摘要:
A filter assembly for separating and collecting a layer of particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid containing the particulate matter (e.g., a biological fluid specimen). The filter assembly has a holder and contiguous inner and outer fluid pervious media. The outer fluid pervious medium is attached to the sidewall of the holder. The inner fluid pervious medium is of low fluidic impedance relative to the outer fluid pervious medium. The filter assembly is designed for use in a separation housing that defines two flow paths between inlet and outlet, one directly through the filter and the other around the periphery of the filter. The inlet portion of the housing has a central inlet in a radially sloped surface that faces the filter collection site. A movable suction head is adapted to cooperate with the housing and the filter assembly.
摘要:
A filter assembly for separating and collecting a layer of particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid containing the particulate matter (e.g., a biological fluid specimen). The filter assembly has a holder and contiguous inner and outer fluid pervious media. The outer fluid pervious medium is attached to the sidewall of the holder. The inner fluid pervious medium is of low fluidic impedance relative to the outer fluid pervious medium. The filter assembly is designed for use in a separation housing that defines two flow paths between inlet and outlet, one directly through the filter and the other around the periphery of the filter. The inlet portion of the housing has a central inlet in a radially sloped surface that faces the filter collection site. A movable suction head is adapted to cooperate with the housing and the filter assembly.
摘要:
A filter assembly for separating and collecting a layer of particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid containing the particulate matter (e.g., a biological fluid specimen). The filter assembly has a holder and contiguous inner and outer fluid pervious media. The outer fluid pervious medium is attached to the sidewall of the holder. The inner fluid pervious medium is of low fluidic impedance relative to the outer fluid pervious medium. The filter assembly is designed for use in a separation housing that defines two flow paths between inlet and outlet, one directly through the filter and the other around the periphery of the filter. The inlet portion of the housing has a central inlet in a radially sloped surface that faces the filter collection site. A movable suction head is adapted to cooperate with the housing and the filter assembly.
摘要:
A system for facilitating microscope-based specimen analysis is disclosed. The system includes an improved optical microscope, which may be used, in one application, to analyze cell and tissue samples from specimens obtained from patients, to facilitate inspection of suspicious materials and identification of atypical or abnormal cells and further expert review. The system includes a motorized plate, an automatic focusing sub-system, an improved light source, an improved simple plug connector for direct hookup of the microscope to an external computer, and an electronic image capturing and analyzing sub-system for automatic scanning of the sample and for electronic capture and storage of images indicative of the specimen.
摘要:
An automated system and method for individually processing multiple specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid in respective containers. The containers are transported seriatim along a processing path to present them to, at least, a preprocessing apparatus (e.g., a mixing head), and then to a specimen acquisition apparatus, which removes preprocessed specimen fluid from the container for subsequent analytical testing or evaluation. Each apparatus is actuated in response to presentation of a container thereto so as to carry out its respective operation independently. An exemplary system can include, in sequential order, stations for container loading and unloading, container uncapping and cap disposal, specimen mixing, filter loading, specimen acquisition (e.g., by aspiration, and then slide printing), filter disposal, and container resealing. The system is capable of unattended operation for many hours at a time, and can interface with an integrated data management system to provide fully integrated specimen and information management in a complete diagnostic laboratory system.
摘要:
A vial-based system and method for handling and processing specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid directly in the vial. A processing assembly, which includes a stirrer and a particulate matter separation chamber, is releasably coupled to the inside of the vial cover. The processing assembly remains with the cover when the vial is opened to insert a specimen therein. Application of a particular external force to the closed vial detaches the processing assembly from the cover so that it remains in the vial, for access by automated or manual laboratory equipment, when the cover is subsequently removed.
摘要:
Method and system for obtaining a liquid sample from a particulate matter-containing liquid in, e.g., a specimen container. A receptacle is used that has an inlet and a chamber for collecting the liquid sample. A discharge passage accommodates upward flow of liquid from the container. The discharge passage preferably has an upper discharge port, and at least one intake submerged in the liquid in the container. A flow-metering passage prevents particulate matter above a predetermined size from passing into the receptacle chamber. Liquid transfer commences after the receptacle inlet is placed in liquid-tight communication with the discharge port. Operation of mechanized system also is disclosed, as well as an arrangement and method for handling multiple receptacles at a liquid transfer station.
摘要:
A vial-based system and method for handling and processing specimens of particulate matter-containing liquid directly in the vial. A processing assembly, which includes a stirrer and a particulate matter separation chamber, is releasably coupled to the inside of the vial cover. The processing assembly remains with the cover when the vial is opened to insert a specimen therein. Application of a particular external force to the closed vial detaches the processing assembly from the cover so that it remains in the vial, for access by automated or manual laboratory equipment, when the cover is subsequently removed.
摘要:
A specimen preview and inspection system is disclosed. The system beneficially includes a preview stage, which provides a set of biasing-information for preview by a technician before the technician formally screens the specimen. The preview stage enables the technician to conveniently review information pertinent to the specimen at issue. The preview stage may thereby bias, or channel, the technician's attention during screening toward diagnostically significant aspects of the specimen. The invention is particularly useful in the context of Pap smear screening, although the invention may extend to inspection of other types of specimens or samples as well.