Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090162940 | Specimen Analysis Tube - A method and apparatus for analyzing a fluid sample. More particularly, this relates to a specimen analysis tube ( | 06-25-2009 |
20090237665 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A FOCAL POSITION OF AN IMAGING DEVICE ADAPTED TO IMAGE A BIOLOGIC SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for focusing a device for imaging a biologic sample is provided. A method aspect of the disclosure includes the steps of: 1) disposing lenslets within a field of a biologic sample, which lenslets have a height, and have a refractive index and which refractive index is different from that of the sample, wherein one or both of the imaging device and the sample are relatively locatable so a focal position of the imaging device can be moved along the height of the lenslets; 2) imaging at least a portion of the sample including a plurality of lenslets using transmittance at one or more predetermined wavelengths; 3) determining an average light transmittance intensity of the sample at the wavelengths; 4) determining an average light transmittance intensity of a region of each lenslet at the wavelengths; and 5) determining the focal position of the imaging device using the average light transmittance intensity of the sample and the average light transmittance intensity of the region of the lenslets. | 09-24-2009 |
20090238437 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE HEMATOCRIT OF A BLOOD SAMPLE UTILIZING THE INTRINSIC PIGMENTATION OF HEMOGLOBIN CONTAINED WITHIN THE RED BLOOD CELLS - A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those image units; 4) selecting the optical density values of the image units aligned with the one or more lacunae, and assigning a lower boundary value of 0% to the optical density values of those image units; and 5) determining the hematocrit of the sample by assigning relative values to the optical density value of each image of the imaged sample portion as a function of the upper and lower boundary values, and averaging the relative values. | 09-24-2009 |
20090238438 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING RED BLOOD CELL INDICES OF A BLOOD SAMPLE UTILIZING THE INTRINSIC PIGMENTATION OF HEMOGLOBIN CONTAINED WITHIN THE RED BLOOD CELLS - A method for the determination of the red blood cell indices including the volume, and hemoglobin content and concentration for individual red blood cells, as well as red blood cell population statistics, including total number of red blood cells present in the sample, and mean values for each of the aforementioned indices within a substantially undiluted blood sample is provided. | 09-24-2009 |
20090238439 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COUNTING PLATELETS INDIVIDUALLY AND IN AGGREGATE CLUMPS - A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; 2) admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 3) illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the platelets at the first wavelengths; 4) imaging the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets, which fluorescent emissions have an intensity; 5) identifying the platelets by their fluorescent emissions, using the image signals; 6) determining an average fluorescent emission intensity value for the individual platelets identified within the sample; 7) identifying clumps of platelets within the sample using one or more of their fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity; and 8) enumerating platelets within each platelet clump using the average fluorescent emission intensity value determined for the individual platelets within the sample. | 09-24-2009 |
20090239257 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL CELLS OR PARTICULATES USING FLUORESCENT QUENCHING AND/OR BLEACHING - A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: a) providing a blood sample having one or more first constituents and one or more second constituents, which second constituents are different from the first constituents; b) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; c) admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce upon exposure to predetermined first wavelengths of light, and which colorant is operative to absorb light at one or more predetermined second wavelengths of light; d) illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the first constituents and the second constituents at the first wavelengths and at the second wavelengths; e) imaging the at least a portion of the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the first constituents and the second constituents and the optical density of the first constituents and the second constituents; f) determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents using the image signals; g) determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents, which optical density is a function of the colorant absorbed by the constituents, using the image signals; and h) identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values. | 09-24-2009 |
20090251683 | VIRTUAL SEPARATION OF BOUND AND FREE LABEL IN A LIGAND ASSAY FOR PERFORMING IMMUNOASSAYS OF BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS, INCLUDING WHOLE BLOOD - Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent. | 10-08-2009 |
20090252399 | SELF-CALIBRATING GRADIENT DILUTION IN A CONSTITUENT ASSAY AND GRADIENT DILUTION APPARATUS PERFORMED IN A THIN FILM SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for measuring antibody titers in a thin film sample in an automated system which does not require multiple dilutions. The system provides a simple method for creating an in-situ dilution within a sample analysis chamber without the use of any precision fluid-handling components, and further, to use the same principles to provide a wide range of sample dilutions within the chamber so as to obviate the need for additional dilution steps when dealing with samples possibly containing wide ranges of analyte concentrations. | 10-08-2009 |
20090253218 | METHOD FOR SEROLOGIC AGGLUTINATION AND OTHER IMMUNOASSAYS PERFORMED IN A THIN FILM FLUID SAMPLE - A method and system for performing a serological agglutination assay in a liquid sample. The system provides a simple method for creating an in-situ sample/reagent admixture within a sample analysis chamber without the use of any precision fluid-handling components. | 10-08-2009 |
20090257632 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE AREA OF A SAMPLE DISPOSED WITHIN AN ANALYSIS CHAMBER - A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent. The method includes the steps of: a) illuminating the sample residing within the analysis chamber at one or more wavelengths operable to highlight interfaces between the sample and air, and to highlight a constituent within the sample; b) imaging the sample along the one or more wavelengths, and producing image signals representative of the interaction of the one or more wavelengths with the sample; c) determining a location of at least one interface between the sample and air, using the image signals; d) determining a location of one or more constituents within the sample relative to the at least one sample-air interface using the image signals; and e) determining an area of the chamber containing the sample, using the location of the one or more constituents and the at least one sample-air interface. | 10-15-2009 |
20090258371 | METHOD OF DETECTING VERY LOW LEVELS OF ANALYTE WITHIN A THIN FILM FLUID SAMPLE CONTAINED IN A THIN THICKNESS CHAMBER - A method and apparatus for the detection and quantification of very low levels of a target analyte using an imaging system is provided. In the case of some analytes such as certain hormones, for example TSH, their levels may be as low as several tens of thousands of molecules per micro liter. These extremely low levels can be measured by using the present invention to count the individual molecules of analyte. The invention also has the advantage of being a primary quantitative method, which is one which needs no standardization. | 10-15-2009 |
20100074803 | BUFFY COAT SEPARATOR FLOAT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers. | 03-25-2010 |
20100216248 | DISPOSABLE CHAMBER FOR ANALYZING BIOLOGIC FLUIDS - An apparatus for analyzing biologic fluid is provided that includes a first planar member, a second planar member, and at least three separators. At least one of planar members is transparent. The separators are disposed between the members, and separate the members to form a chamber having a height. At least one of the members or separators is sufficiently flexible to permit the chamber height to approximate the mean size of the separators. During use, the biologic fluid to be analyzed is disposed within the chamber. | 08-26-2010 |
20100255509 | DETECTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASE IN A HUMAN OR ANIMAL BY MEASURING SPECIFIC PHAGOCYTOSIS IN A THIN FILM SAMPLE OF THEIR ANTICOAGULATED BLOOD - A method for performing a target analyte assay of a thin film anticoagulated blood sample, wherein the target analyte is the presence or absence of specific phagocytosis and/or binding of particles coated with a particular antigen or antigens by white blood cells present in the anticoagulated blood sample, wherein the particles are coated with the particular antigen or antigens, which antigens are similar or identical to antigens expressed by a defined pathogenic infectious agent of interest. | 10-07-2010 |
20100272345 | METHOD FOR PERFORMING COUNTS WITHIN A BIOLOGIC FLUID SAMPLE - A method for enumerating cellular elements and particulates within a biologic fluid sample is provided. According to one aspect of the invention, the method includes the steps of: a) providing a chamber formed between a first planar member that is transparent and a second planar member, which members are separated from one another by a substantially uniform height, and which chamber has a known volume; b) introducing the biologic fluid sample into the chamber in an amount such that the sample extends between the first and second members for substantially the entire extent of the chamber, which fluid sample has first cellular elements having a first thickness and second cellular elements having a second thickness; c) selecting the chamber height relative to the first and second thicknesses such that the first and second cellular elements non-uniformly distribute within the sample upon introduction into the chamber; d) examining substantially all of the sample within the chamber and enumerating all of at least one of the elements; and e) determining a number per unit volume of sample of the at least one of the elements. | 10-28-2010 |
20100273244 | APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING COUNTS WITHIN A BIOLOGIC FLUID SAMPLE - An apparatus for enumerating one or more specific elements within a biologic fluid sample is provided. The apparatus includes a first planar member that is transparent, and a second planar member. The members are separated from one another by a substantially uniform height, and the height is sized relative to the specific elements within the sample such that the specific elements non-uniformly distribute within the sample upon introduction into the chamber. | 10-28-2010 |
