Hologic, Inc.
Fine tank pressure control using thermal energy for preparing cytological specimens from patient samples

Abstract:

Systems and methods for preparing a cytological specimen from a patient sample in a sample container include or employ mechanisms for quickly and accurately adjusting the pressure in a pressure unit during the specimen preparation. The systems include a specimen transfer device configured for being positioned within the sample container, a pressure tank coupled to the specimen transfer device and configured for applying at least one of positive pressure and vacuum pressure through the specimen transfer device, and a temperature adjusting unit coupled to the pressure tank, and configured for incrementally adjusting the pressure in the pressure tank by heating or cooling the tank. The method includes steps of performing a coarse pressure adjustment using a supply valve and/or a bleed valve coupled to the pressure tank, and, after the coarse adjustment, performing a fine pressure adjustment using a temperature adjusting element coupled to the pressure tank.