Cytyc Corporation

Theodore S Geiselman

Roy A Ostgaard

Douglas A Tenney

Hugh Vartanian

Edward J O'Connell

Robert Jennings

Lewis A Capriccio

Bruce Levkoff

David J Zahniser

An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Method and apparatus for preparing cytological specimens

An apparatus and method for verifying the location of an area of interest within a sample are disclosed. An imaging system includes an optical system and a stage movable relative to the optical system. A computer server is in communication with the imaging system and with a review station. The imaging system is capable of spatially locating a datum mark on the sample and determining a spatial offset value of the mark relative to a nominal position thereof. The coordinate systems of a respective one of the imaging system and the review station can be standardized. The method includes locating a datum mark on the sample, and identifying an area of interest within the sample. The method further includes determining the location of the area of interest relative to the mark. The method further includes locating again the datum, and checking that a dimensional error in locating the datum mark is less than a tolerance value to verify location of the area of interest.

Apparatus and methods for verifying the location of areas of interest within a sample in an imaging system

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Bolton, MA, United States of America

Theodore S Geiselman