Embedded-Tissue Label with Metal Detection for Histology
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Solution Overview
Problem
In histology and pathology labs, there is a challenge in accurately identifying and separating embedded tissue samples containing biological waste due to the difficulty in labeling paraffin blocks and the risk of human error with metal inserts, leading to potential misclassification of valuable patient samples.
Innovation Solution
A label with a metallic component is adhered to the surface of the embedded tissue block, allowing for detection using metal detection methods, which includes a metallic layer configured to be detected by metal detectors and an adhesive layer to secure it to the embedding agent, enabling accurate identification and separation of biological waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metal inserts are added to substrate blocks for metal detection scanning, then the detectability of embedded tissue blocks is improved, but the device complexity and risk of human error increase due to additional components and manual insertion steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the metal detection component directly into the label structure itself, merging the label and metal insert into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate metal insert addition steps while maintaining detectability, thereby reducing device complexity and human error risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal detection component is pre-integrated into the label during manufacturing, so that when the label is applied to the substrate block, the metal detection capability is already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent manual metal insert addition, reducing both complexity and error potential.
2Loss of information
If adhesive labels are applied to paraffin blocks for identification, then the labeling capability is improved, but the labeling reliability deteriorates because paraffin serves as a release surface for adhesive labels
Solution Approach 1:
The label uses a composite structure with a metallic layer combined with adhesive and protective layers. This composite material approach provides both the metal detection capability and reliable adhesion to paraffin surfaces, overcoming the limitation of standard adhesive labels on release surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The label structure has different layers with specific local properties: the metallic layer provides detection capability while the adhesive layer ensures reliable bonding to the paraffin surface. This local differentiation of properties allows the label to overcome the release surface problem while maintaining adhesion reliability.
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 ensures accurate detection and separation of embedded tissue samples, reducing human error and ensuring proper disposal of biological waste by utilizing a label with a metallic layer that can withstand the embedding and storage processes, including refrigeration temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the block is detectable using metal detection
Implementation Method 2
an adhesive layer on an opposite side of the metallic layer from the facestock or opaque film layer, wherein the adhesive layer is configured to be adhesively secured to an embedding agent
Data Source
AI summary
A label may have a facestock or opaque film layer. A metallic layer is under the facestock or opaque film layer, the metallic layer configured to be detected by metal detector. An adhesive layer is on an opposite side of the metallic layer from the facestock or opaque film layer. The adhesive layer is configured to be adhesively secured to an embedding agent of a block in which a tissue sample is embedded.