benchtop equipment, and also allows a label with patient and procedure information to be affixed thereto.

[0080] 1.7 Snap Features

[0081] The snap feature (107A) shown in Figure IB allows the grip tab (106A) to be detached from the body of the SIP consumable. This reduces the size of the contaminated portion of the component and allows it to be attached in a specimen container (e.g., a CytoLyt jar) for storage of the remaining sample, which may then be transported to a laboratory. Figure 2 shows the remaining portion of the body of the SIP consumable after the grip tab has been broken off using the snap feature.

[0082] 2 Exemplary SIP Stands

[0083] In some embodiments, the SIP stand (301) shown in Figures 3A and 3B holds the SIP consumables (304) for loading samples into the sample wells. Its position on the specimen container (303) allows any overflow to be caught and allows easy transfer of excess biological material from the needle into the specimen container. By holding the SIP consumables stable, it makes it easier for the user to deposit the sample in the correct location and reduces the chance of needle sticks. The separate armrest (302) allows the operator to find the configuration that works best for him or her. The two parts of the SIP stand (SIP stand 301 and armrest 302) may include magnets that hold the two parts together in a storage configuration (305), as shown in Figure 3C.

[0084] 3. Exemplary Food Consumables

[0085] The hood consumables, examples of which are shown in Figures 4A and 4B, contain the aerosolized sample and provide a barrier to retain reagents on the slide during the staining protocol. The described embodiment of the benchtop instrument is configured to use two hood consumables when a "deposit and stain" protocol is being performed and one hood consumable when a "stain only" protocol is being used.

[0086] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the hood consumable includes a hood grip tab (401), a collar (402), a clamping face (403), an insertion hard stop (404), a reagent port (405), a seal (406), and a detent slot (407), and is characterized by a clamp height (408) and an evacuation port height (409).

[0087] 3.1 Food consumables grip tab

[0088] The hood grip tabs (401) are for holding the hood for insertion and removal from the tabletop appliance.

[0089] 3.2 Color

[0090] In some embodiments, the collar (402) serves the following purposes:

[0091] - Shield the parts of the tabletop equipment in the immediate vicinity of the spray and air nozzles to prevent contamination by the sample.

[0092] - Creating a tight path to prevent leakage of the aerosolized sample around the top of the hood.

[0093] The size of the collar is optimized through testing to ensure that it is not too small so as to adversely affect air atomization, nor too large so as to make positioning of the hood difficult on a tabletop appliance.

[0094] 3.3 Clamping Surface

[0095] An evenly distributed downward force applied to the clamping surface (403) by the benchtop instrument cassette (see section 4.2) is transmitted through the hood body, pressing the sealing (406) surface firmly against the slide.

[0096] 3.4 Insertion Hard Stop

[0097] An insertion hard stop (404) positions the hood longitudinally to ensure that the reagent ports (405) are aligned with the reagent nozzles and exhaust ports of the benchtop instrument.

[0098] 3.5 Reagent Ports

[0099] Reagent ports (405) mate with reagent nozzles and exhaust ports of the benchtop instrument to allow reagents and wash fluids to be added to and removed from the right slide for staining.

[0100] 3.6 Sealing

[0101] The seal (406) is a thin, flat surface that, when clamped against the slides by the benchtop instrument, prevents leakage of aerosolized sample from either slide, as well as reagents and washes from the left slide and aerosolized ethanol from the right slide.

[0102] 3.7 Detent Slots

[0103] The detent slots (407) engage with ball detents on the tabletop equipment to provide tactile feedback to the user that the hood is inserted in the correct position. In some embodiments, only the left detent slot is used for both the left and right hoods. In other embodiments, both detent slots are used to ensure the hood is correctly positioned.

[0104] 3.8 Clamp Height

[0105] The clamp height (408) is a critical design dimension: since the slide bed is spring loaded (to accommodate slides of various thicknesses while achieving a constant clamping force), the height of the top surface of the slide is set by the clamp height.

[0106] 3.9 Discharge Port Height

[0107] The ejection port height (409) is a critical design dimension. The effectiveness of the ejection port depends on its distance from the slide. In one example, the ejection port is the same needle that adds reagents through the reagent port (405). If the distance between the ejection port and the slide is too large, excess reagents may not be completely removed, resulting in a less than optimal slide sample.

[0108] 4. Example Tabletop Devices

[0109] Figure 5 shows an exterior view of an exemplary benchtop instrument, and Figure 6 shows an open side view of the benchtop instrument. As shown in Figure 6, the benchtop instrument includes a slide processing module and a clamping module at the front of the instrument, and an auxiliary system module at the rear that forms the main body of the device. The slide processing module accepts consumables (hoods and slides) and SIP consumables from the user and also includes the user interface. The auxiliary system module includes electronics, a pneumatic system, and reagent pumps and bottles.

[0110] 4.1 Auxiliary Systems

[0111] The auxiliary system shown in Figures 7A and 7B includes a housing (701), a pneumatic system (702), a peristaltic pump (703), a bottle (704), a drip tray (705), electronic circuitry (706), and a power inlet (707).

