Method and system for slide handling processes

Abstract

Various examples of systems and methods for slide processing are provided. In one example, a system for processing microscope slides, among other things, includes a reservoir having a fluid and a treatment applicator capable of dispensing the fluid onto the slide. The treatment applicator can include an offset rail opposite an application surface, where the offset rail and application surface define a treatment channel when positioned on the surface of the slide and can include an opening capable of directing fluid into the treatment channel. The opening can include a constriction configured to regulate fluid flow into the treatment channel. In another example, a method includes positioning a slide adjacent to the treatment applicator and dispensing fluid into the treatment channel along the surface of the slide through an opening extending through the treatment applicator.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Microscope slides are manually prepared for examination under a microscope. After the sample is transferred to the slide and dried, the sample may be stained using a pipette or bath of solution to aid in examination. Such processing can be labor intensive. After drying, the slide is placed under a microscope for examination and evaluation. In some cases, the processed slides are physically shipped to another facility for examination and evaluation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0002] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0003] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a slide processing unit, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIG. 1, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 3A is a perspective view of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIG. 2 showing slide positioning according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 3B is a perspective view of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIG. 2 showing slide positioning according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] 3C is a perspective view of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIG. 2 showing slide positioning according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3D] 3D is a perspective view of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIG. 2 showing slide positioning according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A-4B]4A-4B are perspective views of an example of a mounting plate and slide clamp that can be used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C-4D] 4C-4D are perspective views of an example of a mounting plate and slide clamp that can be used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4E is a perspective view of an example of a mounting plate and slide clamp that can be used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4F] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of an example of a mounting plate and slide clamp that can be used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a front view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D is a perspective view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a front view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, including a slide dispenser unit, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, including a slide dispenser unit, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an example of the interior of the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, including a slide dispenser unit, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 7A-7B] 7A-7B are various views of an example slide dispenser used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1-5D, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C-7D] 7C-7D are various views of an example slide dispenser used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1-5D, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 7E-7F] 7E-7F are various views of an example slide dispenser used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1-5D, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 7G-7H] 7G-7H are various views of an example slide dispenser used in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1-5D, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a slide processing system included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B illustrates an example of a slide processing system included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C illustrates an example of a slide processing system included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D illustrates an example of a slide processing system included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figures 8E-8F] 8E-8F illustrate an example of a slide processing system that may be included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8G] FIG. 8G illustrates an example of a slide processing system included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8H-8I]8H-8I illustrate an example of a slide processing system that may be included within the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a sample slide image using the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graphical representation of a system for remote access and storage of slide processing using the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example of processing circuitry employed in the slide processing unit of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Disclosed herein are various example methods and systems related to microscope slide processing. Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

[0005] The slide processing unit can be used for automated processing and imaging of samples on slides. Samples can include fluids (e.g., blood or other liquids), tissues, or other types of samples. Once transferred to a slide, the sample can be processed and imaged for review by a user. Images of the sample can be captured by a camera and displayed and / or stored for review by a user. Slide images can be accessed by the user locally and / or remotely in real time or by the user after capture and storage. For example, images of processed samples can be stored in a storage device and then accessed by the user when their schedule permits.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1 , a perspective view of an example slide processing unit (or slide processor) 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The slide processing unit 100 includes a display screen 103 for displaying and / or accessing information related to the slide processing unit 100. For example, the processing status of a slide (e.g., staining, drying, imaging) can be displayed on the display screen 103. After a slide is processed, an image of the sample can be provided through the display screen 103. In some embodiments, the image of the sample can be manipulated via the display screen 103. The display screen 103 can be touch-sensitive to allow user input via the display screen 103. In other embodiments, a user interface unit (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchpad, etc.) can be communicatively coupled to the slide processing unit 100 via a communications interface. The connection can be via a wireless link (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, Kleer, Infrared, etc.) or a wired connection.

[0007] Processing of slides can be performed in a sealed environment to reduce the possibility of contamination. The carriage 106 allows a user to insert slides into the slide processing unit 100 for processing. With the carriage 106 extended from the slide processing unit 100, a slide containing a sample can be inserted into the carriage 106. Guides or slots on the bottom of the carriage 106 can be used to hold the slide in the proper orientation for acquisition by a slide positioner that repositions the slide for processing and imaging within the slide processing unit 100.

[0008] 2 and 3A-3D, perspective views of an example portion of the interior of slide processing unit 100 are shown, respectively, with the cover, including display screen 103, removed. As shown in FIG. 2, slide processing unit 100 includes slide positioner 203, light source 206, one or more microscope lenses 209, and image capture unit 212. The structure and operation of slide positioner 203 are further illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. As seen in FIG. 3A, slide positioner 203 includes slide clamp 303, which grips slide 306 when inserted into carriage 106. Slide clamp 303 is supported by mounting plate 309, which can be positioned along the x- and y-axes using stepper or servo motors with guide rails and fine-pitch jack screws (high threads per inch). A first pair of guide rails 312 supports mounting plate 309 and enables its movement along the x-axis. The guide rails 312 are held in place by end plates 315 that are supported by a second pair of guide rails 318. The second pair of guide rails 318 allow movement of the first pair of guide rails 312, and thus the mounting plate 309 and slide clamp 303, along the y-axis.

[0009] 3B and 3C, a stepper or servo motor 321a can be mounted to one of the end plates 315 to control movement along the first pair of guide rails 312. The threads of a jackscrew 324a can engage a threaded portion of a bracket 327a (e.g., a threaded sleeve mounted on the bracket or a threaded opening through the bracket) secured to the mounting plate 309 so that rotation of the jackscrew 324a moves the mounting plate 309 along the first pair of guide rails 312. Another stepper or servo motor 321b can be mounted (e.g., to a support structure) along the second pair of guide rails 318, as shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 3D, to control movement of the assembly including the slide clamp 303, mounting plate 309, first pair of guide rails 312, and end plate 315. The threads of jack screw 324b can engage a threaded portion (e.g., a threaded sleeve attached to the bracket or a threaded opening through the bracket) of bracket 327b fixed to one of the end plates 315. Rotation of jack screw 324b moves the assembly along the first pair of guide rails 312.

