DE102019133457A1 - Multiple tissue sample loading cassette and method for handling tissue samples - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a multiple cassette (1) for inserting tissue samples (11), comprising several interconnected cassettes (2) each with a chamber (4) which can be closed with a lid (3). A separating section (8) is provided between two adjacent cassettes (2), which enables the cassettes (2) to be separated from one another.

Description

The invention relates to a multiple cassette for inserting tissue samples, an arrangement comprising a transport vessel with a single or multiple cassette contained therein, and a method for handling tissue samples.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

If a certain tissue or cell disease is suspected, a tissue sample is usually taken from the patient in question by means of a biopsy. For later microscopic examination, the tissue sample is chemically pretreated (dehydrated), then embedded in a block of wax or a similar material and then cut into thin slices using a microtome. The individual slices of the tissue sample can be color-coded to make certain cell types visible. The slices are then examined for possible anomalies or diseases with the aid of a microscope. Sample material for further investigations, such as e.g. B. PCR, sequencing, Maldi-TOF, etc. can be taken.

The aforementioned biopsy is usually done in a doctor's office or hospital. After the removal, the tissue sample is placed in a sample container in which there is a fixative solution. The sample vial is then sent to a laboratory for further processing. In the laboratory, the tissue sample is taken from the sample vessel and placed in a cassette, such as B. a so-called Paraform® cassette, inserted and then placed in an automatic dehydrator (e.g. from Sakura). The automatic drainage machine comprises several baths with various chemicals for draining and preparing the tissue sample. The cassette with the tissue sample is then placed in a pouring mold and filled with hot, liquid wax. This pouring or “blocking” step can either be carried out manually or in a device provided for this purpose, eg from the Sakura company, with the aid of biopsy holders that can be cut. These are from the patents of Warren P. Williamson et al., US7156814B1 , US8383067 B2 , among other things known and are sold by the company Sakura under the name "Tissue-Tek® Paraform® cassette system". The block of wax produced after cooling is then cut into thin slices with a microtome, which are then examined microscopically.

The handling and processing of individual tissue samples is relatively easy today and is essentially error-free. In some cases, however, it is necessary to give the patient several tissue samples from different parts of the body, e.g. B. can be taken at different locations of the gastrointestinal tract and then further process the samples together. Here it comes to errors again and again by z. B. cassettes are swapped and thus the order of the cassettes no longer corresponds to the order of the removal locations. It can also happen that cassettes are labeled incorrectly and the contents of the cassette do not match the labeling. Finally, the handling of many individual cassettes is also relatively complex and relatively expensive because of the high expenditure of material and labor.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a cassette for inserting tissue samples and a method for handling tissue samples with which multiple tissue samples taken from a patient at different parts of the body can be processed easily and without errors .

This object is achieved according to the invention by the features specified in the independent claims. Further refinements of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, a multiple cassette for inserting tissue samples is proposed, which comprises several interconnected, individual cassettes each with at least one chamber which can be closed with a cover. Between two adjacent cassettes there is a separating section which enables the cassettes to be separated from one another. This makes it possible to take several tissue samples that a patient z. B. were taken from different places of his body to process together and uniformly and to separate the cassettes before cutting the tissue samples.

The separating sections provided between the cassettes preferably include a predetermined breaking point. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the separating sections are designed so that the cassettes can be torn off from the multiple cassette by hand. The cassettes can thus be separated without tools.

The predetermined breaking point can, for. B. a weakened area, a perforation or some other feature known from the prior art. In a special embodiment of the invention, the separating sections comprise one or more narrow webs, which are preferably made so narrow that the cassettes can be torn off by hand.

In the above-mentioned embodiments, the multiple cassette is preferably designed in one piece. You can z. B. be made of a plastic. However, multi-part embodiments are also possible in which the individual cassettes are mechanically connected to one another via a connecting mechanism. According to one embodiment, for. B. a frame element can be provided into which several cassettes can be clipped or locked. In this case, the cassettes are structurally individual, but are grouped by a frame system to form a larger unit made up of several cassettes. Another embodiment of a multiple cassette comprises several individual cassettes which are directly connected to one another via detachable latching or plug connections. The connecting mechanisms can preferably be used multiple times, ie the cassettes can be detached from the multiple cassette and then fastened again.

The lids of the cassettes are preferably made transparent. This allows the contents of the cassette to be visually inspected without opening the lid. The covers preferably have no openings, so that the visual inspection is easier or not hindered. The contents of the cassette can be checked either by a person or by means of an image recognition system with a camera.

