Title: Automated system and method for processing specimens to extract samples for both liquid-based and slide-based testing
Application Number: 02825345 Application Date: 2002.10.21
Publication Number: 1605028 Publication Date: 2005.04.06
Approval Pub. Date: Granted Pub. Date:
International Classifi-cation: G01N35/00,G01N35/02,G01N1/28,B01L3/14
Applicant(s) Name: Monogen Inc. Address:
Inventor(s) Name: Pressman Norman J.
Attorney & Agent: wen dapeng huang lihang
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.
Time: 5