[0010] A low-wear, low-friction material, such as a layer of polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene, etc.) or other suitable material, can be used to provide smooth movement of the pair of mounting plates 309 on the first pair of guide rails 312 and / or the end plate 315 on the second pair of guide rails 318. The position of the slide positioner 203 can be detected using one or more sensors. For example, a sensor 333 (e.g., a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, a photosensitive sensor, etc.) can be used to detect the position of the end plate 315 when it reaches its limit of travel along the second pair of guide rails 318, as illustrated in FIG. 3D . A similar sensor can be used to detect the position of the mounting plate 309 when it reaches its limit of travel along the first pair of guide rails 312. These sensors can also be used as reference positions for calibration and / or control of the slide positioner 203.

[0011] 4A through 4G, perspective views of a rotor assembly including a slide clamp 303 and a mounting plate 309 are shown, respectively. A stepper or servo motor 330 can be mounted to the underside of the mounting plate 309, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The shaft of the stepper or servo motor 330 can extend through the mounting plate 309. With the slide clamp 303 secured to the shaft of the motor 330, the motor 330 can be used to control the rotation of the slide clamp 303 about the z-axis defined by the motor shaft. The slide clamp 303 includes an alignment arm 403 on a first side and a clamp arm 406 on a second side. The sample slide 306 can be inserted between the two arms 403 and 406. The alignment arm 403 is fixed in position to align one side of the slide, while the clamp arm 406 applies pressure to the other side of the sample slide 306 to hold it in place relative to the alignment arm 403 during processing by the slide processing unit 100. A spring can be used to apply the clamping force with the clamp arm 406. As illustrated in FIGS. 4E and 4F , the clamp arm 406 can include a textured edge 409 that can aid in gripping the slide 306. In some implementations, the textured edge 409 can be provided by a flexible material (e.g., rubber) that aids in gripping the slide 306.

[0012] The mounting plate 309 serves as a stage for microscopic examination of the sample slide 306. As shown in FIGS. 4A through 4F, the mounting plate 309 includes an opening 412 that allows the light source 206 to illuminate the sample during image capture when the slide 306 is positioned over the opening 412. The slide clamp 303 can utilize a spring assembly (e.g., a hold-down spring) to apply downward pressure to the slide 306 to hold it against the mounting plate, which serves as a stage during microscopic imaging of the sample. A pressure plate 415 (see FIGS. 4E and 4F) extending over the alignment arm 403 and clamp arm 406 can be used to secure the hold-down spring (or other spring assembly) in position on the slide clamp 303. The lower edge 418 (see FIG. 4A) of the clamp arm 406 and / or alignment arm 403 can be angled outward to help hold the slide 306 against the surface of the mounting plate 309.

[0013] As mentioned above, a stepper or servo motor 330 (see FIGS. 3A-3B) can be used to control the rotation of the slide clamp 303. The position of the slide clamp 303 can be detected using one or more sensors. In the example of FIGS. 4E and 4F, a sensor 421 can be used to detect when the slide clamp 303 is rotated to a home position where it is aligned to receive the sample side 306 from the carriage 106 (see FIG. 1) or return the sample slide 306 to the carriage 106 (see FIG. 1). A tab 424 affixed to the slide clamp 303 can be used to detect the position of the slide clamp 303 with a sensor 421 (e.g., a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, an infrared sensor, a photosensitive sensor, etc.). For example, the tab 424 can extend from the side of the slide clamp 303 so that it can be detected by the sensor 421 when the slide clamp 303 is oriented with the carriage 106 to receive the sample slide 306 therein. With the reference position known, a stepper or servo motor 330 can be controlled to position the specimen slide 306 in the proper orientation for processing and imaging.

[0014] For imaging, the sample slide 306 can be placed over the opening 412 in the mounting plate 309. To ensure that the alignment of the sample slide 306 over the opening 412 is reproducible, the mounting plate 309 can include a guide shoulder 427 opposite the slide clamp 303, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The guide shoulder 427 can be machined or otherwise formed on the mounting plate 309 so that when the sample slide 306 is rotated over the opening 412, the distal end of the slide 306 opposite the slide clamp 303 contacts the guide shoulder 427 to align the position along the longitudinal axis of the slide 306. Downward pressure applied by the spring assembly of the slide clamp 303 can hold the slide 306 against the mounting plate 309 and prevent the distal end of the slide 306 from moving over the guide shoulder 427. A slide stop 430 can be used to prevent the distal end of the slide 306 from moving beyond a desired orientation. A slide stop 430 may be machined or otherwise formed on the mounting plate 309 adjacent the guide shoulder 427. The combination of the alignment arm 303, guide shoulder 427, and slide stop 430 allows for consistent positioning of the specimen slide 306 on the mounting plate 309 during imaging involving the microscope lens 209 and image capture unit 212 (see FIG. 3C ). Additionally, the specimen slide 306 may be reinserted and positioned for re-examination in the same position at a different time. The mounting plate 309 may include a back groove (shoulder or boss) with a clamp stop 433, which provides a hard stop to ensure 90-degree alignment and prevent over-rotation during positioning of the slide 306 under the digital microscope. Consistency of positioning allows the slide processing unit 100 to reposition the image location on the specimen slide 306 after being removed and replaced.

[0015] 3A-3D, the movement of slide 306 by slide retainer 203 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 3A, slide retainer 203 includes a slide clamp 303 that grips specimen slide 306 when inserted into carriage 106. With carriage 106 closed, the proximal end of specimen slide 306 extends into slide processing unit 100. Once slide clamp 303 is rotated to a reference position (see FIGS. 4E-4F) as detected by sensor 421, stepper or servo motor 321 can be controlled to align but offset from the proximal end of specimen side 306. In some embodiments, this can be the default position when slide 306 is not being processed by slide processing unit 100. The slide positioner 203 can then be advanced along the y-axis by the stepper or servo motor 321b to secure the proximal end of the sample slide 306 between the alignment arm 403 and the clamp arm 406 of the slide clamp 303. Pressure from the clamp arm 406 forces the opposite side of the slide 306 against the alignment arm 403, which properly orients the slide 306 within the slide clamp 303.

[0016] The slide clamp 303 can also include a spring assembly to hold the slide 306 in place on the mounting plate. For example, a hold-down spring can be configured to apply downward pressure to the top of the slide 306 to prevent twisting of the slide 306 within the slide clamp 303. In other embodiments, the inner surfaces of the alignment arm 403 and clamp arm 406 can be tapered or sloped outward from top to bottom so that force is applied to the upper edges of the sides of the slide 306 to prevent twisting in the slide clamp 303. Once the slide clamp 303 holds the proximal end of the sample slide 306, the slide positioner 203 can then be retracted along the y-axis by the stepper or servo motor 321b to remove the slide 306 from the carriage 106. Once the sample slide 306 is released from the carriage 106, the slide retaining device 203 can reposition the slide 306 along the x-axis and y-axis by rotating the slide 306 about the z-axis as well as by moving along the rails 312 and 318.