The lids of the cassettes are preferably attached to the cassettes by means of a hinge. A separable film hinge is also conceivable.

For the further processing of the tissue samples in the laboratory - namely for dehydration and, if necessary, also pouring wax or a similar material - there are in principle several options: a) the tissue samples are re-embedded in other cassettes and further processed therein Multiple cassette is divided, the tissue samples remain in their respective cassette and are further processed therein, or c) the tissue samples remain in the multiple cassette and are processed further together in it. In variants b) and c), in which the tissue samples remain in their respective cassettes, it is necessary that the chemicals used for dehydration and preparation of the tissue samples can get into the individual chambers. For this purpose, the chambers of the multiple cassette preferably have one or more openings, the openings preferably being in the base (including the side wall), but not in the cover.

For the process of pouring wax, which follows the dewatering, there are again the same possibilities a-c as described above.

Separating the cassettes, i.e. separating the cassettes from the multiple cassette, can take place before or after dewatering or, if necessary, after pouring wax or another material, depending on the process.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each cassette comprises a labeling field on which information about the patient can be applied. The information can be e.g. B. be a patient number. The multiple cassette preferably also has an additional main information field which is attached to the rest of the multiple cassette via a separating section and which is provided to show patient information.

The present invention also relates to the use of a multiple cassette with several individual cassettes, as described above, for inserting and sending tissue samples. The use of a multiple cassette has the particular advantage that several tissue samples can be processed jointly and uniformly and thus fewer errors occur when handling the tissue samples.

The present invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a transport container and a single or multiple cassette, the transport container comprising means which are designed to hold the multiple cassette in a fixed position within the transport container. Maintaining a fixed position is important in order to be able to better check the cassette contents of the individual cassettes while the single or multiple cassette is in the transport container.

It is also conceivable to carry out the processing directly in the transport container. For this it is necessary to prevent the cassette from falling out of the transport container or being flushed out during processing.

The mentioned means for fixing the multiple cassette can for example comprise one or more of the following technical features: a guide, a stop, latching means or a shape which is designed to hold the multiple cassette in a fixed position within the transport container.

The present invention further relates to a method for handling tissue samples with at least the following steps: taking several tissue samples at different locations of the body of a patient; Placing the tissue samples in several cassettes of a multiple cassette and placing the multiple cassette in a transport container. This in turn has the advantage that several Tissue samples can be processed jointly and uniformly and thus fewer errors occur in the handling of the tissue samples

After the multiple cassette has been sent to a laboratory, the tissue samples are processed further. It is preferably first checked whether there is a tissue sample in the individual chambers of the multiple cassette or not. The check is preferably carried out in a state in which the lids of the cassettes are closed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the check takes place in a state in which the multiple cassette is in the transport container. In this case, the transport container consists at least partially of a transparent material.

The present invention therefore also relates to an arrangement of a transport container and a single cassette or multiple cassette, the single or multiple cassette having one or more transparent covers and the transport container at least partially consisting of a transparent material. This makes it possible to check the contents of the cassette (automatically) while the individual cassette or multiple cassette is in the transport case.

In the course of further processing, cassettes in which a tissue sample is located are preferably separated from the multiple cassette before they are cut into thin slices with the aid of a microtome. In principle, the cassettes can be separated before or after dewatering or before or after pouring with wax or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the multiple cassette is placed as a whole in an automatic dewatering machine. In this case, the tissue samples are processed jointly and uniformly. In this case, the cassettes are separated after dewatering and before cutting.

Figure list

• 1 eine Aufsicht auf eine Mehrfachkassette mit insgesamt fünf einzelnen Kassetten, in denen jeweils eine Gewebeprobe angeordnet ist;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer Prozedur, bei der dem Patienten an mehreren Stellen seines Magen-Darm-Traktes eine Gewebeprobe entnommen und die Gewebeproben dann in die Mehrfachkassette von 1 eingelegt werden;
• 3 eine Anordnung aus einem Transportbehälter mit einer darin enthaltenen Mehrfachkassette, wobei der Inhalt der Kassetten mittels einer Kamera überprüft wird;
• 4 zwei einzelne Kassetten, die von der Mehrfachkassette aus 1 abgerissen wurden; und
• 5 verschiedene Verfahrensschritte eines Verfahrens zum Handhaben von Gewebeproben, die einem Patienten an unterschiedlichen Stellen seines Körpers entnommen wurden.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Show it:

• 1 a plan view of a multiple cassette with a total of five individual cassettes, in each of which a tissue sample is arranged;
• 2 a schematic representation of a procedure in which a tissue sample is taken from the patient at several points in his gastrointestinal tract and the tissue samples are then placed in the multiple cassette of 1 be inserted;
• 3rd an arrangement comprising a transport container with a multiple cassette contained therein, the contents of the cassettes being checked by means of a camera;
• 4th two single cassettes coming from the multiple cassette 1 were demolished; and
• 5 various process steps of a process for handling tissue samples taken from a patient at different locations on his body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

1 shows a plan view of a multiple cassette 1 with a total of five cassettes 2 in each of which a tissue sample 11 is arranged. The tissue samples 11 are each in a chamber 4th that come with a lid 3rd is lockable. The lids 3rd are with the main body of the cassette 2 about joints 13th connected.

