GB2204950A - Cytology sample chamber - Google Patents
Cytology sample chamber Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2204950A GB2204950A GB08711350A GB8711350A GB2204950A GB 2204950 A GB2204950 A GB 2204950A GB 08711350 A GB08711350 A GB 08711350A GB 8711350 A GB8711350 A GB 8711350A GB 2204950 A GB2204950 A GB 2204950A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- sample
- cytology
- sample chamber
- chamber
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
- G01N1/28—Preparing specimens for investigation including physical details of (bio-)chemical methods covered elsewhere, e.g. G01N33/50, C12Q
- G01N1/2813—Producing thin layers of samples on a substrate, e.g. smearing, spinning-on
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
- B01L2200/0647—Handling flowable solids, e.g. microscopic beads, cells, particles
- B01L2200/0668—Trapping microscopic beads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/06—Auxiliary integrated devices, integrated components
- B01L2300/069—Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
- B01L2300/0809—Geometry, shape and general structure rectangular shaped
- B01L2300/0822—Slides
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
- B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
- B01L2400/0406—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces capillary forces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
- B01L2400/0403—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces
- B01L2400/0409—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific forces centrifugal forces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
- B01L3/0289—Apparatus for withdrawing or distributing predetermined quantities of fluid
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
- B01L3/50273—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Immunology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
Abstract
A cytology sample chamber comprises a backplate and two removable sample tubes 11. The sample tubes each include a blind sample bore 19 extending rearwardly from a head portion and an input port 20 extending transversely of the bore 19 to allow the introduction of sample fluid into the bore. Also disclosed is an arrangement wherein two sample tubes are formed in a single elongate member which is removably mounted with a similar member in a backplate. <IMAGE>
Description
Cytology Sample Chamber
This invention relates to a cytology sample chamber for use in a centrifugation process.
In cytology, it is frequently necessary to deposit cells for inspection on to a small predetermined area of a microscope slide. This is particularly important where the body fluid or material containing the cells is very small in volume or where the number of cells in the sample is low. Over the years techniques have been developed to ensure that the cells are deposited over a small area. Initially a technique known as cytosedimentation was used in which one end of an open ended tube was stuck onto the surface of a microscope slide using plasticene (registered trade mark) or similar. The sample fluid was placed into the tube and the cells allowed to settle onto the slide by sedimentation. The supernatent fluid was then removed.This was a time-consuming process and there was developed a process known as centrifugal cytology in which centrifugal force was used more quickly to cause the cells to collect on the surface of the slide. It was however still necessary to remove the fluid.
A known arrangement comprises a unitary moulded plastics sample chamber having a backplate surrounding a sample tube and arranged in use to sandwich a filter card between the backplate and the microscope slide. The filter card is apertured near the area of the slide where the cells are to be deposited, and the area of the backplate surrounded the sample tube is slightly raised so that the pressure applied to an annulus of filter paper surrounding the sample tube may be varied thus enabling adjustment of the pore size of the filter card. In use the pressure is selected so that during the centrifugation process the sample fluid is removed by capillary action within a reasonable length of time, whilst preventing undue loss of cells due to absorption in the card.
Attempts have been made to make the sample chamber disposable and to develop a market for these disposable sample chambers.
For example it has been proposed to weld a filter card on to the backplate using ultra-sonic or high frequency welding. It has been found however that the customer still re-uses the sample chamber, by removing the card when used, sterilising the chamber, and attaching a fresh piece of card of the type provided for the earlier type of filter card arrangement.
Moreover, the unitary moulding was complex in shape, since it included a funnel connected to the sample tube which was intended to assist insertion of fluid into the sample tube. In practice we have found that the presence of the funnel was disadvantageous because a portion of the volume of sample fluid could cling to the funnel wall and be thrown out of the funnel during centrifugation. Furthermore, the sample tube allowed but a single sample to be applied to the microscope slide. It is however necessary in some cytology tests, for example those employing monoclonal antibodies, to have several (e.g. 8) separate samples deposited on the same glass slide. It must also be understood that any apparatus for use in cytology must be capable of being easily and quickly handled to avoid delays which may affect the morphology of the samples of the cell.
Also, the operatives using such equipment have very many specimens to deal with each day and thus any improvements in the handling abilities bring major rewards in terms of savings in time.
From the above it will be understood that there is a need for a cytology sample chamber which is disposable and which is acceptable to the user. Also there is a need for a cytology sample chamber in which several different sized sample tubes may be used to deposit material on to the same slide.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cytology sample chamber for holding a sample and being placed adjacent a substrate, for example a microscope slide, to allow deposition of material from said sample on a selected region thereof, said sample chamber comprising plate means having at least one aperture, and sample tube means having a body portion adapted to pass through said aperture means and an enlarged head portion to prevent passage therethrough, said sample tube means having a passage extending into said body portion from said head portion.