[0017] For example, a blood droplet can be placed at the recited location on an unprepared glass microscope slide 306. The sample slide 306 can then be placed in the carriage 106 (see FIGS. 1-2) and inserted into the slide processing unit 100. The slide clamp 303 can then be positioned to grip the proximal end of the slide 306, as shown in FIG. 3A. The carriage 106 is not shown for illustrative purposes. Pressure from the clamp arm 406 forces the slide 306 against the alignment arm 403, as shown. The slide retainer 203 can then withdraw the slide 306 from the carriage 106 and reposition it for sample processing. For example, the slide clamp 303 can be rotated approximately 90 degrees for smearing and / or processing the blood sample, as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0018] In one embodiment, the sample slide 306 is positioned to descend so that a second smear slide (not shown) contacts the slide at a predetermined angle (e.g., approximately 45 degrees). Once the smear slide is placed on the sample slide 306, the slide processing unit 100 can advance the mounting plate 309 along the first pair of slide rails 312, causing the sample slide 306 to advance until it reaches a recited position where the short edge of the smear slide awaits a moment of capillary action to fully engage the blood drop along the edge of the smear slide. In some implementations, the slide processing unit 100 can be configured to optically detect when the sample has reached the smear slide using one or more sensors and / or light sources. The slide 306 then retracts from underneath the smear slide, allowing capillary action to smear the blood along the length of the slide 306. In this manner, a monolayer of cells can be achieved along at least a portion of the resulting sample smear. The slide 306 with the sample can continue to be pulled back until the smear slide falls off the end of the specimen slide 306 and falls to the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 to become waste. In other embodiments, the slide 306 with the smear sample can be rotated by the slide retaining device 203, allowing the smear slide to fall off one side of the specimen slide 306 and fall to the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 to become waste. In some implementations, a drawer at the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 can capture the falling slide so that it can be retrieved by the user for disposal or cleaning and reuse. The mounting plate 309 can reposition the slide 306 for further processing of the sample.

[0019] The slide 306 with the smeared sample can be moved to a drying position by a small fan within the slide processing unit 100, where it is briefly air- or vacuum-dried. Once the smeared sample is dried, the slide 306 is moved forward as shown in FIG. 3B and placed on the surface of the slide 306 under a slide processing system containing, for example, methanol, applied using a treatment applicator (see, for example, FIG. 5A). The position of the slide 306 under the treatment applicator can be incrementally controlled along the x- and y-axes by a stepper or servo motor 321 to align with the treatment applicator. This process "fixes" the slide 306. The slide 306 can then be returned to the drying position, and the methanol can be evaporated using forced air. In some embodiments, a vacuum can be used to dry the processed sample by drawing air across the slide 306 and toward a suction tube positioned adjacent to the slide 306.

[0020] The slides 306 can then be sequentially repositioned under the treatment applicator for one or more treatments, for example, by applying a liquid stain (or other chemical treatment) to all or a portion of the sample. Various stains or other treatments can be dispensed onto the sample on the slide 306 via the treatment applicator. Further rinsing with alcohol and / or other solvents can be accomplished using the treatment applicator to provide a Gram stain for the slide. A vacuum system can remove any excess treatment from the slide, and a reservoir at the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 can collect any overflow liquid from the slide 306. A drain connection allows the overflow liquid to drain from the reservoir to an appropriate waste system.

[0021] Once slide preparation is complete, the slide 306 can be moved under the digital microscope, as shown in FIG. 3C. The digital microscope includes a lens 209 and an image capture unit 212, which includes mirrors, lenses, and / or an imaging device 803, such as a CCD or CMOS circuit. Images of the sample on the slide 306 can be automatically digitized in a mosaic format and stored in a memory device. The digitized images can be made visible to a local operator on a display screen 103 (e.g., a built-in high-resolution color monitor) and / or transmitted via the Internet and / or an intranet for review by a pathology expert. The focus can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the microscope lens 209 on the slide 306. A light source 206 illuminates the sample during image capture. FIG. 3D shows the position of the slide 306 on the light source 206 with the image capture unit 212 out of view.

[0022] 5A-5D, various views of the interior of the slide processing unit 100 are shown illustrating the orientation of the smear slide 503 relative to the specimen slide 306. As seen in FIG. 5A, the specimen slide 306 is positioned so that the smear slide 503 makes contact at a predetermined angle (e.g., approximately 45 degrees). By allowing the smear slide 503 to move or wobble freely when contacting the specimen slide, the short edge of the smear slide 503 can rest evenly across the width of the specimen slide 306. Once the smear slide 503 is placed on the specimen slide 306, the slide processing unit 100 can advance the mounting plate 309 along the first pair of slide rails 312 so that the specimen slide 306 advances until the short edge of the smear slide contacts the blood drop, allowing capillary action to be drawn across the edge of the smear slide 503. After waiting a predetermined period of time to allow for capillary action, the slide processing unit 100 can retract the mounting plate 309 along the first pair of slide rails 312 so that the sample slide 306 moves backward, smearing the blood sample along the length of the sample slide 306. As the sample slide 306 retracts from beneath the smear slide 503, the smear slide 503 can drop to the bottom of the slide processing unit 100, where it can then be removed. In some embodiments, the sample slide 306 can be rotated to allow the smear slide 503 to drop to the bottom from one side of the sample slide 306. For example, a drawer or other access can be included to allow discarded slides to be retrieved by a user for cleaning and reuse or for proper disposal.

[0023] 6A-6D show an example of a slide dispenser unit 603 that can be used to dispense smear slides 503 onto specimen slides 306. In this embodiment, the slide dispenser unit 603 includes a smear slide magazine 606 configured to hold one or more smear slides 503 and eject a single smear slide 503 from the end of the smear slide magazine 606 into a slide sled 609. After the specimen slide 306 with the sample is received by the slide clamp 303, the slide retainer 203 can reposition it for smearing the sample. The smear slide 503 can be dispensed from the smear slide magazine 606 by moving the slide sled 609 downward and contacting the specimen slide 306 at an angle ranging from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees (e.g., 45 degrees). The smear slides 503 can be dispensed from the smear slide magazine 606 using, for example, a blade that extends to push the smear slides 503 out of the smear slide magazine 606 or a wheel that rotates to push the smear slides 503 out of the smear slide magazine 606.