20110059481 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING RED BLOOD CELL INDICES OF A BLOOD SAMPLE UTILIZING THE INTRINSIC PIGMENTATION OF HEMOGLOBIN CONTAINED WITHIN THE RED BLOOD CELLS - A method for the determination of the red blood cell indices including the volume, and hemoglobin content and concentration for individual red blood cells, as well as red blood cell population statistics, including total number of red blood cells present in the sample, and mean values for each of the aforementioned indices within a substantially undiluted blood sample is provided. | 03-10-2011 |
20110149061 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING RETICULOCYTES WITHIN A BLOOD SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for identifying reticulocytes within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, and the chamber has a known or determinable height extending between the interior surfaces of panels, which height is such that at least one red blood cell, or an aggregate of red blood cells, within the sample contacts both of the interior surfaces; b) admixing a supravital dye with the sample, which dye is operable to cause reticulin to fluoresce when excited by light of one or more predetermined wavelengths; c) imaging the sample using light that includes the one or more predetermined wavelengths that cause reticulin to fluoresce; d) imaging the sample using light that is absorbed by hemoglobin to produce values of optical density on a per image unit basis; and e) identifying reticulocytes within the sample using the image of the sample created with light that causes the dyed reticulin to fluoresce, and using the per image unit optical density values. | 06-23-2011 |
20110165672 | BUFFY COAT SEPARATOR FLOAT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers. | 07-07-2011 |
20110171680 | BUFFY COAT TUBE AND FLOAT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat is provided. The system includes a transparent, or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The sample tube has an elongated sidewall having a first cross-sectional inner diameter. The float consists of a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion to engage and support the sidewall of the sample tube. The main body portion and the support members of the float have a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner diameter of the tube when the sample tube is expanded, such as by centrifugation. The main body portion of the float together with an axially aligned portion of the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween. The support members protruding from the main body portion of the float traverse said annular volume to produce one or more analysis areas. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force enlarges the diameter of the tube to permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. Thereafter, the centrifugal force is reduced to cause the tube sidewall to return to its first diameter, thereby capturing the float and trapping the buffy coat constituents in the analysis area. The bully coat constituents can then be evaluated or measured. | 07-14-2011 |
20110193957 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COUNTING PLATELETS INDIVIDUALLY AND IN AGGREGATE CLUMPS - A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; 2) admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 3) illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the platelets at the first wavelengths; 4) imaging the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets, which fluorescent emissions have an intensity; 5) identifying the platelets by their fluorescent emissions, using the image signals; 6) determining an average fluorescent emission intensity value for the individual platelets identified within the sample; 7) identifying clumps of platelets within the sample using one or more of their fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity; and 8) enumerating platelets within each platelet clump using the average fluorescent emission intensity value determined for the individual platelets within the sample. | 08-11-2011 |
20110200239 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTELY PERFORMING HEMATOLOGIC ANALYSIS UTILIZING A TRANSMITTED IMAGE OF A CENTRIFUGED ANALYSIS TUBE - An apparatus for and method of analyzing hematologic samples deposited within a capillary tube is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) imaging a region of sample centrifuged within a capillary tube using a first analysis device, which region is defined by substantially all of the radial width and axial length of the sample residing within the internal cavity of the tube where the float resides after centrifugation, and producing signals representative of the image; b) communicating the signals representative of the image to a second analysis device independent of, and remotely located from, the first analysis device; c) processing the signals representative of the image using the second analysis device and producing analysis data based on the signals; and d) displaying the image of the region of the sample using the second analysis device. | 08-18-2011 |
20110201045 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING HEMATOLOGIC ANALYSIS USING AN ARRAY-IMAGING SYSTEM FOR IMAGING AND ANALYSIS OF A CENTRIFUGED ANALYSIS TUBE - A method and device for analyzing a hematologic sample centrifuged within a capillary tube is provided. The device includes a tube holder, a sample imaging device, a processor, and a sample data display. The sample imaging device is operable to create a digital image of the sample within a region of the tube. The region is defined by substantially all of the radial width and axial length of the sample residing within the internal cavity of the tube in the region where the float resides after centrifugation. The sample imaging device is operable to produce signals representative of the image. The processor is adapted to produce information relating to bands of interest within the image based on the signals from the sample imaging device. The sample data display is adapted to display the results therefrom and/or a digital image of the sample within the region. | 08-18-2011 |