Further aspects will become apparent from the following nonlimiting description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of a back plate of a cytology sample chamber according to a first embodiment of this invention;
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the backplate taken on lines II II of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional view of the backplate taken on lines III III of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the backplate taken on lines IV
IV of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view through a sample tube for use with the plate of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a front end view of the sample tube of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a sectional view through the cytology sample chamber of Figures 1 to 6 when assembled with a filter card and microscope slide;;
Figure 8 is a plan view of a back plate of a cytology sample chamber according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is a sectional view on lines IX - IX of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a longitudinal sectional view through a twinchamber sample tube for use with the plate of Figure 8;
Figures 11(a) and (b) are left and right hand end views respectively of the sample tube illustrated in Figure 10, and
Figures 12(a) and (b) are sectional views of the sample tube illustrated in Figure 10 and taken on lines (a) and (b) of that Figure respectively..
The cytology sample chambers described below are intended to be assembled with a filter card and a microscope slide, subjected to a pressure to compress the filter card to a predetermined degree, and then placed in a centrifuge. During a centrifugation process, the fluid contained in the sample chamber is subjected to high centrifugal force so that the cells in suspension in the sample fluid collect adjacent the microscope slide in an area of size and location dictated by the size and location of the sample tube. The filter card has an aperture adjacent the sample tube and is designed to absorb the fluid, but not the cells, of the sample; this selective absorption is achieved by careful adjustment of the degree of compression of the filter card.
Referring now to Figures 1 to 7 of the drawings, the cytology sample chamber comprises a backplate 10 and two removable sample tubes 11. The backplate may be manufactured from plastics material, if the plate is to be disposable, or stainless steel if it is to be reused. The backplate is rectangular and includes two apertures 12 symmetrically disposed on its longitudinal axis. Each aperture is circular and includes an annular rib 13 situated midway between the surfaces of the plate. The annular rib 13 defines two opposed annular abutment surfaces 13'. Each aperture includes a flat 14 provided to either side of the annular rib 13.
The plate includes on the lower part of each major surface two relieved portions 15. These portions are provided to allow the plate to be assembled with a filter card and microscope slide using the spring loaded clip supplied with the Cytospin 2 (Registered Trade Mark) system manufactured by Shandon Southern Products Limited of UK. In other arrangements the relieved portions may not be necessary. The backplate also includes a semi-circular cut-away region 9 to allow the filter card and the glass slide to be gripped. This feature together with the relieved portions 15, also ensures that the top and bottom of the backplate are readily identified.
The sample tube 11 is made of polystyrene or other suitable plastics material and includes a cylindrical main body portion 16 and an enlarged head portion 17. The outer diameter of the main body portion 16 is sufficient to pass through the restricted aperture defined by the annular rib 13, and the head portion 17 has a flange 17' which engages the annular abutment 13'. The head portion 17 also has a flat 18 complementary to those on the aperture 12 to lock the sample tube in a unique angular position with respect to the backplate. It will be noted from consideration of the drawings that the sample tube may be inserted in either direction into the backplate; this facilitates handling of the sample chamber.
The sample tube has a blind sample bore 19 extending rearwardly from the head portion, and an input port 20 extending transversely of the bore 19 to allow introduction of sample fluid into the bore. The volume and cross-sectional area of the bore are selected according to the particular test(s) to be carried out. It will be appreciated that the external dimensions of the sample tube remain the same and thus that sample tubes having sample bores 19 of different cross-sectional size and or volume may be made using the same mould for the external dimensions but with different core elements to define the required internal dimensions. In this instance, the sample tubes would be colourcoded according to bore-size to facilitate assembly of the sample chamber.
In use the technician is provided with a supply of the backplates and supplies of various different sample tubes. The sample tubes are selected as required and inserted into the apertures. The flats 14/18 ensure that the sample tube is located in the aperture with its input port 20 upright. Also, the axial extent of the head portion is such that a part of the head portion 17 projects from the surrounding surface of the backplate. An apertured filter card 21 having apertures matching those of the sample tubes is placed in contact with the backplate and a microscope slide 22 placed on the filter card. The assembly is then placed in compression so that the projecting part of the head portion compresses an annulus of the filter card surrounding the outlet of the sample tube. The sample tube may be filled with sample fluid via the upwards facing input port 20.The assembly is then ready for centrifugation.
Refb çntnow to Figures 8 to 11, there is illustrated a second embodiment of sampber adapted for use with a suitably shaped filter card to allow deposition of a plurality of samples at a plurality of sites (in this case two rows of 2 sites). In this embodiment, the backplate 30 is formed with two slots 31, and a cut-away region 32 for allowing the user to grip the slide and the filter card separately from the back plate. In each slot 31 there is defined an inwardly protruding rib 33.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11 the sample tube 34 is a single moulding defining two sample bores 35 each having an inlet port 36. The tube 34 includes a peripheral end flange 37 and a circular rib 38 upstanding around each sample bore 35. In use, a sample tube 34 is fitted into each slot 31 so that the flange 37 abuts the inwardly protruding rib 33. In this position, the circular ribs will stand slightly proud of the adjacent surface of the backplate.
