Biopsy Processing Container With Semi-Permeable Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for processing biopsy samples are prone to sample misidentification, contamination, and increased processing time due to manual handling and complex steps, particularly when dealing with multiple samples or fragments, and pose difficulties in positioning samples for sectioning.
Innovation Solution
A container with a first chamber for receiving the biopsy sample and a semi-permeable barrier that prevents sample passage, combined with a second chamber for processing materials, which creates a reduced pressure to draw samples toward the barrier and includes a bolus of solid embedding material to position and embed the sample effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling is used for transferring biopsy samples between containers, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the likelihood of sample misidentification, contamination, and loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing chambers (fixation chamber, infiltration chamber, embedding chamber) into a single integrated container that holds the biopsy sample throughout the entire processing sequence. This merging eliminates the need to manually transfer the sample between separate containers, thereby preventing misidentification, contamination, and loss while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a semi-permeable barrier as an intermediary element between chambers that allows processing materials to pass through while retaining the biopsy sample. This mediator enables automated or controlled material transfer without requiring manual handling of the sample itself, thus improving reliability while simplifying operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple manual processing steps are performed for sample fixation, infiltration, and embedding, then processing thoroughness is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing system into distinct functional chambers (fixation chamber, infiltration chamber, embedding chamber) within a single integrated container. Each chamber performs a specific processing step thoroughly, yet all chambers operate within one unified system that eliminates inter-transfer delays, thereby maintaining processing precision while reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous processing by allowing materials to flow sequentially through different chambers without interrupting the sample. The semi-permeable barrier facilitates continuous material passage while retaining the sample, eliminating idle time between processing steps and reducing total processing time while maintaining thoroughness.
3Manufacturing precision
If samples are manually positioned for embedding, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the complexity of operation increases particularly for multiple samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a semi-permeable barrier that automatically positions the biopsy sample at the downstream portion of the first chamber through passive retention mechanisms. The barrier's physical properties cause the sample to self-position without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving positioning accuracy while eliminating the complexity associated with manual positioning, especially for multiple samples or fragments.
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
The container simplifies the processing of biopsy samples by reducing manual handling errors, ensuring accurate positioning for sectioning, and streamlining the embedding process, thereby reducing processing time and enhancing sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A semi-permeable barrier is located at a downstream portion of the first chamber. The semi-permeable barrier is configured to prevent passage of the biopsy sample.
Implementation Method 2
The second chamber defines a space capable of sustaining a reduced pressure that, when present in the space, urges material and the sample in the first chamber toward the semi-permeable barrier.
Implementation Method 3
The semi-permeable barrier comprises a filter medium and a thermally conductive filter media support structure.
Implementation Method 4
The cap defines at least a portion of the second chamber and includes a rubber material or valve that, when pierced or the valve is opened, allows material to be drawn from the second chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A container for use in processing a biopsy sample. Biopsy sample and materials are received within a sample processing area of the container. A semi-permeable barrier is positioned at a downstream portion of the sample processing area and prevents the prevent passage of the biopsy sample. A cap is positioned at the downstream side of the barrier, and holds fluids within the container.