Automated Sample Preparation Device for Cytology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cytological sample preparation methods are time-consuming, prone to contamination, and require manual handling, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses and increased risk of exposure to pathogens, necessitating a more efficient and automated process for preparing cytological samples.
Innovation Solution
A unitary automated sample preparation device that integrates cell deposition, epitope retrieval, and staining modules, allowing for simultaneous processing of multiple samples without manual handling, using a heating module to maintain consistent temperature and reagent application across assay devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sample preparation methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but processing time increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sample preparation functions (cell deposition, epitope retrieval, staining, heating) into a single integrated automated device. The support device holds multiple assay devices simultaneously, and modules are operably engaged with the support device to perform sequential operations without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated device is designed with multi-functional modules that can perform different operations (deposition, heating, staining, retrieval) on multiple assay devices simultaneously. The support device accommodates various types of assay devices, providing universal functionality that maintains adaptability while automating processes to improve productivity.
2Reliability
If manual handling is used during sample preparation, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk and exposure to pathogens increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules (cell deposition module, epitope retrieval module, staining module, heating module) that operate independently but are coordinated through a control system. Each module is designed to minimize cross-contamination risks while maintaining operational simplicity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the various processing modules and the assay devices. It provides a standardized interface that holds multiple assay devices and coordinates their processing, reducing the need for direct manual handling and minimizing contamination risk while keeping the overall system manageable.
3Productivity
If multiple samples are processed sequentially manually, then device complexity is minimized, but processing time and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processing functions and multiple sample handling capabilities into a single integrated system. The support device holds multiple assay devices, and the modules can process multiple samples in parallel or sequence automatically, significantly increasing throughput while the control system manages the complexity of coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system enables continuous processing of multiple samples through uninterrupted sequential operations. Modules are operably engaged with the support device to perform deposition, retrieval, staining, and heating continuously without manual intervention between samples, eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity.
4Loss of time
If conventional preprocessing techniques are used, then equipment requirements are minimized, but processing time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple assay devices on the support device and pre-configuring the modules for automated operation. The control system pre-coordinates the sequence of operations (deposition, retrieval, staining, heating) to eliminate setup time between samples and reduce overall preparation time while managing system complexity through automated sequencing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces contamination risk, enhances sample preparation efficiency, and improves diagnostic accuracy by ensuring consistent and uniform sample processing, thereby decreasing processing time and operational costs while minimizing human exposure to pathogens.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of heating source devices disposed in a heating module assembly on which the support devices are placed, each heating source device associated with a support device for heating the samples corresponding to each of the plurality of assay devices to a selected temperature
Data Source
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AI summary
A sample preparation device and associated method is provided for preparing samples according to an assay protocol. A cell deposition module deposits a sample on each a plurality of assay devices supported by a support device. An epitope retrieval module deposits a reagent on each of the samples. Each of the samples is brought to a selected temperature. A heating device, corresponding to each of the assay devices, directly interacts with the corresponding assay device may be used to heat each assay device to the selected temperature, in conjunction with the epitope retrieval module depositing the reagent on each of the samples. A staining module deposits a staining reagent on each of the samples, and removes excess staining reagent. The staining, epitope retrieval, and cell deposition modules cooperate with the support device and heating devices to form a unitary sample preparation device.