SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES - Patent application

Abstract

A system for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder, the system comprising: a light source for emitting substantially monochromatic light toward the sample holder, a light sensor for detecting an amount of light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample, the light sensor configured to output a measurement indicative of the amount of light detected, and a controller coupled to the light sensor and configured to identify the biological sample based on the light sensor output measurement.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder and a method for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder. [Background technology]

[0002] The detection and identification of diseased tissue is of great importance in modern medicine: cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and if tumors could be detected and identified earlier and more easily, countless lives could be saved.

[0003] Cancers are often identified using biopsies, a medical procedure in which a small sample of body tissue is removed from a patient and examined under a microscope. When the tissue sample is examined under a microscope, abnormal cells may be identified, which may help diagnose certain conditions, such as tumors. Problems with these procedures are that they are slow, expensive, and require specially trained medical personnel to examine the tissue and determine if it is diseased.

[0004] The present invention proposes to utilize the differences in absorption spectra between various tissues, and between healthy and malignant tissues, to distinguish tissues and determine whether they are diseased.

[0005] Spectrophotometers exist in the art for measuring the absorption spectrum of a sample over a range of wavelengths, however, these devices are complex, expensive, and do not automatically identify a biological sample and indicate whether it is associated with diseased tissue.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a simple automated system that can accurately and quickly identify biological samples to determine whether they contain diseased tissue. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a system for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder is provided. The system comprises a light source for emitting substantially monochromatic light toward the sample holder and a light sensor for detecting an amount of light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample, the light sensor configured to output a measurement indicative of the amount of detected light. The system further comprises a controller connected to the light sensor and configured to identify the biological sample based on the output measurement of the light sensor.

[0008] Throughout this disclosure, "substantially monochromatic" light refers to light having a peak intensity at a given wavelength and a narrow spectral bandwidth. The spectral bandwidth may be less than 200 nm, preferably less than 100 nm, and more preferably less than 50 nm. "Substantially monochromatic" light may be emitted, for example, by a laser diode or an LED.

[0009] Throughout this disclosure, the term "identifying a biological sample" refers to both identifying a type of tissue, e.g., breast tissue, as well as characterizing a type of tissue as being healthy or diseased, e.g., identifying whether breast tissue is healthy breast tissue or malignant breast tissue.

[0010] In some embodiments, this may result in a system that can automatically identify biological samples in an inexpensive, simple and accurate manner.

[0011] In some embodiments, this may also allow for the automatic determination of diseased tissue in a fast, easy and accurate manner.

[0012] The system may further comprise a light blocking structure for holding the sample holder. The light blocking structure may be configured to block any ambient light from reaching the sample when the light blocking structure holds the sample holder.

[0013] In some embodiments, this may result in more accurate identification of biological samples by reducing ambient light noise in the light measurements.

[0014] The light blocking structure may be opaque. Throughout this disclosure, the term "opaque" means that light in the visible spectrum and / or light in the infrared spectrum is blocked.

[0015] In some embodiments, this may result in further reduction of ambient light noise and more accurate identification of biological samples.

[0016] The light-tight structure may include a cavity for receiving the sample holder. In some embodiments, this may result in further reduction of ambient light noise and more accurate identification of biological samples.

[0017] In some embodiments, this also allows the sample holder to be fixed within a light-tight structure, which may increase the reproducibility and accuracy of results.

[0018] The lumen may have a single opening. The lumen may include a first portion having a wider lumen and a second portion having a narrower lumen.

[0019] The second portion may be disposed distally from the opening of the lumen. In some embodiments, this may allow easier and faster insertion and removal of the sample holder from the light-tight structure.

[0020] The second portion can be configured to engage a side of the sample holder to hold the sample holder in place. In some embodiments, this allows the sample holder to be fixed within a light-tight structure, which may increase the reproducibility and accuracy of results.

[0021] The lumen may have a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, this may allow the use of a standard rectangular cuvette as the sample holder.

[0022] The light source may be configured to emit substantially monochromatic light into the lumen and may be disposed at the opening of the lumen. A light detector may be disposed at the opening of the lumen and may be configured to detect substantially monochromatic light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample in the lumen. In some embodiments, this may result in a simple, robust setup, resulting in repeatability and accuracy of measurements.

