Apparatus and method for automatically preparing pre-analysis cytological specimens

摘要

A method of preparing a cytological specimen for analysis comprising the steps of (i) providing a cytological material, such as gynaecological cells obtained during a cervical smear test, in a specimen container; (ii) adding an anti-coagulant such as ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or heparin to the specimen container and (iii) receiving the cytological material and anti-coagulant in an automated apparatus for pre-analysis preparation. The anti-coagulant may be added to the specimen container before the cytological material is provided therein. An apparatus 10 for automatically preparing pre-analysis cytological specimens comprising; receiving means for receiving at least one deposit of a cytological specimen, first and second staining stations 84, 86, and transfer means for transferring a portion of the or each deposit from the receiving means to the first staining station and/or a portion of the or each deposit to the second staining station, the first staining station being operable for a papanicolaou staining technique and the second staining station being operable for a papanicolaou staining technique and at least one further staining technique is also outlined.