Microscope slide
First Claim
1. An apparatus for staining cells and microorganisms in a biological sample for viewing with an epi-fluorescence microscope, comprising:
- a) a microscope slide having a viewing area;
b) a fluorochrome for staining the biological sample; and
c) a flexible transparent film attached to said slide with an adhesive such that said fluorochrome is in contact with said viewing area between said slide and said film, wherein said film can be removed to expose said viewing area for placement of the biological sample thereon and replaced such that the sample can be viewed under the microscope.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A self-staining microscopic slide designed for immediate staining and viewing of cells in biological fluid and tissue samples, preferably with an epi-fluorescence microscope. The pre-prepared microscope slide preferably has a supravital fluorescent stain applied thereon, which is overlaid with a transparent tape or film. During use, the film is peeled back to expose the stain so that a sample can be applied thereon for intermixture therewith. The film is then replaced over the stained sample to act as a cover slip for immediate viewing. Living cells and microorganisms are rendered dramatically visible and cellular dysmorphology can be readily ascertained. The time and cost associated with preparing a fixed and sectioned sample is completely avoided as well as the problem of artifacts and sample fragmentation found in fixed preparations. The slide can include reference standards to facilitate microscope focusing, and to allow measurements of cells and microorganisms. An alternate embodiment provides a flexible microscope slide which can be folded over such that a viewing portion of the slide can be placed against a specimen to obtain a sample directly therefrom without the need of transferring devices, thereby reducing biological hazards. This novel slide permits on-site, point-of-care screening in a matter of minutes of any biological fluid or tissue sample for presence of infectious agents.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An apparatus for staining cells and microorganisms in a biological sample for viewing with an epi-fluorescence microscope, comprising:
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a) a microscope slide having a viewing area; b) a fluorochrome for staining the biological sample; and c) a flexible transparent film attached to said slide with an adhesive such that said fluorochrome is in contact with said viewing area between said slide and said film, wherein said film can be removed to expose said viewing area for placement of the biological sample thereon and replaced such that the sample can be viewed under the microscope. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus for staining a biological sample for viewing with a microscope, comprising:
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a) a microscope slide having a viewing area; b) a dye for staining the biological sample; and c) a flexible transparent film attached to said slide with an adhesive such that said dye is in contact with said viewing area between said slide and said film, wherein said film can be removed to expose said viewing area for placement of the biological sample thereon and replaced such that the sample can be viewed under the microscope. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A microscope slide for immediate presentation of supravital specimens for viewing, comprising in combination:
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a) means for supporting a specimen for positioning within the viewing area of a microscope; b) flexible transparent means for resealably covering a first surface of said supporting means and said specimen supported thereon; and c) means for fluorochrome staining said specimen, said staining means interspersed between said supporting means an said flexible transparent means such that placement of said specimen on said supporting means induces such staining.
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Specification