20110230740 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE HEMATOCRIT OF A BLOOD SAMPLE UTILIZING THE INTRINSIC PIGMENTATION OF HEMOGLOBIN CONTAINED WITHIN THE RED BLOOD CELLS - A method for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by the interior surfaces of first and second panels and a height extending there between, wherein both panels are transparent, and the height is such that at least some of the red blood cells within the sample contact both interior surfaces of the panels and one or more lacunae within the quiescent sample extend between the interior surfaces; 2) imaging at least a portion of the quiescent sample, which sample portion contains the red blood cells and one or more lacunae to determine an optical density of the imaged portion of the sample on a per image unit basis; 3) selecting and averaging the optical density values of the image units aligned with the red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces, and assigning an upper boundary value of 100% to the average optical density value of those image units; 4) selecting the optical density values of the image units aligned with the one or more lacunae, and assigning a lower boundary value of 0% to the optical density values of those image units; and 5) determining the hematocrit of the sample by assigning relative values to the optical density value of each image of the imaged sample portion as a function of the upper and lower boundary values, and averaging the relative values. | 09-22-2011 |
20110243794 | BIOLOGIC FLUID ANALYSIS CARTRIDGE WITH DEFLECTING TOP PANEL - A cartridge for analyzing a biologic fluid sample is provided that includes a base plate, a sample inlet port, a first chamber wall, a second chamber wall, and an optically transparent cover panel disposed in contact with the first and second chamber walls. The base plate has a body with a chamber surface, a body passage, and a chamber entry passage. The body passage is in fluid communication with the chamber entry passage, and the chamber entry passage extends through to the chamber surface. The sample inlet port has an inlet passage in fluid communication with the body passage. The first and second chamber walls each have a height extending outwardly from the chamber surface, and the two walls are spaced apart from one another. The cover panel is sufficiently flexible to deflect and contact a central region of the chamber surface. | 10-06-2011 |
20110244593 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTIVELY ADMIXING REAGENTS IN A SUBSTANTIALLY UNDILUTED BIOLOGIC FLUID SAMPLE ANALYSIS - A biologic fluid sample analysis method and system is provided that includes a reagent depository, and analysis chamber, a biologic fluid transfer system, and a programmable analyzer. The reagent depository has a plurality of reagent deposits, and each reagent deposit located at a position within the depository independent of the other reagent deposits. The analysis chamber is adapted to quiescently hold a biologic fluid sample and one or more reagents during analysis. The biologic fluid transfer system has at least one fluid transfer device. The programmable analyzer is adapted to control the biologic fluid transfer system to acquire a volume of sample from a sample reservoir, dispense a volume of the sample into the reagent depository, acquire a volume of sample and reagent from the reagent depository, and to transfer the sample and reagent to the analysis chamber, and to analyze the combined sample and reagent. | 10-06-2011 |
20110256573 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE HEMOGLOBIN RELATED PARAMETER OF A WHOLE BLOOD SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for determining at least one hemoglobin related parameter of a whole blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by an interior surface of a first panel, and an interior surface of a second panel, and the chamber has a height extending between the interior surfaces of the panels, wherein the chamber is configured to increase the oxygenation state of the sample to a substantially oxygenated state within a predetermined amount of time after entry into the chamber; b) imaging the at least one red blood cell contacting the interior surfaces, and producing image signals; c) determining an optical density of at least a portion of the imaged red blood cell contacting both interior surfaces; and d) determining the at least one hemoglobin related parameter of the red blood cell contacting the interior surfaces, using the determined optical density and a molar extinction coefficient for oxygenated hemoglobin. | 10-20-2011 |
20110294198 | DISPOSABLE CHAMBER FOR ANALYZING BIOLOGIC FLUIDS - An apparatus for analyzing biologic fluid is provided that includes first and second planar members, and at least three separators. At least one of the first planar member and second planar member is transparent. The separators are disposed between the planar members, and each individually has a height. The separators collectively having a mean height, and separate the planar members to form a chamber having a height extending between the planar members. At least one of the first planar member, second planar member, or separators is sufficiently deformable when the first planar member and second planar member are drawn toward each other by capillary force from a biologic fluid quiescently residing within the chamber to cause the mean chamber height to be substantially equal to the mean height of the separators. | 12-01-2011 |
