Processor for working on histological samples
AssigneeLeica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH
InventorsRalf ECKERT, Hermann ULBRICH, Stella KNORR, Graeme ROBERTSON
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a processor for working on histological samples. The processor has an inlet for the insertion of a fixing container, particularly a closed fixing container, with the samples located in the latter.
Claims17
An automated system for working on histological samples, comprising:
- a. a plurality of holding arrangements, each holding arrangement sized and shaped to hold a plurality of tissue cassettes in a single plane;
- b. a handling device disposed to transfer a holding arrangement within and between a processing area and an embedding area,
- c. the processing area comprising:
- i. a plurality of retorts,
- ii. a plurality of reagent containers;
- iii. where each retort is independently in fluid communication with a reagent container;
- d. the embedding area comprising:
- i. a dispenser for dispensing embedding material;
- ii. a cooling unit;
- and
- e. a controller in communication with the handling device, wherein the controller is capable of receiving protocol information and directing the handling device to transport each carrier to the processing area and embedding area based on the protocol information.
A method for automated processing of histological samples, comprising:
- a. loading a plurality of tissue cassettes containing tissue into at least a first and second carrier,
- b. transporting the carrier to a processing area and simultaneously processing each tissue cassette in the carrier according to protocol information;
- c. transporting the carrier from the processing area to an embedding area where a flowable embedding material is added to each tissue cassette in the carrier and solidified;
- wherein steps (b) and (c) are individually performed for each carrier and wherein the steps can overlap;
- wherein a controller instructs at least one handling device to transport the carrier within and between the processing area and the embedding area according to the tissue protocol information;
- wherein each carrier is sized and shaped to hold a plurality of tissue cassettes and wherein the tissue cassettes remain in the carrier throughout steps (b)-(c).
Processor (1) for working on histological samples, characterized in that the processor (1) comprises an inlet (2) for inserting a, particularly a closed, fixing container (5) with the samples situated therein.
Apparatus for the treatment of histological samples, characterized in that the apparatus has at least one handling device suitable for operating at least one treatment step and additionally for performing a transport step, in particular from a treatment station to an embedding station.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.