Automated Cell Sample Destaining for Combined Morphology and Biomarkers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic workflows for cellular samples require separate portions for morphological and molecular analysis, which is time-consuming and expensive, and do not allow for direct comparison between morphologically abnormal cells and molecular stains.
Innovation Solution
A method of affinity staining Romanowsky-type stained samples on automated platforms, allowing for simultaneous morphological and biomarker analysis by destaining the sample with cell conditioning solutions and applying biomarker-specific reagents directly on the same sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate portions of the sample are used for morphological analysis and molecular diagnosis, then both analyses can be performed, but the workflow becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines morphological analysis and molecular diagnosis into a single integrated workflow by performing both stainings on the same cellular sample. The automated platform enables simultaneous Romanowsky-type staining for morphology and biomarker staining, eliminating the need to split the sample into separate portions and thereby reducing overall analysis time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated staining platform is designed to perform multiple functions on a single sample: it can apply Romanowsky-type stains for morphological evaluation and subsequently apply biomarker-specific reagents for molecular diagnosis. This multi-functional capability allows one sample to serve multiple diagnostic purposes, reducing time and resource consumption.
2Reliability
If separate portions of the sample are used for morphological analysis and molecular diagnosis, then both analyses can be performed, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging morphological and molecular diagnostic procedures into a single integrated workflow on the same sample, the patent reduces the total quantity of sample material required. Instead of consuming sample for two separate analyses, the combined approach uses one sample for both stainings, thereby reducing overall sample consumption and associated costs.
3Loss of information
If separate analyses are performed, then both morphological and molecular data can be obtained, but direct comparison between cells is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both stainings into a single integrated workflow where the same cellular sample undergoes both Romanowsky-type staining for morphology and biomarker staining. This allows direct comparison between morphologically identified cells and molecularly stained cells at the same spatial location, enabling correlation between morphological abnormalities and molecular markers without requiring complex data matching across separate samples.
4Productivity
If automated advanced staining systems are used for biomarker staining, then efficiency increases, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated staining platform performs the complex staining procedures autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically handles sample positioning, reagent dispensing, staining execution, and slide handling, thereby increasing productivity while the operational complexity is transferred from the user to the automated system itself.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective simultaneous morphological and biomarker analysis, facilitating direct comparison and reducing the need for multiple sample portions.
Implementation Method 1
the sample is destained using a reagent that has additional uses on the automated advanced staining platform, such as cell conditioning solutions
Implementation Method 2
contacting the sample with a biomarker-specific reagent
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to the use of automated platforms in the preparation of biomarker-stained cellular samples for microscopic analysis and use of such stained cells in the diagnosis of certain conditions. Disclosed herein is a method of affinity staining a Romanowsky-type stained sample on automated advanced staining systems, wherein the automated advanced stainer destains the sample prior to contact with a biomarker-specific reagent. Also disclosed herein are methods of processing body fluid samples for morphological and biomarker analysis by depositing cells of the sample in a thin layer onto one or more solid supports, staining at least one such solid support with a Romanowsky-type stain and staining at least one such solid support for one or more biomarkers useful for categorizing one or more cells of the sample.