Automated system and method for processing specimens to extract samples for both liquid-based and slide-based testing

Abstract

Apparatus and method for processing specimens, e.g., biological specimens, to extract samples for both liquid (i.e., extracellular) and slide-based (i.e., intracellular) testing. Both types of samples can be obtained from a single fluid specimen. A fluid sampling station removes fluid from a specimen container and places it in a sample receptacle. A specimen acquisition station removes fluid from the container, separates particulate matter (e.g., cells) from the removed fluid, and forms a sample layer of particulate matter, which is transferred to a slide. The two sampling operations can be carried out in any order. The fluid sample receptacle may have a special one-way valve arrangement. The apparatus can be automated so as to process multiple fluid specimens in their respective containers. The machine according to this invention is a "platform instrument" that can produce all required liquid samples and slide-based samples for essentially all cytopathology tests.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of commonly owned U.S. provisional application No. 60 / 330,092, filed Oct. 19, 2001, No. 60 / 372,080, filed Apr. 15, 2002, and No. 60 / 373,658, filed Apr. 19, 2002, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application also is related to the commonly owned non-provisional application filed concurrently herewith, entitled "Automated System and Method for Processing Multiple Liquid-Based Specimens" and naming Norman J. Pressman and William J. Mayer as inventors, which is also incorporated herein by reference.[0002] The invention relates to processing fluid specimens, e.g., biological fluid specimens, to extract samples for testing.[0003] In the medical community it is commonly hypothesized and accepted that patient outcomes are improved by early disease detection, diagnosis, and therapeutic monitoring and intervention. Scientific advances in cell biology, cytogenetics, and molecular pathology are leading to new screening and diagno...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The machine according to this invention is a "platform instrument" that can produce all required liquid samples and slide-based samples for essentially all cytopathology tests, whether performed by visual examination by expert humans or analytical instruments, and / or whether performed based upon cytomorphological, cytogenetic, molecular diagnostic, microbiological, virological or other technologies and techniques. This is accomplished in a safe, fast, automated and efficient manner. The integration of the need for both types of samples from a single specimen minimizes the risk of introducing clerical errors associated with mislabeling and mishandling of patient specimens, samples, and associated data. This integration also minimizes the risk of producing disparate results from a variety of types of assays that are each based upon non-representative samples from the specimens of a single patient.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a receptacle for collecting a fluid sample, e.g., for use at the fluid sampling station. The receptacle has a hollow body for receiving and holding fluid. A one-way valve is carried by the body and has a fluid flow passage between the exterior and the interior of the body. The valve is pressure-actuated to permit fluid flow into the body interior when the exterior pressure exceeds the interior pressure, and prevents outflow of fluid from the body under the influence of any other relative pressure conditions. There is also a vent in the body remote from the valve.

Problems solved by technology

No single instrument exists that can produce samples from clinical cytology specimens that are suitable for both types of analyses.

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