[0024] When the smear slide 503 leaves the smear slide magazine 606, it drops into the slide sled 609 and slides downward until it contacts the sample slide 306 located below. A retaining bar 612 extending across the distal end of the slide sled 609 holds the smear slide 503 within the slide sled 609 as the sample slide 306 is moved forward during smearing. The retaining bar 612 may include a pivot point extending toward the bottom of the trough of the slide sled 609, allowing the smear slide 503 to swing about a center point (side to side) when contacting the sample slide 306. For example, the retaining bar 612 may have a shallow V-shape with a center point that provides the pivot point, or it may include a point or tip that extends downward from the center of the retaining bar 612 to provide the pivot point. The pivot point allows the end of the smear slide 503 to self-align with the surface of the sample slide 306, aiding in capillary action during smearing. The weight of the smear slide 503 provides contact pressure between the sample and the slide 306 .

[0025] The hinge joint between the slide magazine 606 and the slide sled 609 can be controlled using a servo or stepper motor to adjust the contact angle. In the example of Figures 6A-6C, the smear slide 503 contacts the sample slide 306 at an approximately 45-degree angle. A capped pin (e.g., a stud, screw, bolt, etc.) can be positioned at the proximal end of the slide sled 609, extending upward from the bottom of the trough. As the smear slide 503 is dispensed, it moves over the top of the capped pin as it moves down the trough of the slide sled 609. When the smear slide 503 reaches the sample slide 306, the capped pin can press against the opposite end of the smear slide 503, limiting its movement backward down the slide sled 609 when the sample slide 306 retracts during smearing. The cap on the top of the capped pin captures the lip of the smear slide 503, preventing it from moving backward on top of the capped pin.

[0026] With the smear slide 503 in place on the specimen slide 306, the slide retainer 203 can advance the slide 306 until the sample contacts the lower edge of the smear slide 503 and momentarily wait for capillary action to fully engage the sample with the lower edge and form a meniscus. The specimen slide 306 can then be retracted to allow capillary action to smear blood along the length of the slide 306. The slide 306 containing the sample continues to retract until the smear slide 503 falls off the end of the slide 306 and enters the bottom of the slide processing unit 100. The used smear slide 503 can be cleaned and sterilized for reuse or properly disposed of. The slide 306 with the smeared sample can then be moved to a drying position, where the smeared sample is briefly air-dried by a small fan within the slide processing unit 100.

[0027] 7A through 7H, various views of another example of a slide dispenser unit 615 that can be utilized in the slide processing unit 100 are shown. FIGS. 7A and 7D provide front and back views, respectively; FIGS. 7B and 7C provide left and right side views, respectively; FIG. 7E provides a top view; and FIGS. 7F through 7H provide various perspective views of the slide dispenser unit. In this embodiment, the slide dispenser unit 615 includes a smeared slide magazine 618 configured to hold one or more smeared slides 503 and eject a single smeared slide 503 from the side of the smeared slide magazine 618 into a slide sled 621. The smeared slides 503 are held in place by stacking guides 624 that include gaps 627 at their bottoms to allow a single smeared slide 503 to be dispensed from the bottom of the stack.

[0028] After the sample-bearing specimen slide 306 is received by the slide clamp 303, the slide retainer 203 can reposition it to smear the sample. The smear slide 503 can be dispensed from the smear slide magazine 618 by a blade 630 that extends to push the smear slide 503 from the smear slide magazine 618 into the slide sled 621 and then retracts to allow the next slide in the stack to move into position for dispensing. In the example of FIGS. 7A through 7H, the smear slide 503 falls into the trough of the slide sled 621 and is guided to the bottom by the end wall 633 and side walls of the slide sled 621. The bottom of the slide sled 621 is set at a predetermined angle (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) that controls the contact angle with the specimen slide 306. When the smear slide 503 reaches the bottom of the trough, the smear slide 503 moves forward under the bottom of the end wall 633 until it reaches the specimen slide 306 (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7D). With the smear slide 503 resting on the bottom of the slide sled 621, the weight of the smear slide 503 provides contact pressure on the specimen slide 306. The slide sled 621 can be positioned in approximately the same position as the slide sled 609 shown in Figures 6A-6C.

[0029] The end wall 633 of the slide sled 621 holds the smear slide 503 within the slide sled 621 as the sample slide 306 is moved forward during smearing. As seen in FIG. 7B , the end wall 633 includes a pivot point 636 extending toward the centerline of the smear slide 503, allowing the smear slide 503 to swing around the center point (left and right) when in contact with the sample slide 306. The pivot point 636 allows the end of the smear slide 503 to self-align with the surface of the sample slide 306, aiding in capillary action during smearing. A capped pin (e.g., a stud, screw, bolt, etc.) can be positioned at the top end of the slide sled 621, extending upward from the bottom of the trough. For example, a small screw or bolt can be secured through a hole or opening 639 in the slide sled 621. As the smear slide 503 is dispensed, it moves over the top of the capped pin as it moves down the trough of the slide sled 621. When the smear slide 503 reaches the specimen slide 306, the capped pin can press against the opposite end of the smear slide 503 to limit the rearward movement of the slide sled 621 of the smear slide 503 as the specimen slide 306 retracts during smearing. The cap on the top of the capped pin catches on the lip of the slide, preventing it from moving back over the top of the capped pin.

[0030] As the smear slide 503 is ejected, the blade presses against the edge of the bottom slide in the slide magazine. An electric motor 642 (or solenoid) rotates a lever arm 645, pushing the blade forward toward the bottom slide. For example, a rod at the end of the lever arm 645 can travel inside a channel or groove, converting the rotational motion of the lever arm 645 into linear motion of the blade 630. The linear motion of the blade 630 can be ensured using a guide pin within the groove. The thickness of the blade 630 is less than that of the smear slide 503, and the height of the gap 627 is greater than the thickness of the smear slide 503 but less than twice the slide thickness, preventing the dispense of more than one slide at a time.