Between two adjacent cassettes 2 there is a separating section in each case 8th that allows the cassettes 2 to separate from each other. This makes it possible to take multiple tissue samples 11 that a patient z. B. were taken from different places of his body, initially to process together and uniformly and the cassettes 2 before cutting the tissue samples 11 to isolate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cassettes 2 over narrow bridges 10 connected with each other. The bridges 10 form a predetermined breaking point, which is designed so that the cassettes 2 by hand from the multiple cassette 1 can be demolished. The cassettes 2 can thus be singled out in the laboratory without tools. B. to cut by means of a microtome.

The lids 3rd of the cassettes 2 are see-through, eliminating the contents of the cassettes 2 with the lid closed 3rd can be checked visually. The check of the contents of the cassette can e.g. B. from a person or by means of an image recognition system with a camera 15th (please refer 3rd ) are executed. The lids 3rd preferably have no openings, which makes optical detection easier and more accurate.

For the further processing of the tissue samples in the laboratory, it is necessary that the chemicals used for dehydration and preparation of the tissue samples in the individual chambers 4th can get. The chambers 4th the multiple cassette 1 each have one or more openings for this purpose 20th , with the openings 20th are located here in the floor (including the side wall).

The lid 3rd and the body of each cassette 2 are with corresponding locking devices 5 , 6th equipped with which the lid 3rd can be releasably latched in the closed state.

Any cassette 2 also has an information field 9 on which patient data, such as B. a patient number, details about the biopsy or other information can be displayed.

The multiple cassette 1 also has a main information field 7th that has a separating section 8th on the rest of the multiple cassette 1 is attached and which is intended, for. B. display patient data or other data. The main information field 7th can also be done by hand from the rest of the multiple cassette 1 to be demolished.

2 shows a schematic representation of a biopsy in which a doctor in several places 12a-12d of the gastrointestinal tract 14th one tissue sample from each patient 11 removed and placed in the multiple cassette of 1 inserts. In the example shown, the patient is given a total of four tissue samples 11 in the places 12a , 12b , 12c and 12d taken. Any tissue sample 11 is in a chamber 4th one of the cassettes 2 inserted, which is indicated by the corresponding arrows. The fifth cassette 2 remains empty in this case.

After inserting the tissue samples 11 into the multiple cassette 11 this is put in a transport container 17th used in which there is a fixing solution 18th such as B. formalin. The transport container 17th is then taken to a laboratory to evaluate the tissue samples 11 cleverly.

3rd shows the transport container 17th with a multiple cassette contained therein 1 . The transport container 17th has a screw cap 19th with which the container 17th can be tightly closed. In the transport container 17th there is a fixing solution 18th .

The transport container 17th also includes funds 16 that are designed to use the multiple cassette 1 in a fixed position within the transport container 17th to keep. This is important to the cassette contents of each cassette 2 to be able to check in a state in which the multiple cassette 1 in the transport container 17th is located. The means mentioned 16 for fixing the multiple cassette, for example, a guide, a stop, latching means or a shape which is designed to hold the multiple cassette in a fixed position within the transport container.

In the embodiment of 3rd is made with the help of a camera 15th checked whether there are in the individual chambers 2 the multiple cassette 1 a tissue sample 11 is located or not. The visual inspection could alternatively also be carried out by a human. The transport container is so that the visual inspection can be carried out from the outside 17th made at least partially from a transparent material. The individual chambers also exist 2 or their wall at least partially made of a transparent material. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lids are 3rd made of a transparent material.

In the course of further processing the tissue samples become cassettes 2 containing a tissue sample 11 from the multiple cassette 1 before they are cut into thin slices with the help of a microtome. The separation of the cassettes 2 can in principle take place before or after dewatering or before or after pouring with wax or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the multiple cassette 1 given as a whole in an automatic dehydrator. In this case, the tissue samples are processed jointly and uniformly. The cassettes are then separated after dewatering, before or after pouring wax or another material, but in any case before cutting.

The present invention further relates to a method for handling tissue samples with at least the following steps: taking several tissue samples at different locations of the body of a patient; Placing the tissue samples in multiple cassettes of a multiple cassette (as described above); and placing the multiple cassette in a shipping container. This in turn has the advantage that several tissue samples can be processed jointly and uniformly and thus fewer errors occur when handling the tissue samples

5 Finally, shows various method steps of a method for handling tissue samples 11 showing a patient in different places 12a-12d taken from his body.

In a first step S1 First, several tissue samples are given to the patient 11 taken. Each of the tissue samples 11 will turn into a separate chamber 4th multiple cassettes 2 placed. The lids 3rd of the cassettes 2 be in step S2 closed. In step S3 becomes the multiple cassette 1 in a transport container 17th inserted and the lid 19th of the transport container 17th tightly closed. The transport container 17th is then in step S4 sent to a laboratory.

Once in the laboratory, the contents of the cassette are first automatically checked using image recognition (step S5 ). The multiple cassette 1 is then in step S6 placed in an automatic dehydrator, which has several baths with various chemicals for dehydration and preparation of the tissue samples 11 includes. After draining the tissue samples 11 in step S7 isolated and reburied in pouring molds and poured over with wax or the like. It is also conceivable to carry out an auto-embedding step as in Williamson US7156814 B1 , US8383067 B2 or march DE102017119140A1 described. The finished tissue-wax block is then in step S8 removed from the pouring mold, clamped in a microtome and cut into slices. Alternatively, the cassettes could be separated 2 also before checking the contents of the cassette (step S5 ), before draining (step S6 ) or after pouring with wax (step S7 ) respectively.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• US 7156814 B1 [0003, 0046]
• US 8383067 B2 [0003, 0046]
• DE 102017119140 A1 [0046]

Claims (17)

Multiple cassette (1) for inserting tissue samples (11), comprising several interconnected cassettes (2) each with one or more chambers (4) which can be closed with a lid (3), characterized in that between two adjacent cassettes (2 ) a separating section (8) is provided in each case, which enables the cassettes (2) to be separated from one another. Multiple cassette (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the separating section (8) has a predetermined breaking point. Multiple cassette (1) Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the separating section (8) comprises one or more narrow webs (10). Multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separating section (8) is designed such that the individual cassettes (2) can be torn off from the multiple cassette (1) by hand. Multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covers (3) are transparent. Multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covers (3) are attached to the cassettes (2) via a hinge (13). Multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chambers (4) each have one or more openings (20). Multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiple cassette (1) has an additional information field (7) which is attached to the rest of the multiple cassette (1) via a separating section (8). Use of a multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims for inserting and sending tissue samples (11). Arrangement of a transport container (17) and a multiple cassette (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport container (17) comprises means which are designed to hold the multiple cassette (1) in a fixed position within the transport container (17) ) to keep. Arrangement according to Claim 10 , characterized in that the means comprise one or more of the following technical features: a guide, a stop, locking means or a shape which is designed to hold the multiple cassette (1) in a fixed position within the transport container (17). An arrangement of a transport container (17) and a single cassette (2) or a multiple cassette (1), each having one or more chambers (4) which can be closed with a lid (3), characterized that the cover (s) (3) is / are made transparent and the transport container (17) is at least partially made of a transparent material so that the contents of the cassette can be checked visually while the cassette (2) or the multiple cassette (1 ) is in the transport container (17). A method for handling tissue samples (11), characterized by the following steps: - taking several tissue samples (11) at different locations (12a-12d) of the body of a patient - inserting the tissue samples (11) into several cassettes (2) of a multiple cassette (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims; and - placing the multiple cassette (1) in a transport container (17). Procedure according to Claim 13 , characterized by the following additional steps: - separating at least those cassettes (2) in which a tissue sample (11) is located from the multiple cassette (1); and - cutting the tissue samples (11) into thin slices with the aid of a microtome. Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14th , characterized in that the multiple cassette (1) is placed as a whole in an automatic dehydrator in which the tissue samples (11) are dehydrated. Method according to one of the Claims 13 to 15th , characterized in that for each cassette (2) contained in the multiple cassette (1) it is checked whether or not there is a tissue sample (11) therein, the checking being carried out in a state in which the lids (3) of the cassettes (2) are closed. Method according to one of the Claims 13 to 16 , characterized in that for each cassette (2) contained in the multiple cassette (1) it is checked whether or not there is a tissue sample (11) therein, the checking being carried out in a state in which the multiple cassette (1) is in the transport container (17).

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