Histological Specimen Treatment Apparatus and Method

Abstract

Method and apparatus for processing tissue specimens against decomposition, putrefaction and autolysis which use a simple three step procedure in a single vessel or container. First, the specimens are saturated with a solvent mixture of a ketone and a hydrocarbon, e.g., an Acetone/Hexane or an Acetone/Xylene mixture, to dissolve lipids and other cellular solutes. The container is then flooded with melted Paraffin. In a last step, the solvent mixture is vaporized and evacuated from the container, allowing the melted Paraffin to replace the vaporized solvent and impregnate the specimens. Raw, i.e., non-processed and non-burred specimens up to 5 mm thick can be processed in about 60 minutes. A solvent regenerator distills the evacuated solvent; and converts vent waste gases into carbon dioxide and water through a thermocatalytic oxidizer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . An apparatus for processing tissue specimens against decomposition, putrefaction and autolysis which comprises:
 a hermetically sealable reaction container;   means for controlling the temperature and pressure inside said container;   a source of dissolving compound connectable to said container;   a source of melted Paraffin connectable to said container; and   means for evacuating gases from said container;   wherein said dissolving compound comprises a mixture of a ketone and at least one low molecular weight hydrocarbon.   
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein said dissolving compound comprises a mixture taken from the group consisting of azeotropic and zeotropic dehydrant mixtures. 
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein said dissolving compound comprises a mixture taken from a group consisting essentially of:
 a mixture of about 60% per weight Acetone and about 40% per weight at least one Hexane;   a mixture of about 46% per weight Acetone, about 25% per weight at least one Hexane, about 7% per weight DMSO, about 20% per weight 2-Propanol and about 2% per weight Paraffin;   a mixture of about 62% per weight Acetone, about 16% per weight at least one Hexane, about 4% per weight DMSO, about 12% per weight 2-Propanol and about 6% per weight Paraffin;   a mixture of about 17% per weight Acetone, about 39% per weight at least one Hexane, about 5% per weight DMSO, about 12% per weight 2-Propanol and about 30% per weight Paraffin;   a mixture of about 46% per weight Acetone, about 25% per weight at least one Hexane, about 7% per weight DMSO and about 20% per weight 2-Propano;   a mixture of about 53% per weight Acetone, about 26% per weight at least one Xylene, about 20% per weight Ethanol, and about 1% per weight DMSO; and,   a mixture of about 62% per weight Acetone, about 19% per weight at least one Xylene, and about 19% per weight Ethanol.   
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein said dissolving compound consists of a mixture taken from a group consisting essentially of:
 a mixture of about 60% per weight Acetone and about 40% per weight at least one Hexane;   a mixture of about 46% per weight Acetone, about 25% per weight at least one Hexane, about 7% per weight DMSO, about 20% per weight 2-Propanol and about 2% per weight Paraffin;   a mixture of about 62% per weight Acetone, about 16% per weight at least one Hexane, about 4% per weight DMSO, about 12% per weight 2-Propanol and about 6% per weight Paraffin;   a mixture of about 17% per weight Acetone, about 39% per weight at least one Hexane, about 5% per weight DMSO, about 12% per weight 2-Propanol and about 30% per weight Paraffin;   a mixture of about 46% per weight Acetone, about 25% per weight at least one Hexane, about 7% per weight DMSO and about 20% per weight 2-Propano;   a mixture of about 53% per weight Acetone, about 26% per weight at least one Xylene, about 20% per weight Ethanol, and about 1% per weight DMSO; and,   a mixture of about 62% per weight Acetone, about 19% per weight at least one Xylene, and about 19% per weight Ethanol.   
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein Paraffin present in the solvent provides lubricating properties for process pumps and valves. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein said dissolving compound comprises a solvent taken from the group consisting essentially of ketones, esters, alcohols, aldehydes, ethers, aromatics, low molecular weight hydrocarbons, and a mixture of low molecular weight hydrocarbons. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , which further comprises means for regenerating vaporized dissolving compound evacuated from said container. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein said means for regenerating comprise:
 a still for recuperating said evacuated dissolving compound; and   a thermocatalytic oxidizer for converting vent waste gases into carbon dioxide and water.   
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein said dissolving compound has a refractive index between about 1.350 and 1.499 at 20° C. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein said dissolving compound comprises a mixture of approximately 17% to 65% per weight Acetone and 16% to 40% per weight at least one Hexane. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein:
 said time is limited to no more than approximately 30 minutes, and said period is limited to no more than approximately 50 minutes; and   said specimens comprise non-processed and non-burred tissue sections up to 10 mm thick.   
     
     
         43 - 50 . (canceled)