Cell Block Filter Assembly for Minimally Invasive Sample Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of standardized methods for preparing cell blocks from small tissue samples, which can lead to inconsistency and inefficiency in laboratories, particularly when dealing with minimally invasive procedures, as existing 'homebrew' methods often fail or result in suboptimal cell blocks.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus featuring an elongated body with a loading chamber, a cell block filter assembly with a filter membrane, and a base member that secures the assembly, allowing for the formation of sliceable cell blocks suitable for microscopy or other analyses, using materials like LLDPE and ePTFE to ensure sample concentration and reduce waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If homebrew methods are used to prepare cell blocks from small samples, then laboratories can perform ancillary tests, but the preparation results are inconsistent and suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional components: an elongated body for sample reception, a filter assembly for cell concentration, and a base member for support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and reliability in cell block preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly automatically concentrates cells from the liquid sample as it passes through the filter membrane, eliminating the need for manual cell pellet formation steps. The apparatus performs the critical function of cell concentration reliably without requiring complex manual manipulation, thereby improving consistency across different laboratories
2Productivity
If small tissue samples are obtained through minimally invasive procedures, then patient care is improved, but sample management becomes challenging and places greater burden on laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: sample reception, filtration, cell concentration, and cell block formation all occur within one apparatus. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate操作步骤, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing the operational burden on laboratory personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated body can receive both liquid samples and small tissue samples, making the apparatus universally applicable to different sample types obtained through minimally invasive procedures. This multi-functionality allows laboratories to efficiently process various samples without requiring specialized equipment for each sample type
3Ease of operation
If cell blocks are formed from large samples, then the process is easier, but minimally invasive procedures only provide small samples
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed with specific parameters optimized for small sample volumes: a filter membrane with appropriate pore size and surface area that can effectively concentrate cells from minimal liquid volumes. This parameter optimization enables easy cell block formation even from the small samples obtained through minimally invasive procedures
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 apparatus enables efficient and standardized preparation of cell blocks from small samples, reducing waste and sample loss, and allowing for precise analysis by forming sliceable samples that can be mounted directly on a slide, improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency across laboratories.
Implementation Method 1
a filter membrane disposed across a well opening on a bottom of the well portion
Implementation Method 2
the elongated body suitable for receiving a biological sample and stratification/separation of the biological sample into component parts
Data Source
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AI summary
A medical apparatus is provided including an elongated body and defining a loading chamber between a proximal end and a distal end thereof for storing a liquid therein, the elongated body defining an outlet at the distal end thereof; a cell block filter assembly including a cell block body and defining a well portion matingly engageable with the distal end of the elongated body for receiving fluid from the outlet of the elongated body and defining a well opening on a bottom thereof; a filter membrane disposed across the well opening on the bottom of the well portion; and a cover member positionable over the well portion wherein the entire cell block filter assembly is sliceable into slices having a thickness suitable for mounting on a laboratory slide.