[0023] The light-tight structure may further comprise a lid for sealing the opening of the lumen. The lid may seal the light source and / or the lid may seal the light detector so as to prevent ambient light from reaching the sample holder.

[0024] Some or all of the light may be blocked from reaching the sample holder, which in some embodiments may result in further reduction of ambient light noise and more accurate identification of the biological sample.

[0025] The light blocking structure may be a 3D printed structure. In some embodiments, this can result in a simple and inexpensive reduction of ambient light noise.

[0026] The system may include a sample holder. The sample holder may be a cuvette.

[0027] The cuvette may have multiple straight, transparent sides. In some embodiments, this may reduce measurement errors due to refraction, resulting in more accurate identification of biological tissue.

[0028] The light source may comprise an LED. In some embodiments, this may provide a cheap and simple way to emit light with a narrow spectral bandwidth, resulting in more accurate results when identifying biological samples.

[0029] The light source may comprise an infrared LED. In some embodiments, infrared light can result in increased absorption from biological tissue, making it easier to distinguish between different biological samples.

[0030] The light source may comprise a laser diode. The substantially monochromatic light may be laser light. In some embodiments, this may result in a highly monochromatic light source that more accurately identifies the biological sample.

[0031] The light source may comprise a tunable laser. In some embodiments, this allows the wavelength of the emitted light to be varied so that the absorption value of the biological sample can be determined over a range of wavelengths, allowing the biological sample to be more accurately identified.

[0032] The substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a peak intensity at a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 5000 nm.

[0033] Preferably, the substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a peak intensity at a wavelength in the range of 500 nm to 2000 nm.

[0034] More preferably, the substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a peak intensity at a wavelength in the range of 800 nm to 1000 nm.

[0035] In some embodiments, this range of wavelengths may result in enhanced absorption values ​​from biological tissue, making it easier to distinguish between different biological samples.

[0036] The substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a spectral bandwidth of less than 200 nm.

[0037] Preferably, the substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a spectral bandwidth of less than 100 nm.

[0038] More preferably, the substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a spectral bandwidth of less than 50 nm. In some embodiments, this may increase the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurements.

[0039] The photodetector may comprise a photodiode. In some embodiments, this can provide an inexpensive and accurate way to sense the amount of light reflected or transmitted by a biological sample.

[0040] The photodiode may have a maximum sensitivity in the wavelength range of 300 nm to 5000 nm.

[0041] Preferably, the photodiode has a maximum sensitivity in the wavelength range of 500 nm to 2000 nm.

[0042] More preferably, the photodiode may have a maximum sensitivity in the wavelength range of 800 nm to 1000 nm.

[0043] In some embodiments, this allows the maximum sensitivity of the photodiode to coincide with the peak intensity of the light emitter, making the measurement more accurate.

[0044] The light source and the photodetector may be provided in a single integrated circuit package. In some embodiments, this may allow for the use of simple, inexpensive, off-the-shelf sensor packages.

[0045] The system may further include a base support for holding the light source and the light detector. In some embodiments, this may hold the light source and light detector securely in place, increasing the repeatability and accuracy of measurements.

[0046] The controller may be configured to calculate an absorption value based on a ratio of the emitted light to the detected light, and to identify the biological sample based on the absorption value.

[0047] In some embodiments, this provides a simple and accurate way of identifying biological samples.

[0048] The controller may be configured to calculate an absorption value based on the output measurements of the optical sensor.

[0049] The controller may be configured to calculate the absorption value based on a ratio of the measured output of the light sensor to a maximum output of the light sensor.

[0050] The controller may identify the biological tissue from a look-up table of known biological tissues based on the calculated absorption value.

[0051] The controller may be configured to take multiple measurements using the optical sensor and calculate an average absorption value. In some embodiments, this may allow for a more accurate determination of absorption values.

[0052] The system may further comprise a display connectable to the controller for indicating the identified biological sample to a user. In some embodiments, this may enable a user to perform quick and easy identification of a biological sample.

[0053] The controller may be further configured to indicate on an indicator the measurements obtained by the optical sensor. In some embodiments, this may allow the user to check the accuracy of the measurements.

[0054] The system may further include an input device connectable to the display and controller to enable a user to begin taking sample measurements, and / or load previously obtained measurements for analysis, and / or export measurements to various programs, and / or erase measurements.

