Disposable Filter Assembly for Cell Block Preparation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing cell blocks from small tissue samples are inefficient and lack standardization, often resulting in suboptimal cell block formation, which complicates diagnostic processes and therapeutic decision-making.
Innovation Solution
A cell block apparatus and method that uses a filter assembly with a compressive cover to collect and separate cellular components from biological samples, allowing for centrifugation and embedding into a cohesive pellet, reducing contamination and sample loss, and enabling standardized processing for diagnostic analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If homebrew methods are used for preparing cell blocks from small tissue samples, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the cell block formation becomes suboptimal and diagnostic accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable cell block apparatus that integrates filter assembly, centrifuge tube, and compressive cover as a single-use unit. This disposable design eliminates the need for complex reusable equipment while ensuring consistent cell block formation quality, as each new apparatus guarantees a clean, standardized configuration without wear or contamination from previous uses.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell block apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single device: the filter assembly collects and separates cells, the centrifuge tube provides containment and centrifugation, and the compressive cover consolidates the cell pellet. This multi-functional integration achieves optimal cell block formation without requiring separate complex equipment for each step.
2Productivity
If multiple procedural steps are used in current cell block preparation methods, then thorough processing can be achieved, but contamination risks and sample loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cell collection, separation, and consolidation steps into a single integrated apparatus. The filter assembly collects cells directly into the centrifuge tube, which then centrifuges and consolidates them with the compressive cover, all within one sealed system. This merging of steps eliminates intermediate transfers that cause contamination and sample loss while maintaining thorough processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly acts as an intermediary structure that captures cells from the biological sample and transfers them directly into the centrifuge tube without requiring intermediate handling. This intermediary mechanism ensures cells are processed thoroughly while minimizing exposure to contamination risks during transfer.
3Measurement precision
If standardized apparatus is implemented for cell block preparation, then diagnostic accuracy and consistency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized cell block apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments: the filter assembly for cell collection and separation, the centrifuge tube for containment and centrifugation, and the compressive cover for pellet consolidation. This segmentation provides standardized, repeatable results for each function while keeping individual components simple and manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small tissue samples are processed with current methods, then minimally invasive procedures are maintained, but the information obtained from the sample is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus optimizes processing parameters for small samples by using a filter assembly with appropriate pore sizes to capture even minimal cell quantities, centrifugation forces tailored to small volumes, and compressive cover pressure optimized for small cell pellets. These parameter changes maximize the diagnostic information obtained from minimally invasive small samples.
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 apparatus facilitates consistent and accurate preparation of cell blocks from small samples, reducing procedural steps and contamination risks, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic options.
Implementation Method 1
a filter assembly with a compressive cover to collect and separate cellular components from biological samples
Implementation Method 2
allowing for centrifugation and embedding into a cohesive pellet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A medical apparatus and method of preparing one or more cell blocks. The medical apparatus comprises at least one elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end and a filter membrane disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the elongate tubular body. The filter membrane, which can include alignment features and structural features to engage the tubular body, and/or cover, is sectionable. Additionally, in some embodiments a second elongate tubular body is provided which telescopingly receives at least a portion of the first elongate tubular body. In other embodiments, a support member is provided for engaging the filter membrane and positioning the filter membrane at a midpoint of the elongate tubular body during centrifuging.