[0112] 4.1.1 Housing

[0113] The housing (701) provides the structural framework for the tabletop appliance and is shown in Figure 8. As shown therein, the housing includes the following components:

[0114] - The base plate (801), machined from 6mm aluminium plate, which gives rigidity to the housing.

[0115] - A housing backplate (802), which separates the reagent bottles, tubing and pumps from the electronics and pneumatic system and provides mounting points for the various components of the system. As shown in Figure 9, the housing backplate separates the fluid side (fluidic system and bottles) from the dry side (electronics and pneumatic subassemblies).

[0116] - A removable holder, the crate (803), for reagents, buffers and / or fixatives. In one example, the crate is designed to hold 250 ml bottles for the three reagents used in the staining protocol, and two 15 ml vials of buffer and ethanol fixative for the left side.

[0117] - Back plate (804), machined from 1.6 mm steel.

[0118] - A false wall (805) that provides a barrier between the reagent bottle and its pump and tubing. Figures 10A and 10B show an example of a false wall (1001) that covers most of the tubing, giving the bottle cavity a neat appearance and allowing it to be easily wiped down.

[0119] - A bottle shelf (806) in which bottles of various sizes are arranged in a staggered manner so that their tops are flush with one another and configured to direct leakage into a drip tray below.

[0120] - A tube holder (807) that provides a hook to hold the bottle connector when disconnected. In some embodiments, the position of the tube holder prevents the door from being closed during use and acts as a reminder to the user to reconnect the bottle.

[0121] 4.1.2 Pneumatic system

[0122] The pneumatic system (702) shown in Figures 11A-11C is used in the benchtop equipment for spray deposition. Figure 11A shows the configuration and location of an exemplary pneumatic system in the benchtop equipment. In some embodiments, the pneumatic system is pressurized only immediately prior to spray deposition and vented immediately after. In one example, all fittings and tubing are rated at 1 MPa (145.0 psi) and the air pump can achieve a maximum pressure of 0.55 MPa (79.8 psi). Additionally, all tubing and fittings upstream of the accumulator are sized to 6 mm to fit the air pump outlet and all downstream are sized to 4 mm.

[0123] Figure 11B shows a drawing of the components of the pneumatic system, and Figure 11C shows the actual components used therein. As shown in Figure 11B, the pneumatic system includes:

[0124] The air pump (1101), which is a brushless air pump (1101) with a maximum pressure of -550 kPa (79.8 psi) and a flow rate of 2.7 L / min (atmospheric pressure).

[0125] - A check valve (1102) to prevent air from flowing back from the accumulator towards the pump. In some embodiments, the check valve has tubing with an outer diameter of 6 mm and a maximum pressure of 1 MPa (145.0 psi).

[0126] - Accumulator (1103), a stainless steel tank containing a rubber bladder filled with compressed gas. In some embodiments, the accumulator is 6 cubic inches with 1 / 8 NPT ports and SMC fittings (e.g. 1x6mm OD tubing, 1x4mm OD tubing). The volume of the accumulator has been optimized to provide consistent pressure during the air pulse while minimizing the footprint.

[0127] - A pressure sensor (1104) that measures 0 to 1 MPa (145.0 psi), has an analog output of 0 to 5 V, and a 4 mm OD tube connection interface.

[0128] - A normally open valve (1105) that ensures that the accumulator vents when the system is not powered, eliminating the need for maintenance and transportation of the pressurized system.

[0129] A silencer (1106) (or pneumatic muffler) to reduce noise levels and reduce unwanted emissions of pollutants from pneumatic equipment.

[0130] 4.1.3 Peristaltic pumps

[0131] A peristaltic pump (703) delivers reagents and water for the staining protocol to the right of the benchtop instrument and removes waste. In some embodiments, five peristaltic pumps are used to deliver reagents and water for the Romanowsky staining protocol and remove waste. In some embodiments, the peristaltic pumps are driven by brushed DC motors, controlled by software, and configured to operate in either direction.

[0132] 4.1.4 Bottles

[0133] The bottles are used to contain reagents, fixatives, water, etc. In some embodiments, the capacity of the bottles is configured based on the expected daily throughput of slides in the cytopathology department.

[0134] In one example, 120 pairs of slides are envisioned in a benchtop instrument, and bottle volumes are specified such that the water and waste bottles need to be changed once midway through the day, and the reagents (methanol, ethanol fixative, and stain) and buffers last the entire day. In this example, the volumes of the bottles used are as follows:

[0135] -Methanol, dye 1, dye 2: 250ml each;

[0136] -Water, 500ml;

[0137] - waste liquid, 1000 ml;

[0138] - 15 ml of buffer solution (e.g. PBS); and

[0139] - Fixative (e.g. CytoFix), 15ml.

[0140] In some embodiments, the 250 ml, 500 ml and 1000 ml bottles are HDPE for compatibility with reagents and use anti-drip fittings to prevent spillage.