[0055] In some embodiments, this may provide the user with an easy way to control the system and further process the measurement data.

[0056] Identifying the biological sample may include identifying whether the biological sample is associated with healthy tissue or diseased or malignant tissue.

[0057] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a biopsy device for obtaining a biological sample of tissue is provided. The biopsy device comprises a biopsy needle, a sample holder for holding the biological sample, and a system for identifying the biological sample in the sample holder. The system comprises a light source for emitting substantially monochromatic light toward the sample holder, and a light sensor for detecting an amount of light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample, the light sensor configured to output a measurement indicative of the amount of detected light. The system further comprises a controller connected to the light sensor and configured to identify the biological sample based on the output measurement of the light sensor.

[0058] In some embodiments, this may enable a surgeon to perform a more effective biopsy procedure by quickly and initially identifying a biological sample obtained with a biopsy device.

[0059] The system may further comprise a light blocking structure for holding the sample holder. The light blocking structure may be configured to block any ambient light from reaching the sample when the light blocking structure holds the sample holder.

[0060] In some embodiments, this may result in more accurate identification of biological samples by reducing ambient light noise in the light measurements.

[0061] The light blocking structure may be opaque. In some embodiments, this may result in further reduction of ambient light noise and more accurate identification of biological samples.

[0062] The light source may comprise a laser diode and the substantially monochromatic light may be laser light. In some embodiments, this may result in a highly monochromatic light source that more accurately identifies the biological sample.

[0063] The substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a peak intensity at a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 5000 nm, preferably 500 nm to 2000 nm, and more preferably 800 nm to 1000 nm. In some embodiments, this range of wavelengths may result in enhanced absorption values ​​from biological tissue, making it easier to distinguish between different biological samples.

[0064] The substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a spectral bandwidth of less than 200 nm, preferably less than 100 nm, and more preferably less than 50 nm. In some embodiments, this may increase the accuracy and reproducibility of the measurements.

[0065] The photodetector may comprise a photodiode. The photodiode may have a maximum sensitivity at a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 5000 nm, preferably 500 nm to 2000 nm, and more preferably 800 nm to 1000 nm.

[0066] The light source and the light detector may be located on the same side of the sample holder. In some embodiments, this may result in a simple and robust setup, resulting in repeatability and accuracy of measurements.

[0067] The light source and the light detector may be disposed inside the sample holder. In some embodiments, this may allow for more accurate identification of the biological sample. The light source and the photodetector may be provided in a single integrated circuit package.

[0068] The controller may be configured to calculate an absorption value based on a ratio of emitted light to detected light or based on a ratio of the measured output of the light sensor to the maximum output of the light sensor, and identify the biological sample based on the absorption value. In some embodiments, this may allow for a more accurate measurement of the absorption value.

[0069] The controller may identify the biological tissue from a look-up table of known biological tissues based on the calculated absorption value.

[0070] The controller may be configured to take multiple measurements using the optical sensor and calculate an average absorption value.

[0071] In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder using a system having a light source, a light detector, and a controller, the method including emitting light from the light source to a sample in the sample holder, detecting an amount of light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample with the light detector, outputting a measurement from the light detector to the controller indicative of the amount of light detected, and using the controller to identify the biological sample based on the output signal of the light sensor.

[0072] In some embodiments, this may result in a method that can identify biological samples in an inexpensive, simple and accurate manner.

[0073] The method may further include using a light blocking structure to block any ambient light from reaching the sample.

[0074] In some embodiments, this may result in more accurate identification of biological samples by reducing ambient light noise in the light measurements.

[0075] Identifying the biological sample may include calculating an absorption value based on a ratio of the emitted light to the detected light, and identifying the biological sample based on the absorption value.

[0076] Identifying the biological sample may include calculating an absorption value based on a ratio of the measured output of the optical sensor to a maximum output of the optical sensor, and identifying the biological sample based on the absorption value.

[0077] The absorption value may be an average absorption value based on multiple measurements made by the optical sensor. In some embodiments, this may allow for a more accurate measurement of the absorption value.

[0078] Identifying the biological sample may include identifying whether the biological sample is associated with healthy tissue or diseased or malignant tissue.

