Abstract: Methods and systems for generating images. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive image generation settings, receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, and automatically generate a first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data, wherein the first three-dimensional data set has a first field-of-view of the object. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a second three-dimensional data set based on the projection data and the image generation settings. The second three-dimensional data set has a second field-of-view of the object smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension. In one embodiment, the second three-dimensional data set is transmitted to a service provider over at least one network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating images. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive image generation settings, receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, and automatically generate a first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data, wherein the first three-dimensional data set has a first field-of-view of the object. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a second three-dimensional data set based on the projection data and the image generation settings. The second three-dimensional data set has a second field-of-view of the object smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension. In one embodiment, the second three-dimensional data set is transmitted to a service provider over at least one network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning a cytological specimen carried by a slide. Movement or positioning of a motorized stage of an automated screening system may be controlled manually by a user such that the user controls movement, e.g., controlling speed, position, and/or timing, of the motorized stage along a first scan line to controllably scan a first portion of the specimen along the scan line. The user may then index the motorized stage from the first scan line to the next scan line and manually control movement of the stage along the second scan line to controllably scan another portion of the specimen. Stage indexing may also be automatic such that the user does not control or initiate indexing.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, including a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, a vacuum source, a specimen filter having an interior chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. The fluid level regulator includes a fluid level monitor, a fluid dispenser, and a controller in communication with the fluid level monitor and the fluid dispenser, wherein the fluid level monitor includes a sound source configured to emit sound towards a surface of the fluid sample, and a sound detector configured to measure sound reflected from the surface of the fluid sample, wherein the controller determines the fluid level based at least in part on a measurement of reflected sound emitted from the sound source.

Abstract: One automated imaging process, as described herein, includes: a) obtaining digital images of objects in a biological sample; b) selecting a plurality of objects of interest from the digital images; c) obtaining multiple images of the selected objects of interest at a plurality of different wavelengths; d) combining one of said multiple images with a corresponding digital image to produce a combined image; and e) analyzing the combined image in order to characterize the biological sample.

Abstract: One automated imaging process, as described herein, includes: a) obtaining digital images of objects in a biological sample; b) selecting a plurality of objects of interest from the digital images; c) obtaining multiple images of the selected objects of interest at a plurality of different wavelengths; d) combining one of said multiple images with a corresponding digital image to produce a combined image; and e) analyzing the combined image in order to characterize the biological sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems for scanning a cytological specimen carried by a slide. Movement or positioning of a motorized stage of an automated screening system may be controlled manually by a user such that the user controls movement, e.g., controlling speed, position, and/or timing, of the motorized stage along a first scan line to controllably scan a first portion of the specimen along the scan line. The user may then index the motorized stage from the first scan line to the next scan line and manually control movement of the stage along the second scan line to controllably scan another portion of the specimen. Stage indexing may also be automatic such that the user does not control or initiate indexing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining whether a biological specimen carrier, such as a specimen slide, is arranged in its proper orientation. An optically absorptive element is associated with a surface of the biological specimen carrier. Light emitted from a light source is incident on a surface of the carrier. A slide is properly oriented when the incident light is substantially absorbed by the absorptive element. One or more sensors are positioned to detect light that is not absorbed by the absorptive element. An output of a sensor indicates whether the biological specimen slide is properly oriented and may drive indicator directly or through a controller or other system component to indicate whether the slide is properly oriented.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, including a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, a vacuum source, a specimen filter having an interior chamber and an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. The fluid level regulator includes a fluid level monitor, a fluid dispenser, and a controller in communication with the fluid level monitor and the fluid dispenser, wherein the fluid level monitor includes a sound source configured to emit sound towards a surface of the fluid sample, and a sound detector configured to measure sound reflected from the surface of the fluid sample, wherein the controller determines the fluid level based at least in part on a measurement of reflected sound emitted from the sound source.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, comprises a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. A method of regulating a fluid level of a biological fluid sample in a container during a process of transferring biological matter in the fluid sample to a specimen slide, the method comprises monitoring a pressure of an interior chamber of a specimen filter, the chamber coupled to a vacuum source and having one end submerged in the fluid sample, determining a fluid level of the fluid sample in the container based on a detected change in pressure of the specimen filter chamber, and adding a liquid to the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level.