[0141] In some embodiments, the buffer and ethanol fixative are contained in a 15 ml conical polypropylene tube.

[0142] 4.1.5 Drip Tray

[0143] The drip tray (705) is shown in Figure 12. As shown there, the drip tray directs liquid from the bottle shelf (1202) and slide processing overflow port (1203) into the drip tray (1201) which can be removed and emptied by the user as needed. By way of example, the drip tray is made from 1.6 mm stainless steel.

[0144] 4.1.6 Electronic circuit

[0145] In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry (706) operates from a 24V DC power supply and includes (i) a first printed circuit board circuit assembly (PCBA) for the user interface (see Section 4.8), including a capacitive touch pad and light emitting diodes (LEDs), and (ii) a second PCBA that contains all other circuitry required by the software to control the pumps, valves, heaters, and receive input from the system's sensors.

[0146] 4.1.7 Power Inlet

[0147] In some embodiments, the tabletop appliance is powered by a 24V DC power source. In some embodiments, the tabletop appliance may be configured with a hard power switch next to the power inlet (707) on the back that is configured to connect to a power LED on a user interface on the front of the tabletop appliance.

[0148] 4.2 Slide processing

[0149] 13A and 13B show an example of a slide processing mechanism for a benchtop instrument. As shown therein, the slide processing mechanism includes a SIP consumable dock (1301), a SIP consumable (1302), a cassette (1303), a hood consumable (1304), a slide bed (1305), an ethanol fixative system (1306), a septum (1307), an air spray valve (1308), a buffer system (1309), slides (1310), an air curtain (1311), and a reagent manifold assembly (1312).

[0150] 4.2.1 SIP Dock

[0151] The SIP dock shown in Figures 14A-14C (in addition to orientation details) positions (or installs) the SIP in a benchtop instrument such that the air nozzles (1402) and spray nozzles (1403) are aligned. The alignment between the air nozzles and the spray nozzles is important because it affects the strength of the Venturi effect at each spray nozzle, which in turn determines the overall volume of sample sprayed and the uniformity of the distribution of the sample between the two slides (e.g., achieving a monolayer of cells). As shown therein, the SIP dock includes the SIP manifold (1401), air nozzles (1402), SIP nozzles (1403), SIP lateral springs (1404), SIP datums (1405), and the SIP bed (1406).

[0152] - The air nozzle (1402) is shown in Figure 15. As can be seen, the tip of the air nozzle is located 1.7mm from the centre of the tip of the SIP nozzle and is at an angle of 9.5° to the vertical. A line drawn to follow this trajectory would land off-centre on the slide (1501), but testing has shown that the spray will "curve" around the tip of the spray nozzle, resulting in a centred spray from this geometry.

[0153] - The SIP side spring (1404) shown in FIG. 16A provides a force (shown as "F" in FIG. 16A) to (i) clamp the SIP nozzle against the SIP body to minimize leakage at point "A" in FIG. 16A, and (ii) press the left SIP side datum against its hard stop to accurately position the tip of the SIP nozzle under the air nozzle.

[0154] - The operation of a SIP switch is illustrated in Figures 16B and 16C. As shown there, the insertion of a SIP moves a switch rod (1601) which activates a SIP switch (1602). This switch allows the software to determine if a SIP is present and provide feedback to the user if necessary.

[0155] - The SIP manifold (1401) shown in Figure 17 performs several functions. It not only accurately positions the SIPs relative to the air nozzles using the reference features and springs described above, but also directs the air supply from the spray valves (1701) to the main air nozzles (1702) and the air curtain cavity (1703). Plugs are used at either end of the air supply T-section (1704) to allow the air paths to be split, while still being machined from a single piece of material.

[0156] 4.2.2 Cassettes

[0157] The removable cassette (1303) shown in Figures 18A-18D allows access to critical parts of the instrument for cleaning (1801) and includes several features for locating SIP and food consumables within the instrument.

[0158] In some embodiments, the cassette is replaced with a priming tray (not shown) that catches excess liquid when a priming protocol is being performed. As shown in Figures 18A-18D, the cassette includes the following components:

[0159] - The SIP port (1802) is the hole through which the SIP is inserted and is smaller than the thumb guard so that the SIP cannot be inserted backwards or upside down. The contaminated portions of the SIP (the moat and well areas) do not come into contact with the cassette or SIP manifold during insertion or operation. When the SIP is inserted, the curved surface surrounding the port combines with the thumb guard of the SIP to create a painful path that prevents the aerosolized sample from escaping.

[0160] - The SIP bed (1803) serves two functions: (i) to provide a tactile click to indicate to the user when the SIP is fully inserted, and (ii) to provide force to the underside of the SIP nozzle to press its front and top positioning features firmly into their reciprocal surfaces on the SIP manifold.

[0161] - Cassette rails (1804) which allow the cassette to be pushed into the instrument by the user and which hold the cassette in place during operation.

