Tissue Sample Cassettes With Compartments for Automated Gross Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy tissue sample cassettes require manual handling and fluid suspension of samples during transportation and processing, leading to inefficiencies and potential misidentification, especially in automated gross processing.
Innovation Solution
A tissue sample cassette with compartments, an absorbent material, and a cover, equipped with tracking elements and imaging capabilities, allowing for automated gross processing and efficient sample retention without fluid suspension, facilitating accurate tracking and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and fluid suspension are used for tissue samples during transportation and processing, then samples can be easily transported, but handling efficiency decreases and misidentification risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue sample container is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of holding individual tissue samples. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be processed and tracked independently within a single container, improving handling efficiency while maintaining clear identification of each sample through its designated compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual handling and visual identification methods with automated imaging systems and tracking elements. Cameras capture images of tissue samples in each compartment, and tracking elements (barcodes, RFID tags) enable automated identification and data association, eliminating manual handling errors and misidentification risks.
2Extent of automation
If tracking elements and imaging capabilities are integrated into the cassette, then automated gross processing and accurate measurement are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated cassette system: sample holding compartments, tracking elements for identification, imaging capabilities for documentation, and measurement features. This merging allows automated gross processing where a single system performs tracking, imaging, and measurement functions that would otherwise require separate devices and manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue sample container is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as a sample holder, tracking system, imaging substrate, and measurement tool. The same cassette structure supports all these functions, making the system universally applicable for automated gross processing without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Productivity
If compartments are sized and configured to retain tissue samples without fluid suspension, then handling efficiency improves, but sample retention reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compartments are designed with specific local features including dividers that create individual chambers and bottom surfaces configured to cradle tissue samples. These localized structural qualities ensure each sample is securely retained in its designated compartment without requiring fluid suspension, maintaining both retention reliability and handling efficiency.
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
Enables efficient, automated gross processing and accurate measurement of tissue samples, reducing misidentification and improving handling efficiency by maintaining sample orientation and integrating imaging and tracking technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material located in a central recess of the lower tray
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of a lower surface of the cover proximate the upper tray may include a hydrophobic material
Implementation Method 3
At least a portion of the upper surface of the absorbent material may include a hydrophilic material
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue sample cassettes for receiving tissue samples may include a lower tray, an absorbent substrate, dividers defining elongated compartments over the absorbent substrate, and a cover configured to hold at least one tissue sample in place over the absorbent substrate in at least one corresponding elongated compartment defined by the dividers between the absorbent substrate and the cover. Related systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.