Biological Sample Processing Systems and Methods

Abstract

This disclosure provides a biological sample processing system and methods for processing biological samples. The processing may include one or both of removing wax from wax-embedded biological samples and applying a reagent to biological samples. Aspects of the dewaxing technique and the technique for applying the reagent may be combined to achieve energy efficiencies. Additional efficiency may be achieved by recirculating heated reagent. A hybrid power system may use a source of stored power to supplement external power at times of peak demand. Uniform distribution of liquids across a surface of the biological samples may be achieved by self-leveling using an inclinometer.

1 . A biological sample processing system comprising:
 a) a holder configured to hold a substrate in a substantially level orientation relative to gravity;   b) a reagent dispenser located above the holder and configured to dispense a heated reagent onto the substrate such that a surface of the substrate is covered with a layer of the reagent;   c) a receptacle located beneath the holder and configured to collect the reagent flowing off of the substrate; and   d) a fluid path connecting the receptacle to the reagent dispenser for recirculating the reagent.   
     
     
         2 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the holder is a slide rack and the substrate is a microscope slide. 
     
     
         3 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent dispenser comprises a manifold having a plurality of orifices with a first orifice located above the substrate and a second orifice located above an additional substrate. 
     
     
         4 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent comprises an antigen retrieval (AR) solution. 
     
     
         5 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 1 , further comprising a heater configured to heat the reagent and located in the fluid path connecting the receptacle to the reagent dispenser. 
     
     
         6 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 5 , wherein the heater is located remote from the holder and the receptacle. 
     
     
         7 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 5 , further comprising a hybrid power supply configured to provide power to the heater from both a mains circuit and a stored power source. 
     
     
         8 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 1 , further comprising an oil dispenser located above the holder and configured to dispense light mineral oil onto the substrate such that a surface of the substrate is covered with a layer of the light mineral oil, wherein the receptacle is further configured to collect the light mineral oil flowing off of the substrate such that a layer of light mineral oil covers the reagent in the receptacle. 
     
     
         9 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a) and adjustable support supporting a portion of a weight of the biological sample processing system;   b) a motor configured to adjust the adjustable support; and   c) an inclinometer in electronic communication with the motor and configured to maintain the holder in the substantially level orientation relative to gravity by adjusting the adjustable support.   
     
     
         10 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A biological sample processing system configured to remove wax from a wax-embedded biological sample comprising:
 a) a holder configured to hold a substrate in a substantially level orientation relative to gravity;   b) a reservoir for light mineral oil; and   c) a dispenser for dispensing the light mineral oil from the reservoir onto the substrate in the holder such that a surface of the substrate is covered by the light mineral oil, the dispenser located above the holder and in fluid communication with the reservoir.   
     
     
         19 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 18 , wherein the biological sample comprises a wax-embedded tissue section. 
     
     
         20 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 18 , wherein the holder comprises a slide rack and the substrate comprises a microscope slide. 
     
     
         21 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 18 , further comprising a receptacle located beneath the holder and configured to collect the light mineral oil flowing off of the substrate. 
     
     
         22 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 18 , wherein the dispenser comprises a manifold configured to simultaneously dispense the light mineral oil onto the substrate and at least one additional substrate. 
     
     
         23 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 18 , further comprising an additional dispenser located above the holder for dispensing a heated reagent onto the substrate such that a surface of the substrate is covered with a layer of the reagent. 
     
     
         24 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 23 , wherein the reagent comprises antigen retrieval (AR) solution. 
     
     
         25 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 23 , further comprising a receptacle located beneath the holder and configured to collect the reagent flowing off of the substrate. 
     
     
         26 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 23 , further comprising a heater configured to heat the reagent, the heater located in a fluid path connected to the additional dispenser and powered in part by a power storage device and in part by an external power source. 
     
     
         27 . The biological sample processing system of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a) an adjustable support that supports a weight of the biological sample processing system; and   b) an inclinometer configured to maintain the holder in the substantially level orientation by adjusting the adjustable support.   
     
     
         28 .- 35 . (canceled) 
     
     
         36 . A biological sample processing system comprising:
 a) a flow-through heater configured to heat a liquid reagent;   b) a connection to an external power source;   c) a power storage device; and   d) a switch configured to direct electricity from the power storage device to the biological sample processing system in addition to electricity from the external power source in response to the biological sample processing system drawing a load greater than a threshold load.   
     
     
         37 .- 49 . (canceled)