Patent ID: 7687032

Claim:
A system for use in the preparation of cytological specimen slides, comprising: a sample processor comprising a chuck having an enlarged boss, the boss comprising a recessed cavity configured for engaging a coupling mechanism of the sample processor, the chuck further comprising a cylindrical insert configured for forming a fluid-tight seal around a drip guard of a sample processing cylinder; and a sample processing cylinder having a proximal end, a distal rim, and a bore longitudinally extending between the proximal end and the distal rim; a filter membrane mounted directly to the distal rim of the cylinder, the membrane having pores in fluid communication with the bore; and a drip guard disposed within and in fluid communication with the bore of the cylinder and proximal to the membrane, the drip guard having a plurality of access ports disposed on an outer periphery of the drip guard and in fluid communication with the bore, the drip guard configured for containing a liquid contaminant that drips towards the distal rim of the cylinder, thereby preventing the liquid contaminant from reaching the filter membrane, the drip guard comprising a recessed cavity configured to facilitate containment of the liquid.