20110294200 | VIRTUAL SEPARATION OF BOUND AND FREE LABEL IN A LIGAND ASSAY FOR PERFORMING IMMUNOASSAYS OF BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS, INCLUDING WHOLE BLOOD - Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent. | 12-01-2011 |
20120021456 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF ANISOTROPIC CRYSTALS AND HEMOZOIN PRODUCING PARASITES IN LIQUID BLOOD - An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals within a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) disposing the sample within a sample chamber in a sample layer having a height riot greater than about fifteen microns (15μ); b) disposing the sample layer within the sample chamber between a polarizing filter and an analyzing filter; a) disposing the polarizing filter, sample chamber, and analyzing filter in a configuration relative to a light source such that polarized light passes through the sample, and subsequently impinges on the analyzing filter; and d) wherein polar orientations of the polarizing filter and the analyzing filter are such that the polarized light will not pass through the analyzing filter, and light passing through an anisotropic crystal disposed within the sample will pass through the analyzing filter and appear as a point of light. | 01-26-2012 |
20120034647 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED WHOLE BLOOD SAMPLE ANALYSES FROM MICROSCOPY IMAGES - A method and apparatus for identifying one or more target constituents (e.g., white blood cells) within a biological sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) adding at least one colorant to the sample; b) disposing the sample into a chamber defined by at least one transparent panel; c) creating at least one image of the sample quiescently residing within the chamber; d) identifying target constituents within the sample image; e) quantitatively analyzing at least some of the identified target constituents within the image relative to one or more predetermined quantitatively determinable features; and f) identifying at least one type of target constituent within the identified target constituents using the quantitatively determinable features. | 02-09-2012 |
20120077217 | BUFFY COAT TUBE AND FLOAT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for separating and axially expanding the buffy coat is provided that includes a flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float. The sample tube has a sidewall with a first cross-sectional inner diameter. The float includes a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion. The float has a cross-sectional diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner diameter when the sample tube is expanded. The main body portion of the float and the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween. The support members traverse said annular volume to produce one or more analysis areas. During centrifugation, centrifugal force enlarges the diameter of the tube to permit density-based axial movement of the float. The centrifugal force is reduced to return the tube to its first diameter, thereby capturing the float and trapping the buffy coat constituents in the analysis area. | 03-29-2012 |
20120099108 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A FOCAL POSITION OF AN IMAGING DEVICE ADAPTED TO IMAGE A BIOLOGIC SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for focusing a device for imaging a biologic sample is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: disposing lenslets within a biologic sample, which lenslets have a height and a refractive index, which refractive index is different from that of the sample, wherein one or both of the imaging device and the sample are relatively locatable so a focal position of the imaging device can be moved along the height of the lenslets; imaging a portion of the sample including lenslets using transmittance at one or more wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of the sample at the wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of a region of each lenslet at the wavelengths; and determining the focal position of the imaging device using the average light transmittance intensity of the sample and the average light transmittance intensity of the region of the lenslets. | 04-26-2012 |
20120147357 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COUNTING PLATELETS INDIVIDUALLY AND IN AGGREGATE CLUMPS - A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into a sample container having an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, and an amount of colorant that platelets absorb and which fluoresces upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 2) imaging at least a portion of the sample disposed in the analysis chamber, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets illuminated by first wavelengths of light; 3) identifying the platelets using the image signals; and 4) enumerating individual platelets and clumped platelets within the sample using one or more of fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity. | 06-14-2012 |
