Specimen processor method and apparatus

A method for processing multiple particle-suspending liquid samples in succession without contamination between different samples, said method comprising the steps of

• A. mounting on holder apparatus, relative to a reference means thereon, a fluid-confining vessel having a filter element and a container of particle-suspending liquid,
• B. engaging the reference means of the holder apparatus with reference means on specimen preparation apparatus to align the fluid-confining vessel and the container for interaction with the preparation apparatus,
• C. operating the preparation apparatus to remove the fluid-confining vessel from support by the holder apparatus and to introduce the filter element thereof into the particle-suspending liquid sample, for the collection of particles from the liquid onto the filter element, and
• D. operating the preparation apparatus to return the fluid-confining vessel to support by the holder apparatus aligningly engaged therewith.

Apparatus for the preparation, from a biological sample, of a clinical specimen of cellular particles for optical examination, said apparatus comprising

• A. frame means for removable and replaceable alignment and operative engagement with holder apparatus carrying a biological sample and carrying a filter device, and having reference surface means for removable and replaceable positional alignment with the holder apparatus, and
• B. motive means on the frame means for removably and replaceably engaging the filter device on holder apparatus operatively aligned and engaged with said frame means,
• C. said motive means being adapted
• (i) for collecting, on the filter device engaged therewith, cellular particles from a biological sample carried on the engaged holder apparatus and wherein the collected cellular particles have a distribution for optical examination,
• (ii) for returning the engaged filter device to carrying by the engaged holder apparatus, and
• (iii) for release from the engaged filter device carried on the engaged holder apparatus,
• whereby, upon completion of said preparation of a clinical specimen, all implements that contact the sample are on the holder apparatus, including the collected cellular particles with the distribution for optical examination.