[0079] For a better understanding of the present disclosure and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0080] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2A to 2C are diagrams showing a main body portion of a light-shielding structure used in the system of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a lid of a light blocking structure used in the system of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram showing the light-shielding structure, the base structure and the sensor package of FIG. 1 in more detail. FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a graphical user interface for controlling the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a biopsy needle with a system for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system 100 for identifying a biological sample 110 . The biological sample 110 may be tissue obtained from a human body, for example in a biopsy. Based on the amount of light absorbed by the tissue, the system 100 can identify the type of tissue, and more importantly, whether the tissue is healthy or diseased.

[0082] Different tissues have different absorption spectra and absorb different amounts of light at different wavelengths. By shining light of a certain wavelength on the biological sample 110 and measuring the amount of light that is reflected or transmitted and not absorbed by the biological sample 110, it is possible to determine what type of tissue it is and whether the tissue is diseased. The system 110 may be used to identify and detect cancerous breast tissue obtained, for example, from a biopsy. At a wavelength of 930 nm, malignant breast tissue is approximately 0.02 mm thick. -1 Compared to healthy breast tissue, which has an absorption coefficient of about 0.009 mm -1 This means that malignant breast tissue absorbs less light which can be detected by system 100 and used to identify and detect malignant breast tissue.

[0083] Similarly, tumors in other types of tissue can be detected and blood oxygenation levels can be determined.

[0084] The biological sample 110 may be placed in a sample holder 120, which may be a cuvette or a test tube. A standard cuvette is preferred because it has a square or rectangular cross-section with straight, clear sides, reducing the effects of refraction when light is irradiated onto the sample inside the cuvette.

[0085] The sample holder 120 is disposed within a light-blocking structure 130. The light-blocking structure 130 has a body portion 131 and a lid 133, both of which are opaque and block any ambient light in the visible and infrared spectrum from reaching the sample 110. The body portion 131 has a rectangular or square shaped inner cavity 132 extending from an opening on one side of the body portion 131. The sample holder 120 is disposed within the inner cavity 132 of the light-blocking structure 130.

[0086] At least a portion of the lumen 132 is dimensioned to engage a side of the sample holder 120 to secure the sample holder 120 in place against movement during measurements, which can increase the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements.

[0087] The light blocking structure 130 can be made from a number of materials, such as dark opaque plastic or metal. The light blocking structure 130 can be 3D printed or molded.

[0088] A sensor package 140 comprising a light source in the form of a laser diode 141, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), and a photodetector in the form of a photodiode 142, is disposed at the top of the body portion 131 at the opening of the lumen 132. The sensor package 140 may be, for example, a Vishay VCNL36887S, which is an off-the-shelf IC package that uses a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) as the light source. This allows for a simple and inexpensive construction of the system 100. The laser diode 141 and the photodiode 142 are held in place and supported by a base structure 150. The base structure 150 may be made of plastic and may be a 3D printed structure. A lid 133 of the light blocking structure 130 is placed over the sensor package and the opening of the lumen 132 such that any ambient light is blocked from reaching the sample 110. This reduces ambient light noise when taking measurements and identifying the biological sample 110.

[0089] The laser diode 141 emits light that is substantially monochromatic and has a peak intensity at a predetermined wavelength. The light emitted by the laser diode 141 may have a peak intensity at a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 5000 nm, preferably 500 nm to 2000 nm, more preferably 800 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably 930 nm.

[0090] It has been shown that several biological tissues, such as subcutaneous fat and postmenopausal breast tissue, have an absorption peak around 930 nm. This means that when light at a wavelength of about 930 nm is emitted through a sample of human fat or breast tissue, a larger proportion of the light at that wavelength is absorbed than light at other wavelengths, making it easier to evaluate slight differences in absorption values ​​between different tissues. Thus, light at a wavelength of about 930 nm will be absorbed more by the biological sample 120, resulting in a more accurate identification of the biological sample 120.

[0091] The light emitted by the laser diode 141 has a narrow spectral bandwidth. Spectral bandwidth is defined as the bandwidth of the emitted light at half the maximum intensity. A narrow spectral bandwidth will result in more monochromatic light, and therefore more light at a single wavelength compared to other wavelengths. The substantially monochromatic light emitted by the light source may have a spectral bandwidth of less than 200 nm, preferably less than 100 nm, more preferably less than 50 nm. This will also result in more accurate measurement and identification of the biological sample, since the photodiode 142 is affected by light of other wavelengths.

