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:
A machine, method and medium for implementing functions using an input device in a manner that enhances efficient operation of a mechanism capable of operating in at least two states. The functions are implemented via a convenient input device, such as a mouse. One or more specified actuators of the input device implement a given function when the mechanism is in a first state, while at least one of those actuators implements a different function when the mechanism is in a second state. In embodiments of the present invention contemplating that the mechanism is a microscope system, two states in which the microscope system is envisioned to operate are a scan state and a pause state. The scan state allows the microscope system to execute a pre-defined scan sequence, while the pause state allows the microscope system to pause from that sequence.
摘要:
A multi-chambered blood culture device for simultaneously conducting two blood culture tests on a single blood sample. An integrated unit including a syringe port with pin extensions is provided for receiving a blood sample simultaneously into two independent sample compartments. At least two culture chambers contain growth media, one culture chamber preferably containing an aerobic growth medium and another culture chamber preferably containing an anaerobic growth medium. The device is configured to isolate the sample vials and culture chambers from contaminants of the external environment. Downward pressure on the syringe port causes the pin extensions to breache the sample compartment walls and thereby releases the blood sample from one sample compartment into one culture chamber while simultaneously releasing the blood from the other sample compartment into the other culture chamber. In the preferred embodiment, outer walls of the device are constructed of transparent plastic so as to enable visual observance of microorganism growth in the respective culture chambers.
摘要:
A multi-chambered blood culture device for simultaneously conducting two blood culture tests on a single blood sample. An integrated unit is provided with a syringe port and a piston assembly for receiving a specimen syringe and for enabling a predetermined quantity of blood to be injected into two sample cups. Isolated media compartments contain growth media, one preferably containing an aerobic growth medium and another preferably containing an anaerobic growth medium. Once the blood specimen is fully injected into the sample cups, the sample cups are released into the media compartments, thereby enabling the blood specimens to mix with the respective growth media for testing. Further, means may also be provided to lock the syringe into the integral device in order to facilitate efficient disposal upon completion of testing. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, outer walls of the device are constructed of transparent plastic so as to enable visual observance of microorganism growth in the respective culture chambers.
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 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 multi-chambered blood culture device for simultaneously conducting two blood culture tests on a single blood sample. An integrated unit is provided with rotating blood inlet valve assembly for receiving a blood sample simultaneously into two independent sample vials. Independent culture chambers contain growth media, one culture chamber preferably containing an aerobic growth medium and another culture chamber preferably containing an anaerobic growth medium. The device is configured to isolate the sample vials and culture chambers from contaminants of the external environment. By rotating the blood inlet valve assembly, blood is simultaneously released from one sample vial into one culture chamber and from the other sample vial into the other culture chamber. Outer walls of the device are preferably constructed of a transparent plastic material so as to enable visual observance of microorganism growth in the respective culture chambers.
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:
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 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.