Abstract: An automated system for preparing a plurality of cytological specimens from a plurality of fluid samples in vials includes an apparatus for collecting a monolayer of cells from each sample and transferring the cells to a microscope slide for fixing, staining, and inspection. The system includes a first loading station for receiving the sample vials, a second loading station for receiving consumables such as filter membranes, a slide dispenser, and an unloading area for removing completed specimen slides. To maintain one-to-one correlation between the samples and specimens produced therefrom, the system includes a subsystem for identifying each sample and permanently marking each slide with corresponding indicia prior to transferring the specimen thereto.

Abstract: A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

Abstract: A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

Abstract: A biological specimen filter, for use in a biological specimen collection and transfer system having a vacuum source, comprises a tubular body having an exterior surface, an interior chamber, a first end configured to couple to the vacuum source, and a second end having an opening in communication with the chamber, and a fluid trap extending around at least a portion of a circumference of the exterior surface of the tubular body and sized and shaped to catch fluid flowing along the exterior surface as the tubular body is inverted from a first position, in which the opening is submerged in a fluid source, to a second position, in which the opening is removed from the fluid source.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection and transfer system, comprises a biological sample container configured for storing a biological fluid sample, and a fluid level regulator configured to determine a fluid level in the biological sample container and to dispense a fluid into the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level. A method of regulating a fluid level of a biological fluid sample in a container during a process of transferring biological matter in the fluid sample to a specimen slide, the method comprises monitoring a pressure of an interior chamber of a specimen filter, the chamber coupled to a vacuum source and having one end submerged in the fluid sample, determining a fluid level of the fluid sample in the container based on a detected change in pressure of the specimen filter chamber, and adding a liquid to the container if the determined fluid level is less than a desired fluid level.

Abstract: A filtration based biological specimen collection and transfer device includes a vacuum source, a vacuum conduit configured to connect the vacuum source to a filter cartridge, an internal pressure monitor configured to measure an apparent pressure inside of the filter cartridge, an internal pressure monitor conduit configured to connect the internal pressure monitor to the filter cartridge, an ambient pressure monitor configured to measure an ambient pressure, and a controller operatively connected to the vacuum source, the internal pressure monitor, and the ambient pressure monitor. The controller is configured to calculate a true pressure inside of the filter cartridge based on a measured apparent pressure and a measured change in the ambient pressure.

Abstract: One automated imaging process, as described herein, includes: a) obtaining digital images of objects in a biological sample; b) selecting a plurality of objects of interest from the digital images; c) obtaining multiple images of the selected objects of interest at a plurality of different wavelengths; d) combining one of said multiple images with a corresponding digital image to produce a combined image; and e) analyzing the combined image in order to characterize the biological sample.

Abstract: A microscope slide assembly is provided. The microscope slide assembly comprises a slide and a mask with a window that defines an examination area on the slide. Preferably, the mask further comprises a tab to facilitate removal and markings to indicate its presence. Optionally, the mask further comprises a plurality of windows that define a plurality of respective examination areas on the slide. A method for transferring cells onto a microscope slide is also provided. The method comprises transferring cells to a slide with a mask disposed thereon, removing the mask to remove unwanted cells, and recovering the removed cells from the mask.

Abstract: A modular electronic chassis system with nested electronic plug-in modules including at least one circuit board providing a first-module-receiving-location and a second-module-receiving-location such that the system is capable of supporting modules in a nested configuration having increased packaging density. A first plug-in module detachably engaged with the first-module-receiving-location. A second plug-in module detachably engaged with the second-module-receiving-location so that the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are nested.

Abstract: A modular electronic chassis system with nested electronic plug-in modules including at least one circuit board providing a first-module-receiving-location and a second-module-receiving-location such that the system is capable of supporting modules in a nested configuration having increased packaging density. A first plug-in module detachably engaged with the first-module-receiving-location. A second plug-in module detachably engaged with the second-module-receiving-location so that the first plug-in module and the second plug-in module are nested.