[0092] Photodiode 142 is preferably matched to the wavelength of laser diode 141 so that the peak or maximum sensitivity of photodiode 142 is close to or the same as the wavelength at which laser diode 141 emits at its peak intensity.

[0093] Thus, the photodiode 142 may have a maximum sensitivity at a wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 5000 nm, preferably 500 nm to 2000 nm, more preferably 800 nm to 1000 nm, more preferably 930 nm.

[0094] Both the laser diode 141 and the photodiode 142 are connected to a controller 160. The controller may be, for example, a microcontroller such as the STM32F407VGT6 manufactured by STMicroelectronics.

[0095] The controller 160 is connected to a display 170 that can show the measurements taken by the photodiode 142 to a user. The display 170 also comprises an input device to allow a user to provide instructions to the controller 160. This input device can be in the form of a touch screen, a mouse or a keyboard, for example. The input device together with the GUI allows the user to begin the analysis of the biological sample 110 by initiating a measurement using the laser diode 141 and the photodiode 142, to load previous measurements of the biological sample, to export the measurements as a file to an external program or storage device, or to erase measurements (see FIG. 5).

[0096] A physician first obtains a biological sample 110 from a patient in order to identify the biological sample and determine whether the biological sample 110 is diseased tissue. The biological sample 110 is then placed in a sample holder 120, which is then placed in a lumen 132 of a body portion 131 of a light-shielding structure 130. The lumen 132 is dimensioned to hold the sample holder 120 securely so that it does not move during measurement. A sensor package 140 including a laser diode 141 and a photodiode 142 is then placed over the opening of the lumen 132, and a lid 133 is placed over the sensor package 140 and the opening to prevent ambient light from reaching the sample 110 in the lumen 132.

[0097] A user can initiate an analysis of the biological sample 110 using the input device and display 170. This causes the controller 160 to turn on the laser diode 141, which emits substantially monochromatic light into the lumen 132 toward the biological sample 110. When the light strikes the sample 110, some of the light will be absorbed by the sample 110 while some of the light will be reflected by the sample 110.

[0098] The amount of light reflected by the sample 110 is then detected by the photodiode 142. The photodiode 142 converts the amount of light detected into an electrical signal, which may be in the form of a voltage or current, which is then sent to the controller 160.

[0099] Controller 160 will then calculate an absorption value for the biological sample based on the ratio of known intensities of light emitted by laser diode 141 and light detected by photodiode 142. Alternatively, controller 160 will calculate an absorption value based solely on the measured output of photodiode 142, for example, by calculating an absorption value based on the ratio of the measured output of photodiode 142 to the maximum output of photodiode 142.

[0100] The photodiode 142 may take several individual measurements over a predetermined period of time and send these to the controller, which may then calculate an average absorption value for the biological sample 110 based on the multiple measurements taken.

[0101] The controller 160 can then identify the biological sample 110 based on the determined absorption value of the biological sample 110 and the known wavelength of the light emitted by the laser diode 141. For example, the controller may determine whether the biological sample is healthy or malignant breast tissue. This may be done, for example, by the controller 160 consulting a look-up table of known absorption values ​​and wavelengths, consulting an external database, or using pre-defined upper and lower limits for absorption values ​​based on experimental data.

[0102] The measurements taken by the photodiode 142 are then displayed on the display 170 along with the calculated absorption value and the identified biological sample 110. The user can then use the input device to export the data to another program for further processing or to an external memory device for storage. Alternatively, the user can clear the data and begin a new analysis of the biological sample 110 or load data from a previous analysis of another biological sample.

[0103] Thus, the present system 100 provides an automated system for identifying biological samples in a rapid and accurate manner, allowing for a determination of whether the sample is diseased tissue. The system 100 is simple to use, robust and inexpensive to make, and can provide an accurate determination of diseased biological tissue. The sensor package 140 and controller 160 can be relatively inexpensive off-the-shelf IC components. The light blocking structure 130 and base structure 150 can be 3D printed structures. Thus, the present system can provide accurate and automated identification of biological samples at a fraction of the cost of a spectrophotometer, and without the training required to perform microscopic biopsies and tissue analysis.

[0104] 2A to 2C show other detailed views of the main body portion 131 of the light-shielding structure 130. Fig. 2A shows a cross-sectional side view of the main body portion 131, and Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional front view of the main body portion 131.

