System and method for the automated preparation of biological samples
Inventors
Berntsen, Martijn Xander • Kleefstra, Martijn • Petri, Roger • Van Der Zee, Tino Walter
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12228483-B2
Publication Date
2025-02-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention describes an automated platform for inoculating a variety of receptacles with biological samples for testing and analysis. The lab automation system includes a plurality of modules used to automate the inoculation of media for subsequent analysis. In this regard, the lab automation system has one module to enter specimen/order information and store an inventory of petri dishes. Another module is used to label the sample receptacles with a unique identifier that associates the receptacles with the sample. Yet another module includes a robot for retrieving sample and inoculating the receptacles. The sample inoculation module also includes an apparatus that will receive slides, inoculate those slides, and further process the slides for analysis. Finally, the lab automation system includes a module that streaks the culture media with the sample. Thus, the automated lab system described herein provides consistent samples with minimal input from a lab operator.
Core Innovation
The patent describes an integrated laboratory automation platform for identifying, inoculating, processing, and streaking biological samples across plates, broth tubes, and slides. Its automated sample preparation module includes a cartridge with compartments that receive and support inoculated slides, a fixed holder that heats the slides, and an arm mechanism that moves slides between the cartridge compartments and a reader.
The module also includes a slide arm with a flat surface for receiving a slide, vertical movement that brings a slide near the reader, and a sensor that detects slide presence on the arm; the reader reads a slide identifier. The supplied partial content does not include a background section and does not explicitly state the problem being solved there.
Claims Coverage
The relevant claims identify one independent claim with four inventive features covering slide storage, heating, automated slide handling and presence detection, and identifier reading.
Compartmented receptacle cartridge
The module includes a receptacle cartridge with multiple compartments, each configured as a slot that receives and supports a single slide inoculated with a sample.
Fixed heated cartridge holder
The cartridge is received in a holder fixed in a recessed compartment. The holder includes a heater configured to heat slides carried into it by the cartridge.
Automated slide arm with presence sensing
An automated arm mechanism moves slides into and out of individual cartridge compartments. Its slide arm has a flat surface for receiving a slide, moves vertically to advance a slide near the reader, and includes a sensor that detects whether a slide is present on the surface.
Reader for slide identifiers
A reader is positioned to read an identifier on at least one slide.
The claim combines a compartmented slide cartridge and fixed heated holder with a sensor-equipped automated arm and a reader for slide identifiers.
Stated Advantages
The integrated laboratory automation platform reduces operator intervention.
The integrated laboratory automation platform improves consistency.
Documented Applications
The platform is described for identifying, inoculating, processing, and streaking biological samples across plates, broth tubes, and slides.
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