Patent ID: 7803624
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An automated method of classifying a cytological sample, comprising: a) obtaining an initial cytological sample from a patient; b) providing the initial cytological sample in solution in a vessel; c) optically interrogating the solution containing the initial sample with at least one wavelength of light; d) determining, based on the interrogation, whether the solution containing the initial sample has an adequate concentration of cellular material; e) obtaining an additional cytological sample from the patient to be added to the solution if the solution containing the initial sample does not have an adequate concentration of cellular material; f) attaching a positive designator to the vessel if the solution containing the initial sample has an adequate concentration of cellular material and is satisfactory for preparing a specimen slide; and g) attaching a manipulation designator to the vessel if the solution containing the initial sample has an adequate concentration of cellular material but requires a manipulation to render the solution containing the initial sample satisfactory for slide preparation.