[0162] - A cassette magnet (1805) which holds the cassette securely in place within the device.

[0163] - Hood ball detent (1806) that prevents the hood from being removed when the SIP consumable is inserted into the SIP port.

[0164] 4.2.3 Slide bed

[0165] The benchtop instrument has two slide beds that hold two slides for the "deposit and stain" process or a single slide (on the right side) for the "stain only" protocol. The beds precisely position the slides under the spray and reagent nozzles, provide an upward spring force to ensure sealing of the hood consumables on top of the slides, and the right bed has a heater to reduce slide drying time.

[0166] In some embodiments, the slide is inserted and easily positioned by hand.

[0167] After the sample is divided and evenly sprayed onto the two slides, the slide on the right is dried, fixed, stained and washed with water, while the slide on the left is wet fixed. The slide bed shown in Figures 19A and 19B includes the following components:

[0168] - The slide beds (1901) made of machined aluminum are shown in figure 20A. Each slide bed is made in two parts to allow it to be captured and held by the housing plate (2001A).

[0169] - The slide switch (1902) provides an electronic interlock with the air atomizing valve and the reagent pump to prevent leakage of the aerosolized sample and spillage of reagents caused by the absence of a slide. The switch also sends a signal to the software, allowing it to perform checks and provide feedback to the user.

[0170] As shown in Fig. 20B, the slide switch (2002B) is actuated by a lever (2003B) that includes a spring plunger (2001B). The plunger extends the range of travel over which the slide switch can be actuated, allowing a variety of slide lengths to be detected. The lever geometry reduces the chance of the slide being inserted incorrectly, limiting the chance of damage during clamping.

[0171] -Slide (1903) conforms to ISO 8037 / 1-1986 specifications.

number

[0172] - An overflow drain (1904) directs liquid to a spill tray below the reagent bottles in the event of a leak in the slide processing area.

[0173] - The slide bed springs (1905) are shown in Figure 21. As shown there, two springs (2102, 2103) underneath each slide bed (2101) serve two functions: (i) to provide an even clamping force between the hood consumable seal and the slide surface to prevent leakage of aerosolized samples and reagents, and (ii) to allow the instrument to accommodate a variety of slide thicknesses.

[0174] In some embodiments, the left slide bed has a lighter spring force since it only needs to seal against the aerosolized sample. This is provided by two spring plungers, one in the front and one in the back, located in the center. The right slide bed requires more force to seal against the reagents pumped onto the slide during staining, and has two ball detents located diagonally opposite each other. Their position is constrained by a heater mat, which is also located under the slide bed.

[0175] - Heater (1906) is adjacent to the right slide bed, which is heated to dry the slides prior to fixing and staining. The heater is a custom heater mat assembly that includes (i) a 20W (@24VDC) heater mat, (ii) twin thermistors that provide feedback to the temperature control system, and (iii) potted wiring. The assembly is affixed to the bottom of the slide bed with epoxy.

[0176] 4.2.4 Ethanol fixation system

[0177] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 22, the fixative spray system is comprised of a 15ml reservoir of ethanol-based fixative (e.g., CytoFix), a radio frequency dispense pump (2201), and a custom brass insert with aerosolization features (2203) that is attached to the SIP manifold and fed by a passage therein (shown in the right-hand diagram). The ethanol fixative system includes the ethanol pump (2201), inlet fitting (2202, shown in Figure 23), and the ethanol spray insert (2203).

[0178] - The ethanol spray insert (2203) includes a brass fitting that includes features to aerosolize a small amount (approximately 400 μL) of ethanol delivered through the SIP manifold. In some embodiments, it sits against the ethanol delivery hole in the SIP manifold via a countersunk screw hole.

[0179] As shown in Figures 24A and 24B, ethanol enters at (2401), passes along a 0.5 mm wide passageway to a vortex feature (2402) and exits through a 0.3 mm nozzle. A cutout feature (2404) allows the nozzle length to be kept short (0.24 mm) with a gap around the exit, allowing the spray to fan outward.

[0180] 4.2.5 Bulkhead

[0181] In some embodiments, the septum (1307) is machined from 6 mm aluminum plate for strength and rigidity. In one example, it is secured by a mounting bracket to the base plate at a 4° angle to the vertical to facilitate drainage of reagents and water into the right-hand cleanout port.

[0182] 4.2.6 Air atomizing valve

[0183] In some embodiments, the air atomizing valve (1308) is closed until it receives a 24V DC signal from the software controlled electronic circuitry. The benchtop device is designed to deliver atomizing bursts of 30ms to 100ms in length.

[0184] 4.2.7 Buffer systems

[0185] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 25, the buffer system consists of a 15ml reservoir of PBS buffer, a microdispensing pump (2501) and a buffer nozzle (2502). A hole in the SIP manifold supplies the buffer to the pump and transfers liquid from its outlet to the nozzle. The fluid path from the pump to the nozzle uses a plug to allow machining from a single part. The buffer system includes:

[0186] - A buffer pump (2501) that deposits 10 μL of sample into the SIP well via the buffer nozzle prior to spraying the sample onto the slide. As an example, the buffer pump is calibrated to 10 μL during manufacturing.

