Automated systems and methods for preparing biological specimens for examination

US8454908B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Constitution Medical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Daniel Lapen · Lancaster, US
• David Zahniser · Wellesley, US
• Mark Licari · Acton, US
• Brian J. McKeen · Bow, US
• Eric Yeaton · Epsom, US
• Dennis Poole · East Derry, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 9, 2011
• Grant date: Jun 4, 2013
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/1037
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The systems and methods disclosed herein permit automated preparation of biological specimens for examination. The disclosed systems and methods provide fast, efficient, and highly uniform specimen processing using minimal quantities of fluids. The methods include at least a fixing phase for fixing a biological specimen to a substrate such as a microscope slide, a staining phase for staining the specimen, and a rinsing phase for rinsing the specimen. One or more of the fixing, staining, and rinsing phases include one or more agitation cycles for distributing reagents evenly and uniformly across the specimen. The systems can be implemented as a standalone device or as a component in a larger system for preparing and examining biological specimens.