Tissue Sample Wax Block Apparatus Preventing Cross-Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for producing wax blocks containing tissue samples is prone to cross-contamination between samples and requires laborious handling, as tissue samples must be dehydrated and processed in a dehydrator before being embedded in wax, making it difficult to develop individual dehydration protocols for different tissue types.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple containers, each holding a single tissue sample, and a dispensing and emptying system that allows for controlled dispensing and emptying of substances without transferring the sample, preventing cross-contamination and enabling simultaneous processing of multiple samples within the same device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tissue samples are successively immersed into individual baths in a dehydrator, then dehydration processing can be performed, but cross-contamination between different tissue samples occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the processing system into separate containers, each dedicated to a single tissue sample. Instead of using shared baths where multiple samples are successively immersed, the patent implements individual containers that prevent tissue portions from detaching and contaminating other samples, thus eliminating cross-contamination while maintaining dehydration processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism (the container system with automated dispensing) between the dehydrating agents and tissue samples. The automated dispensing apparatus delivers dehydrating agents into sealed containers, preventing direct contact and potential contamination between samples while still achieving the desired dehydration effect
2Ease of manufacture
If tissue samples are transferred from dehydrator to base mold, then wax embedding can be performed, but laborious handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the dehydration container with the wax embedding base mold into a single integrated container system. The same container used for dehydration processing serves as the base mold for wax embedding, eliminating the need to transfer samples between separate devices and significantly reducing manual handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the dehydration chamber and the base mold for wax embedding. This multi-functional design allows the tissue sample to remain in the same container throughout the entire process, from dehydration through wax embedding, thereby simplifying operations and reducing labor
3Productivity
If a shared dehydrator is used for multiple tissue samples, then processing efficiency is maintained, but individual dehydration protocols cannot be developed
Solution Approach 1:
By providing separate containers for each tissue sample, the invention enables independent control of dehydration protocols for each sample. Each container can receive different dehydrating agents, concentrations, and exposure times according to the specific requirements of each tissue type, while still allowing batch processing of multiple samples simultaneously
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 effectively prevents cross-contamination and simplifies the processing of tissue samples by maintaining each sample in its own container throughout dehydration and wax embedding, reducing labor and enabling efficient production of wax blocks without the need for extensive sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus (40) furthermore comprises a heating apparatus for heating the container (4)
Implementation Method 2
The substance present in the container (4) is then emptied, i.e. evaporated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for producing a wax block containing a tissue sample (1), comprising: a container (4) into which the tissue sample (1) is placed; and a dispensing apparatus (10) for dispensing different substances (8) into the container (4). The apparatus (1) according to the present invention is notable for the fact that it comprises an emptying device (23) for emptying the container (4); and a control unit (22) is provided, which is designed to apply control to the dispensing apparatus (10) and to the emptying device (23) in such a way that in several successive cycles, at least one of the substances is respectively dispensed into the container (4) and the container (4) is emptied again after a specific time period.