[0105] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the body portion 131 is cuboid shaped and includes a lumen 132 that extends partially through the body portion 131. The lumen 132 has a single opening on one side of the body portion 131. The cross section of the lumen is square or rectangular as shown in Figure 2C, and the lumen 132 includes a first portion 132A and a second portion 132B. The first portion 132A starts at the opening and is wider than the second portion 132B, which is distal to the opening. Thus, the diagonal width of the lumen in the first portion 132A is greater than the diagonal width of the lumen in the second portion 132B. The second portion 132B is dimensioned to engage with the side of the sample holder 120, which in this case is a standard size cuvette. This means that the cuvette is fixed inside the body portion 131 and does not move during the measurement of the sample 110. The first portion 132 A is wider to allow the cuvette to be easily inserted into and removed from the body portion 132 .

[0106] Body portion 131 further comprises a side opening 134 connected from a side of body portion 131 to the opening of lumen 132. Side opening 134 may be in the form of a slit or channel. The side opening allows a sensor package 140 including a laser diode 141 and a photodiode 142 to be placed over the opening of lumen 142. Wires from sensor package 140 can enter and exit light blocking structure 130 through side opening 134.

[0107] Body portion 131 also includes a square recess in the bottom opposite the opening of bore 132. This groove can optionally be used to engage a corresponding protruding portion for stable fixation of body portion 131.

[0108] 2C shows a top view of body portion 131. This clearly shows the rectangular or square cross-section of body portion 131, as well as the square cross-sections of first portion 132A and second portion 132B, and also shows that the diagonal width of second portion 132B is smaller than that of first portion 132A. Also shown is side opening 134 connecting the opening of lumen 132 to the vertical side of body portion 131.

[0109] As mentioned above, the body portion may be made from an opaque material, such as, for example, plastic or metal, and may be 3D printed or molded.

[0110] 3A shows a top view of the light blocking structure lid 133. The lid is an opaque rectangular element sized to fit over the opening of lumen 132 and encloses sensor package 140, which contains laser diode 141 and photodiode 142, so that ambient light does not reach biological sample 110. Lid 133 may be provided with symbol 133A. FIG. 3B shows a side perspective view of the lid 133.

[0111] Figure 4 shows a schematic close-up of the arrangement of the light-blocking structure 130, the sensor package 140 and the base structure 150. As already mentioned with reference to Figure 1, the biological sample 110 is placed in a sample holder 120 that is placed within the lumen 132 of the light-blocking structure. Figure 4 shows how a second portion 132B of the lumen 132 engages the bottom of the sample holder 120 to hold the sample holder 120 in place.

[0112] The sensor package is disposed on top of the body portion 131 over the opening of the lumen 132 so that the laser diode 141 can emit light into the lumen 132 and the photodiode can detect light reflected from the sample 110 in the lumen 132. A portion of the sensor package can extend out of the light-blocking structure 130 through the side opening 134 and is secured to the base structure to hold the sensor package 140 in place. Alternatively, the entire sensor package 140 can be disposed inside the light-blocking structure with only the elements carrying the wires connecting the sensor package 140 to the controller 160 extending through the side opening 134 and secured to the base structure 150. The lid 133 is disposed over the opening of the lumen and the sensor package 140 to block any ambient light from entering the lumen 132 and reaching the sample 110.

[0113] FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a graphical user interface (GUI) used to control the system 100.

[0114] First, the GUI allows the user to select a communications (COM) port for the controller 160. The controller 160 may have multiple COM ports that may be connected to different sensor packages 140. For example, multiple sensor packages with different wavelength light sources may be used and measurements of the sample may be taken at different wavelengths of light.

[0115] The controller 160 then opens the selected COM port and the GUI presents a combo box to the user, who is then able to select from a number of different options.

[0116] If the user selects "Start Analysis?", the controller 160 will send a command to the sensor package 140 to begin measuring the biological sample 110. The display 170 will display the live measurements obtained from the photodiode 142 as well as the identified biological sample.

[0117] If the user selects “Load Data,” previous measurement data may be loaded and displayed as a graph on the display 170 .

[0118] If the user selects "Clear Data?", the measurement data present in the GUI will be cleared and the GUI will return the user to the start.

[0119] If the user selects "Export to .CVS?", the measurement data obtained from the photodiode 142 and controller 160 may be saved to storage as a .CVS file. The data may then be loaded into the program for reanalysis or may be used in various programs for further analysis.