[0031] The pivot point 636 of the slide sled 621 holds the smear slide 503 in place while the sample slide 306 is moved forward by the slide clamp 303 until the edge of the smear slide 503 contacts the sample. At that point, capillary action draws the sample across the edge of the smear slide 503. The sample slide 306 can then be retracted while the smear slide 503 pulls the sample along the surface of the sample slide 306. The capped pin of the slide sled 621 holds the smear slide 503 in place while the sample slide 306 is returned by the slide clamp 303. Once the end of the smear slide 503 passes the end of the sample slide 306, the smear slide 503 falls from the slide sled 621 into the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 (e.g., a reservoir or collection drawer). In some cases, the specimen slide 306 can be rotated by the slide clamp 303, allowing the smear slide 503 to fall off the side of the specimen slide 306. The slide 306 with the smeared sample can then be moved to a drying position where the smeared sample is briefly air or vacuum dried. In some embodiments, a vacuum can be used to dry the processed sample by drawing air across the specimen slide 306 and toward a suction tube located adjacent to the slide 306. In other embodiments, forced air can be blown onto the specimen slide 306 by a small fan within the slide processing unit 100.

[0032] Once dried, the specimen slide 306 can be placed under a slide treatment applicator 703 for staining and / or other chemical treatment of the specimen. Referring now to FIGS. 8A-8C, an example of a slide processing unit 100 is shown that includes a slide processing system for staining and / or other chemical treatment of specimens on slides 306. The slide processing system includes one or more treatment applicators 703 for applying fluids (e.g., stains (e.g., H&E, acid-fast, or other stains), water, air, oil, or other chemicals) to specimens on slides 306. The slide processing system can also include one or more reservoirs 706 for holding treatment fluids. Fluids can be provided from one or more reservoirs 706 coupled to the treatment applicators 703 via one or more internal supply lines 709 and / or via external supply lines coupled to the treatment applicators 703. FIG. 8D illustrates the slide processing unit 100 with a display screen 103 covering the slide processing system.

[0033] In the example of FIGS. 8A-8C, reservoir 706 comprises a syringe containing a processing fluid. Reservoir 706 can be mounted in a frame 712 configured to allow their replacement. Using a syringe can avoid contamination of the processing fluid and can provide a visual indication of the amount of fluid in reservoir 706. Reservoir 706 can also utilize other suitable containers, such as, for example, collapsible containers or other disposable containers. Processing fluid can be supplied to treatment applicator 703 in a controlled manner using supply device 704, such as, for example, a pump or other suitable actuator. For example, a pump (e.g., electric or pneumatic) coupled to the outlet of reservoir 706 can be controlled to dispense a defined amount of processing fluid to treatment applicator 703. The slide processing system can have separate supply devices 704 for each reservoir 706 that can be included in frame 712.

[0034] The treatment applicator 703 is positioned within the slide processing unit 100 and can apply treatment fluids to known or common locations on the surface of the slide 306. By positioning the specimen slide 306 at a fixed location along the surface of the treatment applicator 703 and controlling the distribution of the treatment fluid, a well-defined application area can be provided. FIGS. 8A-8C show an example of a treatment applicator 703 configured to apply treatment fluids. The treatment applicator 703 can be aligned so that different fluids can be applied to the same location on the specimen slide 306. For example, the treatment applicator 703 can include multiple openings positioned and aligned to direct different treatment fluids (e.g., fixative, stain, and / or water wash) onto the specimen slide 306. One or more stains and / or fixatives can be stored in individual reservoirs 706, while water can be supplied from an external source.

[0035] Fluid can be applied to a sample on the slide 306 by dispensing a predetermined amount of fluid while the slide 306 is held against the treatment applicator 703 by the slide retaining device 203 (or slide handling mechanism). After treatment application, excess liquid can be removed by a vacuum system. For example, a first treatment fluid can be supplied from a reservoir 706 to the treatment applicator 703 through a corresponding supply line 709. After the first treatment fluid has set for an extended period of time, the first treatment fluid can be removed from the sample slide 306 by drawing a vacuum between the treatment applicator 703 and the slide 306, drawing excess liquid from the slide and into a reservoir at the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 for disposal or drainage. A second treatment fluid can then be supplied from another reservoir 706 through its corresponding supply line 709 to the treatment applicator 703 and removed by vacuum after a period as described. This sequence can continue as needed. Optionally, the specimen slide 306 can be moved to a dry position between treatment applications where it is air or vacuum dried for a short period of time.

[0036] In this manner, various stains or other chemical treatments (or combinations of stains and / or other treatments) can be applied to the smeared sample on the slide 306. For example, a stain can be applied to the smeared sample area after application of a fixative. A water wash can then be applied to remove excess material, and a series of air blasts or vacuums can be applied to dry the sample. Overflow can be avoided by controlling the amount of fluid delivered to the treatment applicator 703. If excess liquid is provided (e.g., as a water wash), the fluid can flow off the slide 306 into a reservoir at the bottom of the slide processing unit 100 for disposal or drainage. A backsplash can be provided to minimize dispersion of fluid during processing of the slide 306.

[0037] Figures 8E and 8F are perspective views of an example treatment applicator 703. Figures 8G through 8I provide top, side, and rear views of the treatment applicator 703, respectively. The treatment applicator 703 includes a supply surface 715 opposite an application surface 718. The treatment applicator 703 includes one or more openings 721 extending from the supply surface 715 to the application surface 718 to allow treatment fluid to be applied to the sample on the slide 306. A supply line 709 can extend from a corresponding supply device 704 to the opening 721. The opening 721 can be configured as a clean-up jet nozzle for applying the treatment fluid. As shown in Figures 8H and 8I, a very narrow constriction 724 in the fluid path extending between the supply line attachment point 727 of the opening 721 and the application surface 718 can prevent the biological sample from being washed away when the treatment fluid is applied. Constriction 724 should be thin enough to ensure capillary action to guide the stain across the surface of the slide. For example, the diameter of constriction 724 can be about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm.

[0038] The offset rails or extrusions 730 are positioned opposite the application surface 718, which, upon contact with the slide 306, provide a narrow treatment channel between the application surface 718 and the surface of the slide 306. The offset rails or extrusions 730 contact the extreme sides of the slide, ensuring a very narrow channel at the top of the slide 306 and preventing the treatment applicator 703 from contacting the sample on the slide 306. The height of the treatment channel can be, for example, about 0.25 mm or can range from about 0.2 mm to about 0.4 mm. Capillary action through the treatment channel allows fluid introduced onto the slide 306 to fully occupy the entire surface of the slide 306 between the offset rails or extrusions 730. Optionally, the slide clamp 303 and / or slide retainer 203 can move beneath the treatment applicator 703 during the staining process to provide gentle agitation during treatment application. This can aid in complete coverage of the treatment fluid on the slide 306. The agitation movement may be provided by one or more of the motors of the slide positioner 203.