[0187] - The buffer nozzle (2502) is located above the sample will in FIG.

[0188] 4.2.8 Air curtains

[0189] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 27A and 27B, a brass insert on the outside of the air nozzle (2701) creates an air "curtain" that prevents the sample spray (2704) from landing on the collar of the hood consumable (1311), increasing the yield of the sample on the slide. In one example, each insert contains five holes (2702) that are 0.6 mm in diameter and 2.2 mm long. These diameters were set to achieve a nominal SIP vacuum of 7 kPa with a supply pressure of 35 psi. The air curtain holes are fed from the chamber on the sealed side of the insert (2703) and from the same side on the SIP manifold.

[0190] 4.2.9 Reagent Manifold Assembly

[0191] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 28A and 28B, the reagent manifold assembly (1312) includes the reagent manifold itself, which supplies reagents to and drains reagents from the right slide, as well as the priming tray switch, hood switch rod and switch, and SIP switch.

[0192] - The priming tray switch (2801) tells the software whether the priming tray is in place or not to avoid running the priming protocol when the priming tray is not present.

[0193] - Hood switch (2802), shown in Figures 29A and 29B, includes one rod (2901) per hood that engages the switch when the hood is inserted into the instrument, a hood switch actuator (2902) that depresses a pair of microswitches for a given hood, and two microswitches (2903) for redundancy that provide an electronic interlock with the air atomizing valves and reagent pumps to prevent leakage of aerosolized samples and spillage of reagents caused by the absence of a hood. The switches also send signals to the software, allowing it to perform checks and provide feedback to the user.

[0194] - The cleanout port (2803) shown in Figures 30A-30C drains reagents and water from the right-hand slide. The septum, and therefore the slide, is at a 4° angle to the horizontal, which means that fluids flow towards the cleanout port.

[0195] The hood consumable (3001) is inserted when the instrument is in an unclamped state and stops when its positioning feature (3002) hits a hard stop surface on the reagent manifold (3003) (assisted by a detent feature).

[0196] When the instrument is clamped by the user, the cleaning feature (3004) and reagent nozzle (3007) fit into holes in the hood. The circular face of the cleaning port (3005) is located 0.5 mm above the surface of the slide. When the liquid in this gap is emptied by the exhaust peristaltic pump through the exhaust hole (3006), the adjacent liquid flows in and takes its place due to the capillary effect. The circular shape of this flat surface allows for even exhaustion from all sides, maximizing the liquid removed from the slide.

[0197] - The reagent paths (2804) are shown in Figures 31A and 31B. Reagents enter the manifold through tubing from peristaltic pumps. The path for methanol and red stain in the manifold is shared due to limited space and being the most compatible combination of the four liquids. Methanol and the two stains exit the manifold through nozzles, while the water exit port is designed to run water through a cleaning feature between dispenses to remove stain splashes and enhance final cleanliness of the slides.

[0198] 4.3 Clamping

[0199] 32A shows the components of an exemplary clamp mechanism used in a tabletop instrument, including a handle (3201), a sliding bed (3202), a solenoid latch (3203), a clamp interlock with two microswitches (3204), and a snubber (3205). The operation of the clamp mechanism will be described first, and then details of certain components will be discussed.

[0200] In some embodiments, a handle (3201) connected to the slide bed (3202) is pushed downwards by a user moving the slide bed (3202) upward along its linear rails via a solenoid latch (3203) connection. As the slide rises it pushes the hood up against the underside of the cassette, which then compresses the slide bed spring and seals against the slide when it reaches the clamping surface. The solenoid latch (3203) clamps and locks the mechanism in place until the solenoid is activated by software controlled electronics, at which time the slide bed slowly descends, slowed by a rotary shock absorber engaging the teeth of a vertical rack.

[0201] When the mechanism is in the clamped position, two micro switches in the clamp interlock (3204) are activated. These provide an electronic interlock with the air atomizing valve and the reagent pumps to prevent leakage of aerosolized samples and spillage of reagents caused by running the instrument in an unclamped state. The switches also send a signal to the software, allowing it to perform checks and provide feedback to the user. Two switches are used for redundancy.

[0202] 4.3.1 Handles

[0203] An example of a handle (3201) is shown on the surface of the tabletop device in Figure 32B. It may be made from anodized aluminum and may be configured to run vertically on a straight rail.

[0204] 4.3.2 Solenoid Latch

[0205] In some embodiments, a solenoid latch (3203), shown in detail in Figure 33, holds the clamp assembly closed until a solenoid (3302) is activated by software. The height of the latch (3301) is calibrated during the manufacturing process to fix the clamping force of the hood consumable against the slide.

[0206] 4.3.3 Buffer

[0207] In some embodiments, the dampener (3205) slows down the opening of the clamping mechanism under gravity when the latch releases the clamping mechanism.

