Apparatus for processing samples containing biological cells

US10907129B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ALS Automated Lab Solutions GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Matthias Opel · Jena, DE
• David Unglaub · Neustadt an der Orla, DE
• Jens Eberhardt · Hermsdorf, DE
• Gerd Bornmann · Weimar, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 28, 2019
• Grant date: Feb 2, 2021
• Expiry date: Apr 28, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12M45/20
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for the automated processing of samples containing biological cells—in particular, of blood samples or other cell samples is provided. The apparatus has a sample receiving device configured to receive samples, an auxiliary material receiving device configured to receive auxiliary materials, a sample carrier receiving device configured to receive sample carriers, a discharge device configured to discharge samples from a discharge position, and a capture device configured to capture discharged samples in a capture position to obtain prepared samples, and at least one temperature control device for controlling the temperature of at least one of the sample carriers. The distance between the discharge position and the capture position can be adjusted to a prespecified height. The method includes wetting a temperature-controlled sample carrier with at least one auxiliary material and discharging the sample onto the wetted temperature-controlled sample carrier from a prespecified height.