[0039] A vacuum system can remove excess liquid on the slide. For example, a fan or vacuum pump can draw a vacuum at one end of the processing channel and draw fluid out of the channel. As shown in FIGS. 8E and 8F , an end wall can extend across one end of the processing channel between the offset rails or extrusions 730 to limit fluid seepage from that end and prevent processing fluid from seeping out. The height of the end wall is less than the height of the offset rails or extrusions 730. In some implementations, water rinsing can be provided through one of the openings 721. After sample processing is complete, water can be supplied to the opening 721 via the supply line 709 to thoroughly rinse excess processing fluid from the slide 306.

[0040] The treatment applicator 703 may also include a guide mechanism for automatic alignment and centering of the slide 306 when the slide 306 is positioned relative to the treatment applicator 703. For example, the treatment applicator 703 may include shoulders or extrusions on two or more sides of the application surface 718 that extend along the sides of the slide 306 as the slide 306 is inserted along the offset rails or extrusions 730. For example, the shoulders may be substantially parallel and spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the slide 306, which may have dimensions of 25 mm x 75 mm x 1 mm. Once the slide 306 is inserted between the shoulders, the treatment applicator 703 may be centered over the slide 306 using the offset rails or extrusions 730 that contact the surface of the slide 306 adjacent the edge of the slide 306. The treatment applicator 703 may include stops that contact the edges of the slide 306 to ensure alignment of the sample area within the processing channel.

[0041] Although the slide processing system is described in the context of the slide processing unit 100, it can also be implemented as a stand-alone system. For example, the components of the slide processing system can be enclosed in a housing configured to receive the sample slide 306, process the sample, and return the slide 306. In some embodiments, the slide 306 can be inserted manually (e.g., using a carriage or through a guide slot) adjacent to the treatment applicator 703. In other embodiments, the stand-alone system can include a slide retention device 203 that retrieves the slide 306 and positions it relative to the treatment applicator 703. The sample can then be processed as described above. Once treatment is complete, the slide 306 can be removed from the slide treatment system for further processing.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 9, an example of specimen slide imaging according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. FIG. 9 shows a side view of a slide processing unit 100. The slide processing unit 100 includes a light source 206 and a microscope lens 209 between which a specimen slide 306 is positioned by a slide clamp 303 of a slide holder 203. The light source 206 illuminates the specimen on the slide 306 from the side opposite the microscope lens 209. By adjusting the position of the specimen slide 306 under the microscope lens 209, the imaging of the smear specimen by the image capture unit 212 can be controlled.

[0043] Once slide preparation is complete, the slide holder 203 can retract and rotate the slide 306 under the digital microscope using a light source 206, one or more microscope lenses 209, and an image capture unit 212 for imaging (shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D). As shown in FIG. 5A, the light source 206 is positioned below the level of the specimen slide 306 for illumination during imaging. Sufficient cooling is included to prevent distortion of the captured image due to heat from the light source 206. Multiple microscope lenses 209 can be positioned above the height of the specimen slide 306. One of the lenses 209 can be selected for imaging by the image capture unit 212 and linearly adjusted for focus on the specimen. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, two or more microscope lenses 209 can be mounted on a common base plate 806 supported by a pair of guide rails 809. The desired lens magnification can be selected by moving the base plate 806 along the guide rails 809. A motor 812 (or solenoid) can be controlled to shift the base plate 806 to align the appropriate lens 209 with the image capture unit 212. As depicted in FIG. 5C , a linkage 815 can be used to convert the rotational motion of the motor 812 into linear motion of the base plate 806. Sensors and / or mechanical stops can be included to ensure proper alignment of the selected lens with the image capture unit 212. A dust shield can be provided over the back of the lens to prevent dust or other contaminants from accumulating on the lens 209.

[0044] With the selected microscope lens 209 in position, the lens 209 and / or light source 206 may be adjusted for specimen inspection and imaging. For example, the selected lens 209 may be adjusted using a stepper or servo motor 818. Using appropriate gearing or thread pitch allows for precise fine adjustment of the lens 209, thereby improving the ability to focus the image for capture. The location of the surface of the specimen slide 306 may first be determined by focusing on an etched portion of the slide 306. The focus of the microscope lens 209 may then be performed automatically by the slide processing unit 100 or manually by a user of the slide processing unit 100. Hard stops may be provided to prevent the lens 206 from hitting the specimen slide 306 during adjustment.

[0045] Using a sample processed under a digital microscope, it is possible to automatically identify the monolayer of a smeared sample. As the sample is smeared across the slide 306, the thickness of the sample on the slide 306 decreases or thins until the sample smear is complete. Toward the edge of the smear, there is an area where a monolayer of cells is present (i.e., one cell thick, nominally 3 to 5 microns). In some embodiments, the location of the monolayer can be determined by measuring the light passing through the slide. First, light can be measured through the glass of the slide 306 on both sides of the sample where no sample is present. This allows the total amount of light passing through the clear glass to be determined. The digital microscope can then search for an area where a predetermined percentage of the total light passing through the smeared sample is detected. For example, if the light passing through the smeared area is approximately 57% of the total light passing through the clear glass, then a monolayer is present in that area. In this way, the location of the monolayer in the smeared sample can be determined.

[0046] The slide processing unit 100 can be used to automatically acquire images of processed samples and transmit the images for storage and / or evaluation at a remote location. Images of the samples on the slides 306 can be automatically digitized in a mosaic format using the image capture unit 212, which includes mirrors, lenses, and / or an image capture device 803. The images may be initially acquired at high resolution and stored in a storage device within the slide processing unit 100. The position (or relative position) of each of the mosaic images, the operating conditions of the light source 206, lens 209, and / or image capture unit 212, and / or the identification of the sample slide 306 can also be stored in the storage device. In some implementations, the slide processing unit 100 can also send acquired images to a local or remote data storage device for external storage. For example, images can be sent to a secure data storage device in the cloud. The slide processing unit 100 can transmit images for external storage upon acquisition, store them in the slide processing unit's storage device upon acquisition, or transmit them for external storage at a later time. For example, images may be transmitted at scheduled times (eg, after normal business hours when network usage is low) or when the slide processing unit 100 is idle.

[0047] The digitized images can be made viewable to a local operator on a display screen 103 (see FIG. 1 ) and / or transmitted for review by a pathology specialist. FIG. 10 is a graphical representation illustrating a system for remotely accessing and / or controlling the slide processing unit 100. For example, communication can be established between the slide processing unit 100 and a user device 903 (e.g., a computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.) via a secure network connection over one or more networks 906 (e.g., an intranet, the Internet, and / or a cellular network). As described, the slide processing unit 100 can store image data in local memory (or storage) and / or can store the image data in a remote storage device 909 for later access. Remote storage can represent one or more data storage devices, as can be appreciated.

