Invention Summary
Cell Disk™, a device that collects cell samples taken during fine needle aspirate (FNA) biopsies, features an innovative design that minimizes cell loss and allows for immediate processing of the cell block. The technology features a paraffin stage configured to fit a standard laboratory conical vial onto which the specimen is deposited. The stage of cells is removable to be used for histological and cytological analysis for biopsy of suspicious lesions and for performing pap-smear testing of cervical tissue. Cell Disk can also be used to concentrate cell suspensions for further applications.
The Need for a Better Way to Collect Cell Samples During Fine Needle Aspirate Biopsies
Current biopsy analysis methods are hindered by cell loss during specimen processing, resulting in limited amount of tissue for analysis. The absence of a technology that preserves the entire sample without loss of cells produces costly subsequent testing and potential inaccurate diagnoses.
Benefits
- Cell Disk is a sterile, simpler design that fits into a standard 50 mL conical vial
- Streamlines biopsy analysis by eliminating unnecessary bulky processing systems
- Cell Disk allows for added sample planes to section through
- The technology is inexpensive and eliminates large capital equipment investment
- Large potential market of suppliers (hospitals, research institutes and pathology labs)
Application
- Collection of fine needle aspirate biopsies for histological and cytological analysis
- Concentration of cells in suspension taken from pap-smear fluid, urine, spinal fluid, thoracic fluid, bone marrow specimen, etc.
- Effective means of sample collection and transport from external sources
Status
- A prototype of Cell Disk has been designed
- The prototype has been tested on surgical pathology specimens in Wake Forest School of Medicine’s Cytopathology lab, with data showing improved overall sample collection when compared to standard practice fine needle aspirate processes
- U.S. Provisional Application Filed
Inventors
- Shaozhou Ken Tian, MD, Pathology
- Kim R. Geisinger, MD, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill
Licensing Contact
Charlie Shaw, PhD
Licensing Analyst
+1.336.716.3729
