Error-free traceability for histology cassettes

JULY 3--Absolute Vision Ltd. (Meriden, UK; www.absolutevision.co.uk), a specialist in data-matrix-code-reading solutions, has created a new histology cassette reader for a hospital or clinic seeking to automate the collection of histology data. The Medusa Histology Cassette Reader (HCR) eliminates the need for human reading of printed data and enables error-free tracking of cassettes through laboratories. The reader will be marketed exclusively by Raymond A Lamb Ltd.

The Medusa HCR deciphers two-dimensional (2-D) data-matrix information printed directly onto plastic histology cassettes whatever their color. The reader comes in a sealed alloy IP64 housing with a height of just 125 mm. It combines imager, lens, lighting, and communications for 'plug and read' capability.

During operation, the marked part is placed over an illuminated window, and an audible sound is heard as the mark is read.

Raymond A Lamb (www.ralamb.com) MicroWriter permanently prints a unique serial number in both Data Matrix and man-readable text onto each histology cassette, but until now these have been impossible to track automatically. Histology cassettes are too small to fit a conventional barcode. Data matrix is more robust than a barcode and will retain more information in a smaller space. Data matrix can also be applied directly onto plastic with no need for a label that may peel or become defaced. By using 2-D data-matrix codes and the Medusa HC Reader, customers can not only read data automatically, but also track specimens through a laboratory, minimizing human involvement and reducing errors.

The Medusa HCR uses Absolute Vision's Medusa Histology Cassette graphical user interface and includes nearly real-time video imaging. Based on the company's Medusa code-reading software, the reader supports a range of error-correction systems. Readable cell size is from 0.17 mm.