Automated high volume slide processing system

US7468161B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Kurt Reinhardt · Tucson, US
• Charles D. Lemme · Tucson, US
• Glen Ward · Tucson, US
• William Richards · Tucson, US
• Wayne Showalter · Tucson, US
• Brandon Ambler · Tucson, US
• Austin Ashby · Tucson, US
• Chris Borchert · Tucson, US
• Devon C. Campbell · Oro Valley, US
• Kimberly Christensen · Tucson, US
• Matthew Freeman · Tucson, US
• Andrew Ghusson · Tucson, US
• Rick Griebel · Tucson, US
• Kendall B. Hendrick · Tucson, US
• Miroslav Holubec · Tucson, US
• Parula Mehta · Oro Valley, US
• Vince Rizzo · Tucson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 2005
• Grant date: Dec 23, 2008
• Expiry date: Jun 29, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T436/2575
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automated system is provided for performing slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. In one embodiment, the disclosed system includes a slide tray holding a plurality of slides in a substantially horizontal position and a workstation that receives the slide tray. In a particular embodiment, a workstation delivers a reagent to slide surfaces without substantial transfer of reagent (and reagent borne contaminants such as dislodged cells) from one slide to another. A method for automated processing of slides also is provided.