Patent ID: 7829021

Claim:
A cell block processing system, comprising: a cell block cassette and filter assembly defining a collection well having a filter disposed therein; a cell block cassette interface removably seating the cell block cassette and filter assembly; a sensor positioned or positionable to detect a fluid level in the collection well; an automated fluid delivery system operable to dispense fluids into the collection well; a source of one or more liquid reagents; a source of liquefied paraffin; a source of cellular sample fluid; and a controller operatively coupled to the fluid delivery system, wherein the controller causes the fluid delivery system to selectively dispense sample fluid, reagent, and paraffin into the collection well of the cassette and filter assembly based at least in part on both (i) an existing fluid level in the collection well detected by the sensor, and (ii) a prior flow rate across the filter that was determined based on a change in fluid level in the collection well detected by the sensor.