[0208] 4.3.4 Clamp interlock

[0209] In some embodiments, the clamp interlock (3204) includes two microswitches (for redundancy) to ensure that the spray and stain valves and pumps do not operate unless the clamp mechanism is engaged to prevent spillage of reagents and leakage of aerosolized sample.

[0210] 4.4 Cover

[0211] An example of a cover for a tabletop appliance is shown in Figure 34. As shown therein, the portion that covers the internal components and circuitry includes a side panel (3401) and a door (3402) on one side of the tabletop appliance, another side panel (3403) on the other side of the tabletop appliance, and a front cover (3404).

[0212] In some embodiments, the front cover is made from vacuum cast plastic and the side covers and doors are made using sheet metal (e.g. 1.6mm steel). In other embodiments, different combinations of plastic and sheet metal may be used to design the covers and doors of the tabletop appliance.

[0213] 4.5 Doors

[0214] The benchtop equipment includes a door that allows an operator and / or technician to access the internal components and circuitry of the equipment. In some embodiments, a friction hinge (3501) may be used to ensure that the door can be opened to any position without risk of falling shut, as shown in FIG.

[0215] In some embodiments, dual microswitches (3502) are activated when the door is in the closed position, as shown in Figure 35B. These provide an electronic interlock for the reagent pumps to ensure that the reagent tubing only breaks under pressure with the door closed, protecting the user and the operating environment from the reagents. The switches also send a signal to the software, allowing the software to perform checks and provide feedback to the user. Two switches are used for redundancy.

[0216] 4.6 Handle

[0217] The tabletop device includes a front handle and a rear handle. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 36A and 36B, the rear handle (3601) is located high on the rear plate to maximize stability when lifting the tabletop device, and the front handle (3602) is integrated into the front plate. In one example, the rear handle may be an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part and the front handle may be a custom designed part. In other examples, both the front and rear handles may be OEM parts or both may be custom designed.

[0218] 4.7 Foot

[0219] In some embodiments, the benchtop instrument has four non-skid feet that are chemically compatible with the reagents used.

[0220] 4.8 User Interface

[0221] In some embodiments, the user interface is integrated into the faceplate and includes four capacitive touch buttons and several status LEDs.

[0222] 5. Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed technology

[0223] The described embodiments provide a mobile, dedicated system for performing rapid, on-site evaluation of biological samples. The benefits include, among others, determining the adequacy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, the ability to triage specimens, reducing procedure length, helping guide and prescribe biopsies in real time, and overall assisting the performing clinician in managing patient treatment at the point of care. In particular, the problem solved by the disclosed technology is the inability to consistently generate a monolayer of cells on a substrate in a timely manner at the point of care.

