Paraffin Cell Block Spacing Using Mold Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell block preparation methods do not provide an additional layer of paraffin between the cell spot and the end of the protruding wax block, making it difficult for histologists to adjust the microtome settings before cutting the cell layer, as the cell spot remains positioned at the bottom surface of the embedding mold.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus are provided to bond a block of paraffin with cellular material embedded at one end, using an additional amount of paraffin to create an extra layer between the cell spot and the end of the paraffin block, by placing the paraffin block in a mold with a support structure that elevates the cellular matter, heating to soften and blend the paraffin, and cooling to re-solidify the additional paraffin, thereby spacing the cell spot away from the end surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cell block preparation methods are used to embed cellular material in paraffin, then cellular matter can be immobilized for microscopic examination, but the cell spot remains positioned at the bottom surface of the embedding mold without an additional layer of paraffin between it and the end of the protruding wax block

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of microtome adjustmentVSAvoiddistance from cell spot to end surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by adding an extra layer of paraffin to the cell block before microtome sectioning. This additional paraffin layer is incorporated into the cell block during the embedding process, creating a buffer zone that allows histologists to adjust microtome settings without immediately encountering the cell layer, thereby facilitating easier microtome adjustment and sectioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the cell spot is positioned at the bottom surface of the embedding mold, then the cellular material is properly embedded, but histologists cannot make microtome adjustments before cutting the cell layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of cell layer positioningVSAvoidease of microtome adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing an additional layer of paraffin between the microtome blade and the cell layer. This intermediary paraffin layer acts as a buffer that allows histologists to perform microtome adjustments without directly contacting the cell layer, thereby maintaining precise cell layer positioning while facilitating easier microtome adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If standard cell block preparation is used, then cellular material is embedded in paraffin, but no additional paraffin layer is created to space the cell spot from the end surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidease of microtome adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the additional paraffin layer during the embedding process itself, rather than requiring a separate post-processing step. This allows the cell block to be prepared with the spaced cell layer in a single integrated workflow, maintaining high processing efficiency while improving ease of microtome adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution allows for a controlled and consistent spacing of the cell spot from the end surface of the paraffin block, enabling easier microtome adjustments and ensuring precise cutting of cell-free wax sections before encountering the cell layer, improving the processing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

heating the mold to thereby soften and at least partially melt and blend together the embedding paraffin and additional paraffin located in the well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

cooling the mold to thereby bond the additional paraffin to the embedding paraffin and re-solidify the paraffin block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS8118962B2Method and apparatus for spacing cellular matter in a cell block

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 CYTYC CORP

AI summary

Methods and apparatus for bonding block of paraffin having cellular material embedded at one end thereof with an additional amount of paraffin are disclosed, including a method comprising placing the paraffin block in a well of a mold with the paraffin-embedded cellular material positioned on a support structure that elevates the cellular matter from a bottom surface of the well; heating the mold to thereby soften and at least partially melt and blend together the embedding paraffin and additional paraffin located in the well, the support structure sized such that some of the additional paraffin flows on the bottom surface of the well at least partially surrounding the support structure; and cooling the mold to thereby bond the additional paraffin to the embedding paraffin and re-solidify the paraffin block, wherein the retained cellular matter is spaced apart from an end of the re-solidified paraffin block defined by the bottom surface of the well.