20120164682 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL CELLS OR PARTICULATES USING FLUORESCENT QUENCHING AND/OR BLEACHING - A method for analyzing a blood sample residing within an analysis chamber, which sample has one or more first and second constituents, which constituents are different from one another. The method includes the steps of: a) imaging the sample containing the first and second constituents, which sample is mixed with a colorant that causes the first and second constituents to fluoresce upon exposure to light, and which colorant is also operative to absorb light, the imaging produces image signals representative of fluorescent emissions from the sample and optical density of the sample; b) determining one or more values representative of fluorescent emission from the first and second constituents; c) determining one or more values representative of optical density for the first and second constituents; and d) distinguishing the first constituents from the second constituents using the fluorescent emission representative values and the optical density representative values. | 06-28-2012 |
20120164683 | BUFFY COAT SEPARATOR FLOAT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers. | 06-28-2012 |
20120164719 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL CELLS OR PARTICULATES USING FLUORESCENT QUENCHING AND/OR BLEACHING - A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values. | 06-28-2012 |
20120195489 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE HEMATOCRIT OF A BLOOD SAMPLE UTILIZING THE INTRINSIC PIGMENTATION OF HEMOGLOBIN CONTAINED WITHIN THE RED BLOOD CELLS - A method and apparatus for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample disposed within an analysis chamber, the method comprising the steps of: a) imaging at least a portion of the sample that contains one or more red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces of the chamber and one or more areas void of red blood cells; b) determining a representative optical density value for a plurality of image units optically aligned with portions of the red blood cells that are in contact the interior surfaces, and assigning an optical density first boundary value to those image units; c) determining a representative optical density value of a plurality of image units optically aligned with the one or more regions of the sample devoid of red blood cells, and assigning a second optical density boundary value to those image units; and d) determining the hematocrit of the sample. | 08-02-2012 |
20120219457 | BIOLOGIC FLUID ANALYSIS CARTRIDGE WITH SAMPLE HANDLING PORTION AND ANALYSIS CHAMBER PORTION - A biological fluid analysis cartridge is provided. In certain embodiments, the cartridge includes a base plate extending between a sample handling portion and an analysis chamber portion. A handling upper panel is attached to the base plate within the sample handling portion. A collection port is at least partially formed with the handling upper panel. An initial channel and a secondary channel are formed between the handling upper panel and the base plate. The collection port and initial and secondary channels are in fluid communication with one another. A chamber upper panel is attached to the base plate within the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber is formed between the chamber upper panel and the base plate. The secondary channel and the analysis chamber are in fluid communication with one another. | 08-30-2012 |
20120282635 | SELF-CALIBRATING GRADIENT DILUTION IN A CONSTITUTENT ASSAY AND GRADIENT DILUTION APPARATUS PERFORMED IN A THIN FILM SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for measuring antibody titers in a thin film sample in an automated system which does not require multiple dilutions. The system provides a simple method for creating an in-situ dilution within a sample analysis chamber without the use of any precision fluid-handling components, and further, to use the same principles to provide a wide range of sample dilutions within the chamber so as to obviate the need for additional dilution steps when dealing with samples possibly containing wide ranges of analyte concentrations. | 11-08-2012 |
20130029373 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL CELLS OR PARTICULATES USING FLUORESCENT QUENCHING AND/OR BLEACHING - A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values. | 01-31-2013 |
20130170729 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR IDENTIFYING RETICULOCYTES WITHIN A BLOOD SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for identifying reticulocytes within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, and the chamber has a known or determinable height extending between the interior surfaces of panels, which height is such that at least one red blood cell, or an aggregate of red blood cells, within the sample contacts both of the interior surfaces; b) admixing a supravital dye with the sample, which dye is operable to cause reticulin to fluoresce when excited by light of one or more predetermined wavelengths; c) imaging the sample using light that includes the one or more predetermined wavelengths that cause reticulin to fluoresce; d) imaging the sample using light that is absorbed by hemoglobin to produce values of optical density on a per image unit basis; and e) identifying reticulocytes within the sample using the image of the sample created with light that causes the dyed reticulin to fluoresce, and using the per image unit optical density values. | 07-04-2013 |
20130176551 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND COUNTING PLATELETS INDIVIDUALLY AND IN AGGREGATE CLUMPS - A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into a sample container having an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, and an amount of colorant that platelets absorb and which fluoresces upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 2) imaging at least a portion of the sample disposed in the analysis chamber, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets illuminated by first wavelengths of light; 3) identifying the platelets using the image signals; and 4) enumerating individual platelets and clumped platelets within the sample using one or more of fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity. | 07-11-2013 |
