Automated Biological Specimen Processing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological specimen processing and examination methods in laboratories are inefficient due to the need for extensive human intervention, multiple sample transports, and time-consuming iterative diagnostic steps, leading to delays and potential tissue impairment.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that processes biological specimens with feedback data via networked communications, generates diagnostic image data, and provides instructions for further processing, reducing the need for individual slide review, and enabling remote diagnostician access and iterative processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated instruments are used for specimen processing, then processing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate automated instruments (tissue processor, embedding system, microtome, staining system, coverslipper, and imager) into an integrated automated system that processes specimens through multiple steps without manual intervention. The system merges these functions into a coordinated workflow where each module communicates with others, reducing the need for separate devices while maintaining high processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs multiple specimen processing functions (fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, coverslipping, and imaging) within a single integrated platform. This multi-functional approach allows one system to replace multiple dedicated instruments, improving productivity while managing device complexity through consolidation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transport steps are required for specimen handling, then processing flexibility is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple processing stations (tissue processor, embedding system, microtome, staining system, coverslipper, and imager) into an integrated automated workflow. Specimens are transferred between modules via automated conveyance mechanisms without requiring manual transport, eliminating time losses while maintaining processing flexibility through programmable sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system maintains continuous processing of specimens through coordinated operation of multiple modules. Once a specimen enters the system, it progresses through each processing step without interruption or manual handling, ensuring continuous useful action from tissue preparation through final imaging, thereby minimizing transport time while preserving flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If iterative diagnostic steps are performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated processing and initial imaging of specimens before diagnostician review. Multiple staining protocols and processing steps are executed in advance according to predetermined protocols, allowing iterative diagnostic steps to be initiated earlier and reducing the time diagnosticians need to spend on repeated manual processing while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where imaging results and diagnostician reviews automatically trigger subsequent processing steps. When additional testing is required, the system receives feedback from diagnostic reviews and automatically initiates appropriate re-processing, re-staining, or additional imaging without manual intervention, thereby reducing iterative time while preserving diagnostic accuracy through systematic feedback loops.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated laboratory slide management and interpretation system and method in which slides are stained and then digitally imaged and the images are interpreted prior to referral to a diagnostician or placement in storage. The interpretation of the images involves the application of pattern recognition principles to compare the digitized images to known sample patterns from a variety of sources. Additionally, based on the results of the interpretation, the slide may undergo additional testing or staining, and additional samples may be prepared and tested. The specimens may be delivered to the diagnostician along with a tentative diagnosis.