The sample chamber is assembled with a filter card having apertures matching the ends of the sample bores 35 and a glass slide and is then ready to be filled and subjected to a cytocentrifugation process.
The embodiments of cytology sample chamber described above may be manufactured relatively easily and cheaply so that it becomes economic to dispose of the sample chamber after one usage. In addition, assembly of the sample chamber for use is easy and the laboratory technician can quickly and easily assemble a chamber having several sample tubes of different sample volume and/or deposition area.
Claims (12)
1. A cytology sample chamber for holding a sample and being placed adjacent a substrate, for example a microscope slide, to allow deposition of material from said sample on a selected region thereof, said sample chamber comprising plate means having at least one aperture, and sample tube means having a body portion adapted to pass through said aperture means and an enlarged head portion to prevent passage therethrough, said sample tube means having a passage extending into said body portion from said head portion.
2. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plate means includes two apertures symmetrically disposed on said plate means.
3. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each sample tube when located in said plate means is disposed such that the head portions project from the surface of the plate means.
4. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the sample tube and said aperture are arranged such that when located in the plate means, the sample tube is disposed in a unique angular position with respect to the plate.
5. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said sample tube includes an open-ended longitudinal bore and a transverse bore which allows sample fluid to be introduced into the bore.
6. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of sample tubes are provided having passages of different cross-sectional area.
7. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of sample tubes are provided having passages of the same cross-sectional area.
8. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said aperture includes an annular rib situated partway between the surfaces of said plate.
9. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in claim 6 wherein each of said sample tubes is colour-coded according to the cross-sectional area of the passage.
10. A cytology sample chamber as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said sample tube means includes a plurality of passages extending into said body portion from said head portion.
11. A cytology sample chamber substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in, any of the accompanying drawings.
12. Any and all novel combinations and subcombinations of features disclosed herein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08711350A GB2204950A (en) | 1987-05-14 | 1987-05-14 | Cytology sample chamber |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08711350A GB2204950A (en) | 1987-05-14 | 1987-05-14 | Cytology sample chamber |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8711350D0 GB8711350D0 (en) | 1987-06-17 |
| GB2204950A true GB2204950A (en) | 1988-11-23 |
Family
ID=10617299
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB08711350A Withdrawn GB2204950A (en) | 1987-05-14 | 1987-05-14 | Cytology sample chamber |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2204950A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1994009352A2 (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1994-04-28 | Andrew George Bosanquet | Method and apparatus for conducting tests, particularly comparative tests |
| FR2762911A1 (en) * | 1997-04-30 | 1998-11-06 | Cytotech Distribution Sa | Cytological preparation analysis equipment and operating method |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB916238A (en) * | 1969-02-05 | 1963-01-23 | Technicon Instr | Apparatus for supplying sample liquids and reagents for analysis and other purposes |
| GB983311A (en) * | 1961-03-08 | 1965-02-17 | Technicon Instr | Liquid-supply cups for analysis apparatus |
| GB1153069A (en) * | 1966-09-15 | 1969-05-21 | Reginald Clyde Smith | Improvements relating to Fraction Collectors |
| GB1392792A (en) * | 1972-02-10 | 1975-04-30 | Suovaniemi Osmo Antero | Test tube element for use with a multiple pipette |
-
1987
- 1987-05-14 GB GB08711350A patent/GB2204950A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB983311A (en) * | 1961-03-08 | 1965-02-17 | Technicon Instr | Liquid-supply cups for analysis apparatus |
| GB1153069A (en) * | 1966-09-15 | 1969-05-21 | Reginald Clyde Smith | Improvements relating to Fraction Collectors |
| GB916238A (en) * | 1969-02-05 | 1963-01-23 | Technicon Instr | Apparatus for supplying sample liquids and reagents for analysis and other purposes |
| GB1392792A (en) * | 1972-02-10 | 1975-04-30 | Suovaniemi Osmo Antero | Test tube element for use with a multiple pipette |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1994009352A2 (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1994-04-28 | Andrew George Bosanquet | Method and apparatus for conducting tests, particularly comparative tests |
| WO1994009352A3 (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1994-06-23 | Andrew George Bosanquet | Method and apparatus for conducting tests, particularly comparative tests |
| EP0732575A2 (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1996-09-18 | Andrew George Bosanquet | Method for conducting tests, particularly comparative tests |
| EP0732575A3 (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1996-12-04 | Andrew George Bosanquet | Method for conducting tests, particularly comparative tests |
| US5650125A (en) * | 1992-10-14 | 1997-07-22 | Bosanquet; Andrew George | Method and apparatus for conducting tests |
| FR2762911A1 (en) * | 1997-04-30 | 1998-11-06 | Cytotech Distribution Sa | Cytological preparation analysis equipment and operating method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8711350D0 (en) | 1987-06-17 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |