Methods and devices for quantitating blood samples
Inventors
Matson, Samantha A. • Thomas, Beena E. • Bhasin, Swati
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10024842-B2
Publication Date
2018-07-17
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and devices for analyzing blood sample volumes are provided. In particular, the disclosure provides a method for estimating the volume of a blood sample on a substrate including the steps of acquiring an image of the blood sample. A coverage or area of the blood sample may be obtained from the image and compared to a standard curve to obtain a volume estimate of the blood sample. The disclosure also proves a device for scanning one or more blood samples on a substrate. The device includes three layers that may be assembled to hold multiple samples between the layers. The device also includes labels and may be disassembled for decontamination and reloading of samples.
Core Innovation
A method is described for estimating the volume of a fresh blood sample by spotting the blood sample on a filter paper substrate and permitting the blood sample to dry to form a dried blood spot sample. An image of the dried blood spot sample is obtained, and an approximate coverage or area of the image is determined by counting pixels in the image of the dried blood spot sample. The determined approximate coverage or area is compared to a standard curve to determine an estimated volume of the fresh blood spot sample.
The method further includes determining the approximate coverage or area using pixel counts normalized with a blank substrate to compute a coverage ratio. The standard curve is constructed from two or more fresh blood samples with known volumes, and data from the images of the two or more fresh blood samples is used to produce the relationship between known volumes and approximate coverages or areas. The known-volume samples can be selected to have varying hematocrits, and the dried blood spot image is obtained using a scanner or a camera.
A device is also described for scanning filters for dried blood samples using three aligned layers. A first layer includes one or more transparent portions, a second layer includes one or more holes formed through the second layer and sized to each receive a dried blood sample filter, and a third layer includes one or more raised portions.
Claims Coverage
The provided claim set includes two independent claims that define a pixel-counting method for mapping dried blood spot image coverage or area to a fresh blood volume via a standard curve, and a three-layer scanning device with transparent, hole-containing, and raised portions aligned to receive and position dried blood spot filters.
Pixel-count-based dried blood spot coverage or area estimation mapped to a standard curve
Obtain an image of the dried blood spot sample, determine an approximate coverage or area by counting pixels in the image, and compare the determined approximate coverage or area to a standard curve to determine an estimated volume of the fresh blood spot sample.
Three-layer scanning device with transparent overlap, holes sized for filters, and raised portions
Provide a device for scanning filters for dried blood samples with a first layer comprising one or more transparent portions, a second layer comprising one or more holes formed through the second layer and sized to each receive a dried blood sample filter, and a third layer comprising one or more raised portions, wherein the transparent portions of the first layer overlap with the holes of the second layer and the raised portions of the third layer when the first, second and third layers are aligned and stacked with the second layer between the first and third layers.
Across the independent claims, the coverage is centered on converting dried blood spot image pixel-derived coverage or area into an estimated fresh blood volume using a standard curve, optionally with normalization using a blank substrate and calibration samples including varying hematocrits, and on aligning a multi-layer device so that transparent portions, filter-receiving holes, and raised portions cooperate when stacked for scanning filters for dried blood samples.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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