Automated slide preparation system for the clinical laboratory

An automated device has been developed to prepare a wide variety of cytology preparations. Using the device, cells collected in suspension are mildly dispersed and transferred to a glass slide using filter-transfer technology. The cell density on the slide is controlled by the instrument. A companion product, the solution used in specimen transport and preparation, provides long-term preservation of diagnostic cells while lysing red blood cells. The overall process yields clean, uniform samples with better visualization of the diagnostic cells. The use of a disposable filter prevents sample-to-sample contamination. Collection of the sample in solution makes it possible to produce multiple slides from one sample. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.