Automated molecular pathology apparatus having independent slide heaters
First Claim
1. In an apparatus for analyzing biological materials comprising a plurality of heating devices supported by a heating device support, each heating device adapted to receive a slide and including a heater and a sensor, and control electronics in communication with the heating devices for receiving data from the sensors of the heating devices and for individually controlling the heaters of each of the heating devices, a method for amplifying a target molecule within tissue samples mounted on slides received by the heating devices comprising the steps of:
- denaturing target molecules in the tissue sample by independently controlling the temperature of the heaters;
annealing at least two oligonucleotide primers to the target molecules by independently controlling the temperature of the heaters;
performing polymerase-mediated extension on the annealed oligonucleotide primer-target molecules by independently controlling the temperature of the heaters; and
repeating the steps of denaturing, annealing and performing polymerase-mediated extension at least one time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on microscope slides are provided. Individualized slide temperature control is accomplished by the heating system according to the present invention that has thermal platforms radially mounted to the carousel for heating the slides and sensing the temperature of each. The heating system also permits automated de-waxing if necessary.
246 Citations
7 Claims
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1. In an apparatus for analyzing biological materials comprising a plurality of heating devices supported by a heating device support, each heating device adapted to receive a slide and including a heater and a sensor, and control electronics in communication with the heating devices for receiving data from the sensors of the heating devices and for individually controlling the heaters of each of the heating devices, a method for amplifying a target molecule within tissue samples mounted on slides received by the heating devices comprising the steps of:
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denaturing target molecules in the tissue sample by independently controlling the temperature of the heaters;
annealing at least two oligonucleotide primers to the target molecules by independently controlling the temperature of the heaters;
performing polymerase-mediated extension on the annealed oligonucleotide primer-target molecules by independently controlling the temperature of the heaters; and
repeating the steps of denaturing, annealing and performing polymerase-mediated extension at least one time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification