Cell Block Preparation Device Using Porous Gel Discs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell block preparation methods in pathology are non-standardized, leading to suboptimal and non-reproducible results, with issues such as random distribution of diagnostic specimen material, exposure to inappropriate fixatives, and inefficiencies in processing, resulting in potential misdiagnoses and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A cell block preparation device and method that uses preformed porous or non-porous gel discs with built-in markers for precise specimen concentration and processing, allowing gravity or centrifugation for specimen organization, compatible with formalin-fixed tissue protocols, and enabling the use of various fixatives, thereby improving the quality and reproducibility of cell blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If home grown cell block preparation protocols are used, then flexibility in method selection is improved, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to non-standardized procedures and random distribution of specimen material
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the cell block preparation process into distinct functional zones: a porous absorbent pad for specimen concentration and a non-porous barrier layer for controlled release. This segmentation enables precise spatial control over specimen distribution while maintaining method flexibility through interchangeable components and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating regions with different properties within the cell block: the porous pad provides high absorption capacity for specimen concentration, while the non-porous barrier layer provides controlled release properties. This local differentiation achieves precise specimen distribution control in specific areas without compromising overall method versatility.
2Ease of operation
If conventional cell block methods are used, then ease of operation is improved through simple procedures, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming processing and high failure rates requiring repeat preparations
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the porous absorbent pad and non-porous barrier layer in specific arrangements before specimen application. This pre-structured configuration automatically guides specimen concentration and distribution during processing, reducing preparation time and eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous absorbent pad serves as an intermediary that mediates between the liquid specimen and the final cell block structure. It automatically concentrates and organizes specimen material through its absorption properties, simplifying the overall procedure while improving preparation efficiency and reducing failure rates.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated instruments are used, then manufacturing precision is improved through controlled processing, but device complexity and capital investment increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service by using the intrinsic properties of the porous and non-porous materials to automatically perform specimen concentration and distribution functions. The porous pad spontaneously absorbs and concentrates specimen material, while the barrier layer automatically controls release, eliminating the need for complex automated instrumentation while maintaining precise processing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable porous pads and barrier layers that are pre-configured for single use. These inexpensive, single-use components provide precise specimen processing control without requiring expensive, complex automated instruments, making high-precision cell block preparation accessible in routine laboratory settings.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple preparation steps are used, then manufacturing precision is improved through detailed processing, but loss of time increases due to extended preparation duration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple preparation functions into a single integrated device structure: the porous absorbent pad and non-porous barrier layer work together simultaneously to concentrate, distribute, and release specimen material in one continuous process. This merging eliminates the need for separate sequential steps, maintaining high cell block quality while significantly reducing preparation time.
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 solution achieves precise organization and processing of diagnostic specimen material, reducing preparation time and resource wastage, while ensuring high-quality, reproducible cell blocks suitable for various diagnostic applications, including molecular tests, with minimal capital investment and easy adoption.
Implementation Method 1
concentrated by permeation via gravity or by centrifugation into a preformed dry, porous cell block preparation device
Implementation Method 2
concentrated by permeation via gravity or by centrifugation into a preformed dry, porous cell block preparation device
Implementation Method 3
concentrated by permeation via gravity or by centrifugation into a preformed dry, porous cell block preparation device
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept are directed to devices for facilitating the creation of pathology cell blocks and to methods for creating such cell blocks using said devices. Various cell block preparation devices are described, which cell blocks may be comprised of various media and may be provided with one or multiple wells for receiving and retaining tissue/cell specimens, such as cytology specimens. The tissue/cell specimen laden cell block preparation devices are treated with fixative to produce cell block specimens that are highly amenable to sectioning and subsequent analysis according to known methods. A marker may be integrated into any of the cell block preparation devices to guide a technologist during sectioning and subsequent application of cell block sections to slides for proper orientation of the cell block sections.