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US 7,803,624 B2Granted
Automated cytological sample classification
AssigneeCytyc Corporation
InventorsTrudee Klautky, Daniel Lapen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated method for classifying a cytological sample is provided. The method comprises interrogating the sample with one or more wavelengths of light to obtain a result, and then attaching one or more designators to the sample based on whether the result meets a given criterion. The method allows for rapid feedback on the characteristics of the sample, permitting automated designation of the sample as positive for a given characteristic, and allowing for immediate remedial actions if the sample fails to meet the criterion.
Claims16
An automated method of classifying a cytological sample, comprising:
- a) obtaining an initial cytological sample from a patient;
- b) providing the initial cytological sample in solution in a vessel;
- c) optically interrogating the solution containing the initial sample with at least one wavelength of light;
- d) determining, based on the interrogation, whether the solution containing the initial sample has an adequate concentration of cellular material;
- e) obtaining an additional cytological sample from the patient to be added to the solution if the solution containing the initial sample does not have an adequate concentration of cellular material;
- f) attaching a positive designator to the vessel if the solution containing the initial sample has an adequate concentration of cellular material and is satisfactory for preparing a specimen slide;
- and
- g) attaching a manipulation designator to the vessel if the solution containing the initial sample has an adequate concentration of cellular material but requires a manipulation to render the solution containing the initial sample satisfactory for slide preparation.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.