Automated reagent dispensing system and method of operation

Abstract

A system and method that enables automated reagent dispensing for tissue stainers. The stainers receive staining protocols from a central controller. The central controller may control a plurality of stainers simultaneously. The stainers obtain information provided on slide identifiers which is communicated to the central controller. The central controller determines a particular staining protocol to apply to a particular slide. The staining protocol is downloaded to the stainer which enables the stainer to operate without additional communication with the central controller. A user may manually initiate a staining protocol or the central controller may operate the stainers on a scheduled basis.

1 . A system of dispensing reagents, comprising:
 an inventory module configured to determine an inventory included in an automated reagent dispensing system;   a downloading module configured to download a processing program from a central controller to the automated reagent dispensing system; and   an operating module configured to operate the automated reagent dispensing system based on the processing program independently of the central controller.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the inventory module is configured to determine the contents of at least one of a tray, a reagent cartridge, and a waste container. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a primary reagent determining module configured to determine a primary reagent housed in a tray;   a staining protocol module configured to determine a staining protocol associated with the primary reagent; and   a staining transmitting module configured to transmit the staining protocol to a manifold controller of the automated reagent dispensing system.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a report generating module configured to generate a status report. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a container fluid level determining module configured to determine a container fluid level; and   a signal outputting module configured to output a container condition signal.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a signal receiving module configured to receive an interrupt signal;   a hazardous condition module configured to determine whether a hazardous condition exists; and   a stop processing module configured to stop processing of the processing program.   
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a dispensing module configured to dispense reagents; and   an activating module configured to activates at least one evacuation port.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an audit log creating module configured to create an audit log. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an enabling module configured to enable a user to create the processing program. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an enabling module configured to enable a user to modify the processing program. 
     
     
         11 . A reagent dispensing system comprising:
 a start condition detecting module configured to determine a start condition;   an inventory module configured to determine an inventory of the system;   a staining protocol processing module configured to process at least one staining protocol;   an interrupt signal receiving module configured to receive an interrupt signal; and   a reagent dispensing module configured to dispense at least one reagent.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the start condition comprises opening a cover of the system.