20130203107 | METHOD FOR MEASURING THE AREA OF A SAMPLE DISPOSED WITHIN AN ANALYSIS CHAMBER - A method for determining the area of an analysis chamber covered by a biologic fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber is provided. The chamber has a first panel with an interior surface, and a second panel with an interior surface, both of which panels are transparent. The method includes the steps of: a) illuminating the sample residing within the analysis chamber at one or more wavelengths operable to highlight interfaces between the sample and air, and to highlight a constituent within the sample; b) imaging the sample along the one or more wavelengths, and producing image signals representative of the interaction of the one or more wavelengths with the sample; c) determining a location of at least one interface between the sample and air, using the image signals; d) determining a location of one or more constituents within the sample relative to the at least one sample-air interface using the image signals; and e) determining an area of the chamber containing the sample, using the location of the one or more constituents and the at least one sample-air interface. | 08-08-2013 |
20130208972 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE HEMATOCRIT OF A BLOOD SAMPLE UTILIZING THE INTRINSIC PIGMENTATION OF HEMOGLOBIN CONTAINED WITHIN THE RED BLOOD CELLS - A method and apparatus for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample disposed within an analysis chamber, the method comprising the steps of: a) imaging at least a portion of the sample that contains one or more red blood cells contacting the interior surfaces of the chamber and one or more areas void of red blood cells; b) determining a representative optical density value for a plurality of image units optically aligned with portions of the red blood cells that are in contact the interior surfaces, and assigning an optical density first boundary value to those image units; c) determining a representative optical density value of a plurality of image units optically aligned with the one or more regions of the sample devoid of red blood cells, and assigning a second optical density boundary value to those image units; and d) determining the hematocrit of the sample. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209332 | CONTAINER FOR HOLDING BIOLOGIC FLUID FOR ANALYSIS - A container for holding a biologic fluid sample for analysis is provided which includes a chamber and a label. The chamber includes a first wall, a transparent second wall, and a plurality of features including features spatially located within the chamber. The transparent second wall permits a fluid sample quiescently residing within the chamber to be imaged through the second wall. The plurality of features, including those spatially located within the chamber, are operable to enable the analysis of the biologic fluid. The label directly or indirectly contains information regarding the features and the spatial location of the features within the chamber. The sample is analyzed by an analytical device that utilizes the information communicated through the label. | 08-15-2013 |
20130217146 | VIRTUAL SEPARATION OF BOUND AND FREE LABEL IN A LIGAND ASSAY FOR PERFORMING IMMUNOASSAYS OF BIOLOGICAL FLUIDS, INCLUDING WHOLE BLOOD - Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent. | 08-22-2013 |
20140004554 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE HEMOGLOBIN RELATED PARAMETER OF A WHOLE BLOOD SAMPLE | 01-02-2014 |
20140084055 | QUALITY CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED ANALYSES OF BIOLOGIC FLUID SAMPLE - An apparatus and method for analyzing a biologic sample is provided. The apparatus includes a capillary tube, a machine readable identity tag, and an analysis device. The tube is operable to hold the biologic sample. The machine readable identity tag is disposed on the tube, and indicates a production source of the tube. The analysis device is operable to analyze the biologic sample. The analysis device includes a reader adapted to read the identity tag, and the analysis device is operable to authenticate the tube based on the identity tag read from the tube. | 03-27-2014 |
20140248647 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING INDIVIDUAL CELLS OR PARTICULATES USING FLUORESCENT QUENCHING AND/OR BLEACHING - A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values. | 09-04-2014 |
20140368631 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A FOCAL POSITION OF AN IMAGING DEVICE ADAPTED TO IMAGE A BIOLOGIC SAMPLE - A method and apparatus for focusing a device for imaging a biologic sample is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: disposing lenslets within a biologic sample, which lenslets have a height and a refractive index, which refractive index is different from that of the sample, wherein one or both of the imaging device and the sample are relatively locatable so a focal position of the imaging device can be moved along the height of the lenslets; imaging a portion of the sample including lenslets using transmittance at one or more wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of the sample at the wavelengths; determining an average light transmittance intensity of a region of each lenslet at the wavelengths; and determining the focal position of the imaging device using the average light transmittance intensity of the sample and the average light transmittance intensity of the region of the lenslets. | 12-18-2014 |