[0120] 6 shows a schematic diagram of a biopsy device 200 having an integrated system for identifying a biological sample obtained by the biopsy device. The biopsy device 200 includes a biopsy needle 250 for obtaining a biological sample 210 of tissue from a patient. The biological sample 210 may be, for example, breast tissue.

[0121] The biopsy device 200 further comprises a sample holder 220 for holding a biological sample 210 obtained using the biopsy needle 250. The sample holder 220 may be disposed in a handle 270 of the biopsy device 200. The biological sample 210 may be transferred from the biopsy needle 250 to the sample holder 220 using a vacuum aspirator (not shown) that draws the biological tissue 210 from the biopsy needle 250 to the sample holder 220. The sample holder 220 is opaque and disposed within a light-blocking structure 230 that blocks ambient light from reaching the sample holder 220 and the biological sample 210. The sample holder 220 may be removable from the light-blocking structure 230. A sensor package 240 comprising a light source in the form of a laser diode 241, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), and a light detector in the form of a photodiode 242 is also disposed within the light-blocking structure 230 on one side of the sample holder 220. The sensor package 240 may be identical to the sensor package 140 of FIGS.

[0122] The sensor package 240 may be positioned within the light-blocking structure 230 but outside of the sample holder 220 such that light emitted by the laser diode 241 passes through the transparent sample holder 220 before being absorbed or reflected by the biological sample 210. The reflected light is then detected by a photodiode 242. The sensor package 240 may remain fixed within the light-blocking structure 230, but the sample holder 220 may be removable or replaceable.

[0123] The biopsy device 200 further comprises a controller 260 connected to the laser diode 241 and the photodiode 242 of the sensor package 240. The controller 260 may be identical to the controller 160 of FIGS. 1-4 and may be configured to calculate an absorption value of the biological sample 210. For example, the absorption value may be calculated based on a ratio of a known intensity of the emitted light from the laser diode 241 to the light sensed by the photodiode 242, or based only on the output measurement of the photodiode 242, for example, by calculating the absorption value based on a ratio of the output measurement of the photodiode 242 to the maximum output of the photodiode 242. The controller 260 may then identify the biological sample 210 based on the determined absorption value of the biological sample 210 and the known wavelength of the light emitted by the laser diode 241. For example, the controller 260 may determine whether the biological sample is healthy or malignant breast tissue. The controller 260 may be connected to an external indicator (not shown) or an integrated indicator (not shown) that may indicate the identified biological tissue to the surgeon. The display may also include an input device to allow a user to provide instructions to the controller 260 .

[0124] A surgeon may use biopsy device 200 to obtain a biological tissue sample, such as biospecimen 210, from a patient to quickly obtain an early indication of the biological tissue type of biological sample 210, for example, whether biological sample 210 is healthy or malignant tissue. This may enable the surgeon to make a more informed decision about whether another biopsy is necessary before sending the biological sample to a laboratory for analysis and waiting for the results. Thus, biopsy device 200 may help make biopsy procedures more effective and efficient for the surgeon and the patient.

[0125] Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The sample holder 120 may be a cuvette, a test tube, or any other type of suitable means for holding a biological sample.

[0126] The system 100 does not necessarily have to include the light blocking structure 130 . The light blocking structure 130 does not have to be rectangular in shape, but may be any other suitable shape, such as, for example, a sphere, a pyramid, or the like.

[0127] Lumen 132 of body portion 131 may not include first portion 132A and second portion 132B, but rather may be a single lumen having a constant width.

[0128] The light blocking structure 130, 230 may be made of any material that is opaque and capable of blocking ambient visible and infrared light, including but not limited to plastic or metal. The light blocking structure 130 may be fabricated in any suitable manner and is not limited to 3D printing or molding. The light blocking structure 130 may not have the recess 135 or the side opening 134 .

[0129] Lumen 132 is not limited to a square cross-sectional shape, but may take other shapes, such as, for example, a circular or triangular cross-sectional shape. The light blocking structure does not necessarily have to include the lid 133 . Lid 133 is not limited to any particular shape, so long as it is capable of blocking ambient light from entering lumen 132 .

[0130] The system need not include the base structure 150 . The base structure 150 may be made of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic. The base structure 150 may be made by any suitable manufacturing method.

