Microscope slide transport device

Abstract

The invention is a device for transporting and preserving microscope slides and specimens having a larger air filled compartment enclosing a smaller air filled and slide containing compartment which protects slides from damage and preserves specimens by air drying provided by air circulation between compartments.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention involves transportation of microscope slides particularly over long distances requiring protection against damage and preservation of patient specimens on the slides.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microscope slides are typically rectangular, relatively thin pieces of glass on which biologic material such as tissue, cells, or body fluids can be spread or adhered to the slide surface. Included are hematologic specimens such as blood or bone marrow. The slides need to be protected during transport from breakage and contamination. Breakage can occur during transport from various physical forces. Contamination can result from environmental substances such as particulate matter in air, vapors, and chemicals. Maintaining the integrity of these specimens is essential for accurate interpretation and diagnosis. Slides exposed to moisture during transport can result in cell degeneration making interpretation or diagnosis limited or impossible. Such exposure can occur if slides are transported in a small closed space along with moist air. Trapped moisture can result from humid environmental air or from slides packaged while still wet. Air drying is a form of cell fixation which helps preserve the specimen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a device and method for transporting and preserving microscope slides.

The device has an inner slide holding and air filled compartment enclosed within a larger outer air filled compartment. Protection of slides is done by the walls forming the inner and outer compartments. The larger outer compartment wall protects against external physical forces and environmental contaminants. The smaller inner compartment wall provides a second barrier of protection and limits movement of slides during transport which could cause breakage. Preservation of the specimen is accomplished by circulation of air between the air spaces formed by the walls of the two compartments through an opening in the inner wall separating the two compartments. This allows for continuous air drying of microscope slides present within the inner compartment.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device showing inner and outer compartments and a microscope slide.

FIG. 2 is a horizontal cross-section view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The outer wall of the device has at least one side or end that can open or be removed for access to the inner compartment. The inner wall also has one or more sides or ends that can be opened or removed so that slides can be inserted and removed from the inner compartment. The air filled space separating the two compartments can be partially filled with packaging material that prevents the inner compartment from excessive movement during transport. Packaging material of sufficient rigidity can itself form the inner wall. Even a small amount of air in the space between the two compartments is sufficient to help air drying of slides. The inner compartment can be made separable and removable from the surrounding larger one. The inner compartment wall has one or more openings in the sides or sufficient porosity for air exchange between the compartments. A side that opens for access to slides can be put in an open position during transport providing for air exchange. These openings can be of any size or shape that provides for air exchange which includes a porous material with multiple openings.

The device can be of any size or shape. Preferably both the outer and inner compartments are rectangular, since this conforms to the usual shape of microscope slides. The walls of the two compartments can be of any material. Suitable materials are cardboard or plastic.

Referring to FIG. 1 the device is shown having a rectangular shape. An outer compartment wall 1 is shown. One side of the wall 2 is in a partially open position for access to the inside. The outer walls enclose an air filled space 3. The inner compartment wall 4 is shown. The inner compartment walls enclose the inner air filled space 5. A wall 6 at one end of the inner compartment is shown in a partially open position for access to the inside. A rectangular opening 7 is shown in an inner compartment wall providing for air exchange between inner and outer compartments. A microscope slide 8 is shown inside the inner compartment.

Referring to FIG. 2 a side view of the device is shown with an outer compartment wall 1 and inner compartment wall 4. Outer air space 3 and inner air space 5 are identified. A microscope slide 8 is present within the inner compartment.

The present invention also provides a method of transporting a microscope slide. The method comprises placing a microscope slide in an enclosed air filled compartment, enclosing this compartment inside a larger enclosed air filled compartment, and maintaining air exchange between compartments through an opening in a wall separating the two compartments.

Claims

1. A microscope slide transport device comprising a larger compartment having walls enclosing an air space which further encloses a smaller compartment having walls enclosing an air space wherein a smaller compartment wall has an opening providing for air exchange between the compartments.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein a microscope slide is inside the smaller compartment.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the microscope slide is a hematologic slide.

4. The method of transporting and preserving a microscope slide comprising placing a slide in an air filled compartment, enclosing it within a larger air filled compartment, and maintaining air flow between the compartments through an opening in a wall separating the compartments.

5. The method of claim 4 wherein the slide is a hematologic slide.