[0224] Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide the following technical solutions in some aspects: 1. An apparatus for depositing and staining cell samples, comprising: a slide processing module positioned at an upper front portion of the apparatus, a specimen entry port (SIP) dock (see, e.g., Section 4.2.1) configured to receive a SIP consumable (see, e.g., Section 1) containing a cell sample and to position the SIP consumable such that a spray nozzle of the SIP consumable and an air nozzle of the slide processing module are aligned prior to a deposition operation; a slide processing module comprising a user interface (see, e.g., Section 4.8) configured to receive input from a user configuring deposition and staining operations; a clamping module (see e.g., Section 4.3) positioned at the lower front of the apparatus, a handle (see, e.g., Section 4.3.1) configured to be pushed downwardly to raise the slide bed along the linear rail such that at least one slide on the slide bed is covered by a hood consumable that seals tightly against the slide bed; a clamping module comprising a solenoid latch (see, e.g., Section 4.3.2) configured to lock the slide bed until the attachment operation is complete; an auxiliary system module (see, e.g., Section 4.1) positioned at the rear of the device; a housing (see, e.g., Section 4.1.1) including a removable storage container configured to hold a plurality of reagent bottles, a buffer bottle, and an ethanol-based fixative bottle; An apparatus comprising: an auxiliary system module comprising an electronics subsystem (see, e.g., Section 4.1.6) configured to execute pre-programmed protocols for deposition and staining operations based on input from a user. 2. The housing is The device of solution 1 further comprises a tube holder configured to hold at least one connector of the plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors being coupled to a corresponding bottle in the removable storage container, and at least one connector being detached from the corresponding bottle. 3. The apparatus of solution 1, further comprising a drip tray (see, e.g., Section 4.1.5), wherein the housing is configured such that liquid from the overflow ports of the slide processing module and the removable storage container is directed to the drip tray. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slide processing module further comprises a heating element. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the air nozzle dispenses the gaseous material at a first pressure of about 1 psi to about 30 psi. 6. The apparatus of solution 5, wherein the slide processing module further comprises an insert on the exterior of the air nozzle, the insert including a plurality of round holes through which air is forced at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. 7. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid sample (see, for example, paragraph 1), comprising: an inlet port (see, e.g., Section 1.1) configured to receive a sample material; a moat (e.g., Section 1.3) surrounding the inlet port and configured to receive any overflow sample material; an apparatus comprising: a first sample nozzle and a second sample nozzle (e.g., Section 1.2) fluidly coupled to an inlet port for discharging sample material, wherein a tubular junction fluidly couples the inlet port to a first tubular fluid path terminating in the first sample nozzle and a second tubular fluid path terminating in the second sample nozzle, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular junction being smaller than an average cross-sectional area of ​​the first tubular fluid path and the second tubular fluid path, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular junction being selected to draw sample material from the inlet port into the tubular junction via capillary action. 8. The apparatus of solution 7, wherein the moat is further configured to allow the sample material to mix with a buffer prior to deposition at the inlet port. 9. The device of solution 2, wherein the buffer comprises a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. In some embodiments, the PBS solution comprises a protein (e.g., albumin or heparin). In other embodiments, the PBS solution is Dulbecco's PBS solution. In yet other embodiments, the Dulbecco's PBS solution comprises other proteins (e.g., albumin, heparin, etc.). 10. The device of solution 7, wherein the first sample nozzle is positioned between the first gas nozzle and the first target, and when the first gas nozzle is activated to emit gas toward the first sample nozzle, the first sample nozzle emits sample material toward the first target. 11. The device of solution 7, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first tubular fluid path is uniform over its length. 12. The apparatus of solution 7, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first tubular fluid path increases from the tubular junction to a midpoint of the first tubular path and decreases from the midpoint to the first sample nozzle. 13. The apparatus of solution 7, further comprising a grip portion (see e.g., section 1.5) adjacent the inlet port at an end opposite the first and second sample nozzles. 14. The device of solution 13, wherein the grip portion includes a recess. 15. The device of solution 13, further comprising a snap feature (see e.g., Section 1.6) adjacent the grip portion that enables the grip portion to be removed from the device following completion of the attachment operation. 16. The apparatus of solution 7, wherein the depth and shape of the inlet port are selected to increase the drawing of sample material into the tubular junction. 17. A device for loading a fluid sample (see, for example, section 2), comprising: a sample entry port (SIP) stand configured to hold SIP consumables; a jar positioned adjacent to the SIP stand configured to capture overflow fluid sample material upon loading of the fluid sample into the SIP consumable; An apparatus comprising: an armrest positioned proximate to a SIP stand configured to facilitate loading of a fluid sample. 18. The device of solution 17, wherein the armrest includes a magnet that holds the SIP stand in place in the storage configuration. 19. An apparatus for improving deposition of sample material onto a target in a sample analysis system (see, e.g., section 3), comprising: a body including a top panel, a front panel, a left panel, a right panel, and a rear panel, the top panel including a first opening configured to receive a sample material; a lower panel positioned adjacent to the rear panel, parallel to the upper panel and perpendicular to the rear panel, the lower panel including a second opening for receiving a stain or dye following deposition of the sample material on the target; a bottom rim supporting the body and the lower panel, the bottom rim configured to be secured to the target prior to attachment; wherein a distance between the bottom rim and the top panel is configured to accommodate targets having various thicknesses. 20. The device of solution 19, wherein the first opening is raised above the top panel, and the top panel extends beyond the front panel. 21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the rear panel includes a cutout configured to securely fasten the hood to the sample analysis system. 22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the bottom rim includes a clamp configured to improve sealing between the bottom rim and the target. 23. The device of solution 22, wherein the distance between the bottom rim and the clamp is configured to improve the effectiveness of drainage of the stain or dye.

[0225] The term "cell sample" refers to any biological sample that contains cells. A cell sample can be a tissue sample (e.g., any collection of cells) removed from a subject. A tissue sample can be a collection of interconnected cells that perform similar functions in a living organism. A cell sample can also be any solid or fluid sample obtained from, excreted or secreted by any organism, including, but not limited to, single-cell organisms such as bacteria, yeast, protozoa, and amoebas, multicellular organisms (such as plants or animals, including samples from human subjects who are healthy or believed to be healthy, or human patients suffering from a condition or disease to be diagnosed or investigated, such as cancer). In some embodiments, a cell sample can be mounted on a microscope slide, including, but not limited to, tissue sections, organs, tumor sections, smears, frozen sections, cytological preparations, or cell lines. To obtain the sample, an incisional biopsy, a core biopsy, an excision biopsy, a needle aspiration biopsy (eg, fine needle aspiration (FNA)), a core needle biopsy, a stereotactic biopsy, an open biopsy, or a surgical biopsy may be used.

[0226] The detailed description of the embodiments of the present technology is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments and examples of the present technology have been described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the present technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Also, various embodiments described herein may be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0227] From the foregoing, it will be understood that, although specific embodiments of the present technology have been described herein for purposes of explanation, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the present technology.

