Consumable Stainer Units for Sealed Reagent Slide Processing
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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 inefficient in reagent use, leading to inconsistent staining and disrupted workflow.
Innovation Solution
A consumable stainer unit with integrated reagent dispensing elements, temperature control, and sealed reagent holders, which minimizes evaporation and cross-contamination, allowing for controlled reagent delivery and waste management, suitable for single or multiple slide processing protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional automated pipetting systems are used, then automated slide processing is achieved, but the system becomes large and unsuitable for small laboratories
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a compact automated pipetting system integrated with a consumable slide processing unit. The consumable unit contains all necessary reagents and processing components in a self-contained module that attaches to the automated system, allowing the automation function to be separated from the reagent storage and processing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable slide processing unit is designed as a nested module that attaches to the automated pipetting system. The unit contains nested reagent bottles, processing chambers, and waste containers within a compact housing that integrates with the automated system's slide processing mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If reagents are exposed to air in conventional systems, then reagent dispensing is simplified, but reagent degradation and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the system have different air exposure characteristics. The consumable unit stores reagents in sealed containers protected from air, while the dispensing mechanism provides localized controlled access to reagents only when needed for processing slides, minimizing overall reagent exposure to degrading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable unit is pre-assembled with reagents in sealed containers before use. The system performs preliminary sealing and protection of reagents during storage and transport, then provides controlled dispensing only when the slide processing protocol requires it, preventing degradation during non-use periods.
3Device complexity
If reagent bottles are limited in number, then system complexity is reduced, but the number of staining protocols is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically replaceable consumable units that can be configured with different reagent combinations based on the required staining protocols. The automated system can quickly exchange consumable units to adapt between different protocols without permanently installing multiple dedicated bottle positions, providing flexibility while maintaining simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The consumable slide processing unit is designed as a universal module that can accommodate multiple reagent types and staining protocols through a single standardized interface with the automated system. The unit's reagent delivery mechanism can service multiple protocol requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for different staining types.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual reagent application is used, then reagent precision is improved, but labor intensity increases and consistency varies
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable unit is designed as a self-servicing module that automatically delivers reagents to slides through integrated dispensing mechanisms. The unit contains its own reagent delivery system, temperature control, and waste management, eliminating the need for manual intervention in reagent application while maintaining precision through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical reagent application by technicians is replaced with an automated pipetting system integrated with the consumable unit. The automated system uses computer-controlled pipettes and integrated reagent delivery mechanisms to apply reagents with consistent precision, eliminating variability introduced by manual operations.
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
Ensures consistent staining by preventing reagent degradation and contamination, reducing waste, and optimizing reagent use, thus enhancing processing efficiency and reducing maintenance frequency.
Implementation Method 1
The stainer unit can contain the specimen slide and can prevent, limit, or minimize evaporative losses, stain degradation (e.g., due to oxidation)
Implementation Method 2
a slide processing station which can control temperature
Data Source
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.