[0048] Additionally, data can be transmitted to a user device 903 for testing and evaluation. User device 903 represents a plurality of devices that may be coupled to network 906. User device 903 may include, for example, a processor-based system such as a computer system. Such a computer system may be implemented in the form of a desktop computer, laptop computer, personal digital assistant, cellular phone, smartphone, web pad, tablet computer system, or other device with similar capabilities. User device 903 may include a display, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, a gas plasma-based flat panel display, an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), an electrophoretic ink (E-ink) display, an LCD projector, or other type of display device.

[0049] To improve data transmission and reception and reduce latency, the resolution of the acquired image may be reduced and compressed prior to transmission to the user device 903. For example, the resolution of the acquired image may be reduced by a predetermined amount (e.g., 10 to 1) that does not affect the image quality for review by the user and transmitted to the user device 903 using an appropriate compressed format (e.g., jpeg). If a higher resolution image is requested by the user during image evaluation, the image processing unit 100 can communicate the higher resolution information to the user device 903 for evaluation.

[0050] The examination of the sample in the image processing unit 100 can also be actively controlled locally via the display screen 103 (or other user interface) or remotely via a secure connection to the user device 903. For example, a pathologist or other user can first examine low-resolution images to determine if a condition or problem exists. If there are questions about the sample, higher resolution images can be requested for further examination. In some cases, higher resolution images of specific areas of the sample can be requested by the pathologist or user to reduce the total amount of data being requested. It is also possible for the pathologist or user to actively control the image of the sample in real time. This can be particularly beneficial when features of the sample are captured across multiple images.

[0051] In some implementations, a pathologist or user can actively control some of the mechanisms of the slide processing unit 100 from a remote location. For example, examination of processed samples can be remotely controlled in real time via a secure connection with the user device 903. Images are transmitted to the user device 903, while commands are transmitted via an interface on the user device 903 to actively control the viewing of the images. The commands can enable the pathologist or user to control the examination of different regions of the stored image data or to control active imaging of the sample in the image processing unit 100 using the sample slide 306 in the image processing unit 100. Images stored in the remote storage device 909 can also be accessed via the user device 903.

[0052] In some cases, a user can exercise real-time control of the slide processing unit 100 while real-time images are streamed to the user device 930. Features such as controlling the iris of the light source 206, removing the microscope lens (or objective lens) 209, and controlling the field of view can be controlled by a remote operator, but are not limited to certain areas. Linear adjustment of the lens and / or selection of different lenses can also be remotely controlled. For example, a pathologist or user can change the image resolution (or magnification) to pan between different areas or focus the examination as desired. The pathologist or user can also control the image processing unit 100 while images of the sample are being captured in real time. In this way, the pathologist can examine the sample as if the slide 306 were in their own location.

[0053] After imaging and / or inspection of the sample is complete, the specimen slide 306 can be returned to the carriage 106 by the slide retaining device 203. The user can then remove the specimen slide 306 from the slide processing unit 100 for holding or disposal. For example, the user can open the carriage 106 and pull the specimen slide 306 from the grip of the slide clamp 303. The processed specimen slide 306 can be reinserted into the slide processing unit 100 for subsequent inspection using the microscope lens 209 and image capture unit 212 (see FIG. 3C). The alignment arm 303 of the slide clamp 303 and guide shoulder 427, slide stop 430, and clamp stop 433 of the mounting plate 309 (see FIGS. 4A-4F) allows for consistent positioning of the specimen slide 306 during subsequent imaging. The specimen slide 306 can be repositioned by the slide processing unit 100 to return to the position of a previously acquired image for re-inspection by the user. In other embodiments, the specimen slide 306 can be deposited at the bottom of the image processing unit 100 for subsequent removal and disposal. For example, the specimen slide 306 can be released and placed in a receptacle at the bottom of the slide processing unit 100.

[0054] Tissue samples may also be processed by the slide processing unit 100 in a similar manner. Thin slices of tissue may be placed on slides 306 and introduced into the slide processing unit 100. Because smearing is not required, the sample slide 306 undergoes the aforementioned staining process (e.g., drying and / or chemical treatment) and is then placed under the microscope lens 209 for digitization and / or review. In some implementations, block sections of tissue may be introduced into the slide processing unit 100 in appropriate sample jars, and frozen section preparation may be accomplished automatically. The block sections may be dehydrated by forced air and / or heat-assisted vacuum drying. The tissue may then be sectioned, for example, using a piezoelectrically driven knife (or sharp edge), and the resulting thin sections may be automatically placed on the slide 306. The sample slide 306 then undergoes the aforementioned processing process (e.g., staining) and is then placed under the microscope lens 209 for digitization and / or review.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 11 , a schematic block diagram of an example of a processing circuit that can be used to control the operation of the image processing unit 100 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The processing circuit includes at least one processor circuit, e.g., a processor 1003 and a memory 1006, both of which are coupled to a local interface 1009. To this end, the processing circuit 1000 may be implemented using one or more circuits, one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits, dedicated hardware, digital signal processors, microcomputers, central processing units, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic devices, state machines, or any combination thereof. The local interface 1009 may, for example, comprise a data bus with an associated address / control bus or other bus structure, as can be appreciated. The processing circuit 1000 may include a display screen 103, e.g., for rendering generated graphics, such as a user interface, and / or for receiving input from a user.

[0056] The processing circuit 1000 may also include an input / output interface 1012, through which user input, such as a keypad, mouse, or touchscreen, can be received from a user interface unit 1015, and / or output from the image processing unit 100 can be sent to an external display for rendering. Additionally, the processing circuit 1000 may include one or more communication interfaces 1018 that enable the processing circuit 1000 to communicatively couple with other communication devices or networks. The communication interfaces may include, for example, one or more wireless connections, such as Bluetooth, WiFi (e.g., 802.11), or other radio frequency (RF) connections, and / or one or more wired connections. The processing circuit 1000 may also include one or more control interfaces 1021 that communicate with motors (e.g., stepper or servo motors 321 and 330), solenoids, or other controllable devices used to control the operation of the image processing unit 100.

