Dynamic range extension systems and methods for particle analysis in blood samples
Inventors
Adams, Thomas H. • Wanders, Bart J. • Roche, John • Kasdan, Harvey L.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12523591-B2
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
For analyzing a sample containing particles of at least two categories, such as a sample containing blood cells, a particle counter subject to a detection limit is coupled with an analyzer capable of discerning particle number ratios, such as a visual analyzer, and a processor. A first category of particles can be present beyond detection range limits while a second category of particles is present within respective detection range limits. The concentration of the second category of particles is determined by the particle counter. A ratio of counts of the first category to the second category is determined on the analyzer. The concentration of particles in the first category is calculated on the processor based on the ratio and the count or concentration of particles in the second category.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system for analyzing a biological sample that combines a cell counter with a visual analyzer that includes a flowcell and an imaging device. The cell counter is configured to receive a first volume of the biological sample and determine a first parameter of a first cell type from the first volume. The visual analyzer receives a second volume of the biological sample and captures a first set of images of the first cell type from an image capture site of the flowcell.
One or more processors execute a computer application that causes the system to determine the first parameter and to cause the imaging device to capture the first set of images. The system outputs the first parameter and the first set of images to a display so that the first parameter and the first set of images are visually displayed on the display. The disclosure further describes using image analysis of a flowcell stream to determine a proportion or ratio of counts between a first category and a second category, and calculating the first category concentration/count from the ratio and the second category measurement.
The disclosure also describes image-based cell discrimination for RBC, WBC, and platelets and miscount correction related to giant PLTs and nucleated RBCs being miscounted into WBC/platelet-related channels, as well as aggregated or abnormal particles affecting PLT/WBC/RBC channels. In addition, it describes system and flowcell imaging concepts using PIOAL sheath fluids, autofocus for aligned images, and hydrofocusing or viscosity differential to improve in-focus intracellular structures.
Claims Coverage
The partial content explicitly identifies one independent claim directed to a system architecture that integrates a cell counter with a visual analyzer and a display. The inventive features below are extracted from the independent claim text provided.
Cell counter determining a parameter from a first volume
A cell counter configured to receive a first volume of the biological sample and determine a first parameter of a first cell type from the first volume.
Visual analyzer with flowcell and imaging device at an image capture site
A visual analyzer comprising a flowcell and an imaging device, the flowcell configured to receive a second volume of the biological sample, the image capture device configured to capture a first set of images of the first cell type from an image capture site of the flowcell.
Processor-controlled analysis and imaging with output to a display
One or more processors and a tangible non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer application that, when executed, causes the one or more processors to determine the first parameter, to cause the imaging device to capture the first set of images, and to output the first parameter and the first set of images to the display for visual display.
Across the provided independent-claim text, the core coverage is the combined operation of a cell counter for a first parameter from a first volume, a visual analyzer that captures images at a flowcell image capture site from a second volume, and processor-controlled determination and coordinated visual output of both the parameter and images on a display.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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