[0131] The laser diode 141, 241 and the photodiode 142, 242 do not have to be provided in the same sensor package 140, 240, but may be separate components provided in individual packages.

[0132] The light source is not limited to a laser diode 141, 241, but may be, for example, an LED or a tunable laser.

[0133] The photodetector is not limited to a photodiode 142, 242, but may be a variety of photodetectors such as a photoconductive cell, a photomultiplier tube (PMT), a charge-coupled device (CCD), or other suitable photodetector.

[0134] The controller 160, 260 may be a microcontroller or any other type of suitable processor capable of storing and manipulating data, such as a PC, for example.

[0135] The system 100 does not necessarily have to include a display 170 . The display 170 may be a touch screen or a standard display 170 .

[0136] The system 100 need not include an input device. The biopsy device 200 need not include a vacuum aspirator. The biological sample 210 may be transferred from the needle 250 to the sample holder 220 by other means, such as, for example, gravity. The biopsy device 200 does not necessarily have to include the light blocking structure 230 .

[0137] The sensor package 240 may be positioned inside the sample holder 220 such that the light emitted from the laser diode 241 does not pass through the sample holder 220 . The sensor package 240 may be positioned on either side of the sample holder 220 . The laser diode 241 and the photodiode 242 may be positioned on opposite sides of the sample holder 220 .

[0138] The sample holder 220 does not have to be located within the handle 270 of the biopsy device 200, but may be located in another suitable location. The controller 260 does not have to be located within the handle 270, but may be located in another suitable location.

[0139] Biopsy device 200 need not include an indicator, but rather may include another type of indicator, for example in the form of an indicator light, to indicate to a user the type of biological tissue.

[0140] All of the above are fully within the scope of the present disclosure and any combination of one or more of the features described above is considered to form the basis of alternative embodiments that may be applied without being limited to the specific combinations disclosed above.

[0141] In view of this, there must be many alternative ways of implementing the teachings of the present disclosure. It is expected that a person skilled in the art can modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit his or her own environment and requirements, in light of his or her common general knowledge in this technology, while retaining some or all of the same technical effects disclosed above or derivable therefrom, within the scope of the present disclosure. All such equivalents, modifications or adaptations are included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for identifying a biological sample in a sample holder, comprising: A light source for emitting substantially monochromatic light towards the sample holder; A light sensor for detecting the amount of light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample, the light sensor being configured to output a measurement value indicating the detected amount of light; A controller configured to identify the biological sample based on the output measurement value of the light sensor and connected to the light sensor. The system comprising the above components.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a light-shielding structure for holding the sample holder, the light-shielding structure being configured to prevent any ambient light from reaching the sample when the light-shielding structure holds the sample holder.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the light-shielding structure is opaque.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the light-shielding structure has a lumen for accommodating the sample holder.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the lumen has a single opening.

6. The system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the lumen comprises a first part where the lumen is wide and a second part where the lumen is narrow.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the second part is disposed distally from the opening of the lumen.

8. The system according to claim 6, wherein the second part is configured to engage with the side surface of the sample holder to hold the sample holder in a predetermined position.

9. The system according to claim 4, wherein the lumen has a rectangular cross-section.

10. The system according to claim 5, wherein the light source is configured to emit the substantially monochromatic light into the inner cavity and is disposed at the opening of the inner cavity. **Claim 11** The system according to claim 5, wherein the light detector is configured to detect the substantially monochromatic light reflected or transmitted by the biological sample in the inner cavity and is disposed at the opening of the inner cavity. **Claim 12** The system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the light shielding structure further comprises a lid for sealing the opening of the inner cavity, the light source and / or the light detector so as to prevent the ambient light from reaching the sample holder. **Claim 13** The system according to claim 2, wherein the light shielding structure is a 3D printed structure. **Claim 14** The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises the sample holder. **Claim 15** The system according to claim 1, wherein the sample holder is a cuvette. **Claim 16** The system according to claim 15, wherein the cuvette comprises a plurality of straight and transparent sides. **Claim 17** The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a laser diode and the substantially monochromatic light is laser light. **Claim 18** The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a tunable laser. **Claim 19** The system according to claim 1, wherein the light source comprises an LED. **Claim 20** The system according to claim 17, wherein the light source comprises an infrared LED.

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