[0228] It will also be understood that, although particular embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the technology. Moreover, while advantages associated with particular embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Thus, the present disclosure and related technology may encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for depositing and staining a cell sample, comprising: a slide processing module positioned at an upper front location of the apparatus, comprising: a specimen entry port (SIP) dock configured to receive a SIP consumable containing the cell sample and to position the SIP consumable such that a spray nozzle of the SIP consumable and an air nozzle of the slide processing module are aligned prior to a deposition operation; a user interface configured to receive input from a user configuring the deposition and staining operations; a clamping module positioned at a lower front portion of the apparatus, a handle configured to be pushed downward to raise the slide bed along a linear rail such that at least one slide on the slide bed is covered by a hood consumable that seals tightly against the slide bed; and a clamp module comprising: a solenoid latch configured to lock the slide bed until the attachment operation is completed; an auxiliary system module positioned at the rear of the device, a housing including a removable storage container configured to hold a plurality of reagent bottles, a buffer bottle, and an ethanol-based fixative bottle; and an auxiliary system module comprising an electronics subsystem configured to execute pre-programmed protocols for the deposition and staining operations based on the input from the user.

2. The housing includes:

10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a tube holder configured to hold at least one connector of a plurality of connectors, each of the plurality of connectors being coupled to a corresponding bottle in the removable storage container, and the at least one connector being decoupled from the corresponding bottle.

3. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a drip tray, the housing configured such that liquid from overflow ports of the slide processing module and the removable storage container is directed to the drip tray.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the slide processing module further comprises a heating element.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the air nozzle dispenses the gaseous substance at a first pressure of about 1 psi to about 30 psi.

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the slide processing module further comprises an insert exterior to the air nozzle, the insert including a plurality of round holes through which air is forced at a second pressure greater than the first pressure.

7. 1. An apparatus for dispensing a fluid sample, comprising: an inlet port configured to receive a sample material; a moat surrounding the inlet port and configured to receive any overflow sample material; a first sample nozzle and a second sample nozzle fluidly coupled to the inlet port for discharging the sample material, wherein a tubular junction fluidly couples the inlet port to a first tubular fluid path terminating in the first sample nozzle and a second tubular fluid path terminating in the second sample nozzle, a cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular junction being smaller than an average cross-sectional area of ​​the first tubular fluid path and the second tubular fluid path, the cross-sectional area of ​​the tubular junction being selected to draw the sample material from the inlet port into the tubular junction via capillary action.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the moat is further configured to allow the sample material to be mixed with a buffer solution prior to deposition at the inlet port.

9. The device of claim 8 , wherein the buffer comprises a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution.

10. The device of claim 8 , wherein the buffer comprises a Dulbecco's Phosphate Buffered Saline (DPBS) solution.

11. 11. The device of claim 9 or 10, wherein the buffer further comprises at least one protein.

12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the protein is albumin or heparin.

13. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first sample nozzle is disposed between a first gas nozzle and a first target, and when the first gas nozzle is actuated to emit gas toward the first sample nozzle, the first sample nozzle emits the sample material toward the first target.

14. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first tubular fluid pathway is uniform along its length.

15. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the first tubular fluid path increases from the tubular junction to a midpoint of the first tubular path and decreases from the midpoint to the first sample nozzle.

16. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a grip portion adjacent the inlet port at an end opposite the first and second sample nozzles.

17. The device of claim 16 , wherein the grip portion includes a recess.

18. 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a snap feature adjacent said gripping portion that allows said gripping portion to be removed from said device following completion of an attachment operation.

19. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the depth and shape of the inlet port are selected to increase the drawing of the sample material into the tubular junction.

20. 1. An apparatus for loading a fluid sample, comprising: a sample entry port (SIP) stand configured to hold SIP consumables; a jar positioned adjacent to the SIP stand configured to capture overflow fluid sample material upon loading of the fluid sample into the SIP consumable; an armrest positioned proximate to the SIP stand configured to facilitate the loading of the fluid sample.

21. 21. The device of claim 20, wherein the armrest comprises a magnet to hold the SIP stand in place in a stored configuration.

22. 1. An apparatus for improving deposition of sample material onto a target in a sample analysis system, the apparatus comprising: a body including a top panel, a front panel, a left panel, a right panel, and a rear panel, the top panel including a first opening configured to receive the sample material; a lower panel positioned adjacent to the rear panel, parallel to the upper panel and perpendicular to the rear panel, the lower panel including a second opening for receiving a stain or dye following the deposition of the sample material on the target; a bottom rim supporting the body and the lower panel, the bottom rim configured to adhere to the target prior to the attachment; wherein a distance between the bottom rim and the top panel is configured to accommodate targets having various thicknesses.

23. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first opening is raised above the top panel, the top panel extending beyond the front panel.

24. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein the rear panel includes a cutout configured to securely secure the device to a sample analysis system.

25. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the bottom rim includes a clamp configured to improve a seal between the bottom rim and the target.

26. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein the distance between the bottom rim and the clamp is configured to improve the effectiveness of drainage of the stain or dye.

27. A method for depositing and staining a cell sample using a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 26.

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