[0057] The memory 1006 stores both data and several components executable by the processor 1003. In particular, stored in the memory 1006 and executable by the processor 1003 are an IPU (image processing unit) system application 1024, an operating system 1027, and / or other applications 1030. The IPU system application 1024 may include, for example, applications that support controlling the operation of the image processing unit 100. For example, the IPU system application 1024 may be configured to automatically process and acquire images of specimens on slides 306 and provide the functionality to locally and remotely control the operation of the image processing unit 100 as described. As can be appreciated, there may be other applications stored in the memory 1006 and executable by the processor 1003. If any component described herein is implemented in software, any one of a number of programming languages ​​may be employed, such as, for example, C, C++, C#, Objective C, Java, Java Script, Perl, PHP, Visual Basic, Python, Ruby, Delphi, Flash, LabVIEW, or other programming languages. Memory 1006 may also store data storage 1033 and other data, such as image data captured by image capture unit 212.

[0058] A number of software components are stored in memory 1006 and are executable by processor 1003. In this regard, the term "executable" refers to a program file in a format that is ultimately executable by processor 1003. Examples of executable programs may be, for example, a compiled program that can be loaded into a random-access portion of memory 1006 and converted into machine code in a format executable by processor 1003; source code that can be expressed in a suitable format such as object code that can be loaded into a random-access portion of memory 1006 and executed by processor 1003; or source code that can be interpreted by another executable program to generate instructions in the random-access portion of memory 1006 to be executed by processor 1003. The executable program may be stored in any portion or component of memory 1006, including, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard drive, a solid-state drive, a USB flash drive, a storage card, an optical disk such as a compact disc (CD) or digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a magnetic tape, or other storage component.

[0059] Memory 1006 is defined herein to include both volatile and nonvolatile storage and data storage components. A volatile component is one that does not retain a data value upon loss of power. A nonvolatile component is one that retains data upon loss of power. Thus, memory 1006 may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, a USB flash drive, a storage card accessed via a storage card reader, a floppy disk accessed via an associated floppy disk drive, an optical disk accessed via an optical disk drive, a magnetic tape accessed via an appropriate tape drive, and / or other storage components or a combination of any two or more of these storage components. Furthermore, RAM may include, for example, static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or magnetic random access memory (MRAM), and other such devices. ROM may comprise, for example, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other similar memory devices.

[0060] Also, processor 1003 may represent multiple processors 1003, and memory 1006 may represent multiple memories 1006 each operating in parallel processing circuits. In such cases, local interface 1009 may be a suitable network facilitating communication between any two of the multiple processors 1003, between any processor 1003 and any memory 1006, or between any two memories 1006. Local interface 1009 may include additional systems designed to coordinate this communication, including, for example, performing load balancing. Processor 1003 may be electronic or of other available construction.

[0061] The IPU system application 1024, operating system 1027, application 1030, and various other systems described herein may be implemented in software or code executed by general-purpose hardware as described above, or alternatively, in dedicated hardware or a combination of software / general-purpose and dedicated hardware. If embodied in dedicated hardware, each may be implemented as a circuit or state machine using any one of several technologies or a combination of several technologies. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing various logical functions upon the application of one or more data signals, application-specific integrated circuits or other components having appropriate logic gates, and the like. Such technologies are generally known to those skilled in the art and therefore will not be described in detail herein.

[0062] Additionally, the logic or applications described herein (including IPU system application 1024 and / or application 1030), even those including software or code, can be embodied in any non-transitory computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, such as processor 1003, in a computer system or other system. In this sense, logic can include, for example, statements, including instructions and declarations, that can be fetched from a computer-readable medium and executed by an instruction execution system. In the context of this disclosure, a "computer-readable medium" can be any medium capable of containing, storing, or maintaining the logic or applications described herein for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system. A computer-readable medium can comprise any one of many physical media, such as, for example, magnetic, optical, or semiconductor media. More specific examples of suitable computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, magnetic tape, magnetic floppy diskettes, magnetic hard drives, memory cards, solid-state drives, USB flash drives, or optical disks. The computer-readable medium may also be a random access memory (RAM), including, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or a magnetic random access memory (MRAM). Furthermore, the computer-readable medium may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or other types of memory devices.

[0063] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without substantially departing from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. These changes and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

[0064] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed in range format herein. It should be understood that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and, therefore, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly recited as range limits, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges subsumed within the range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly recited. By way of example, a concentration range of "about 0.1% to about 5%" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, but also individual concentrations (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and subranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the stated range. The term "about" may include conventional rounding to significant digits of numerical values. Additionally, the phrase "about 'x' to 'y'" includes "about 'x' to about 'y'."

Claims

1. 1. A system for processing microscope slides, comprising: a reservoir containing a fluid; 1. A treatment applicator comprising: an offset rail opposite the application surface, the offset rail and application surface defining a processing channel when positioned on the surface of the slide; the treatment applicator, comprising: an opening configured to direct fluid from the reservoir to the treatment channel, the opening extending through the treatment applicator to the application surface, the opening comprising a constriction configured to regulate fluid flow into the treatment channel; A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the opening comprises an attachment point opposite the constriction, the attachment point having a cross-section larger than a cross-section of the constriction.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the fluid is supplied to the treatment channel via a supply line coupled to the attachment point of the treatment applicator.

4. The system of claim 1 , comprising a supply device configured to supply the fluid from the reservoir to the opening of the treatment applicator.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the supply device is a pump in fluid communication with the opening via a supply tube.

6. The system of claim 4 , wherein the delivery device is configured to provide a predetermined amount of the fluid to the treatment applicator.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir is a syringe containing the fluid.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a stain.

9. 10. The system of claim 1, comprising a plurality of reservoirs each containing a corresponding fluid, and wherein the treatment applicator comprises a plurality of openings configured to direct the fluid from one of the plurality of reservoirs to the processing channel.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the plurality of openings each comprise a constriction configured to regulate the flow of the fluid into the processing channel.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the treatment applicator comprises a shoulder opposite a treatment surface, the shoulder configured to align the slide with the treatment surface of the treatment applicator.

12. The system of claim 1 , comprising a slide positioner configured to adjust the positioning of the slide relative to the treatment applicator.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the slide positioner positions the slide relative to the offset rail of the treatment applicator, thereby forming the treatment channel.

14. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the slide contains a fluid sample, and the slide positioner repositions the slide against an end of a smear slide to smear the fluid sample along the length of the slide.

15. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising an image capture unit configured to capture a digital image of the slide through the lens when the slide positioner positions the slide between the lens and a light source.

Images