Consumable Slide Stainer Unit With Sealed Reagent Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated slide processing machines are large, unsuitable for small laboratories, prone to reagent degradation and contamination, and require frequent replenishing, leading to inconsistent staining and disrupted workflow.
Innovation Solution
A consumable stainer unit with sealed reagent reservoirs and waste containers, integrated into an instrument, that delivers reagents to a flow cell for controlled processing, minimizing evaporation and contamination, and allowing for single-use protocols to avoid waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional automated slide processing machines are used, then high-volume slide processing can be achieved, but the machines are large and unsuitable for small laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two parts: a reusable automated instrument and disposable stainer units. The stainer units contain all reagents and processing components in compact form, enabling high-volume processing without requiring a large overall machine footprint in small laboratories.
Solution Approach 2:
The stainer unit is designed as a nested structure where reagent reservoirs, flow cells, and waste containers are integrated within a compact housing. Multiple components are nested within each other to minimize the overall volume while maintaining full functionality for automated slide processing.
2Ease of operation
If reagents are exposed to air in conventional systems, then dispensing is simplified, but reagent degradation and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stainer unit incorporates sealed reagent reservoirs that maintain an inert or controlled atmosphere, preventing oxidation and contamination of reagents. The sealing mechanism ensures reagents remain stable from manufacturing through use, eliminating the need for frequent replenishment while maintaining consistent staining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stainer unit is designed as a disposable component that is pre-filled with reagents in a sealed state. After use, the entire unit is discarded, eliminating reagent degradation issues entirely. This approach trades the cost of disposable units for the reliability and consistency of protected reagents.
3Quantity of substance
If reagent bottles are frequently replenished in conventional systems, then reagent availability is maintained, but workflow is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
All reagents are pre-loaded into the stainer unit during manufacturing before use in the laboratory. This preliminary action ensures that no time is lost during workflow for replenishing reagents, as the entire stainer unit contains sufficient reagents for multiple slides and is replaced as a complete unit when exhausted.
4Extent of automation
If conventional automated pipetting systems are used, then liquid handling is automated, but the number of reagent bottles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stainer unit is designed with multiple reagent reservoirs and a standardized interface that can accommodate different reagent configurations. By changing the stainer unit rather than modifying the instrument, the system can perform multiple staining protocols (H&E, immunohistochemistry, special stains) without requiring additional bottles or complex reconfiguration, thus achieving versatility through universal design.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. Aspects of the technology are directed, for example, to an automated staining system that includes an instrument including an end effector and a stainer unit-receiving station that receives a stainer unit such that the end effector delivers reagent from the reagent reservoirs to a reaction chamber of the slide stainer unit. The stainer unit can carry fresh reagents, waste material, and components used to handle the reagents.