Systems and methods for imaging fluid samples
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-9429524-B2
Publication Date
2016-08-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods for imaging a plurality of blood fluid samples or other types of samples include processing at least a portion of a sample to enhance imageability of certain particles in that portion and subsequently imaging the sample portion. In some instances, processing and imaging of various samples may be staged in a manner to optimize throughput of the system or method.
Core Innovation
The document describes an automated blood-particle imaging system and workflow in which a plurality of blood fluid portions are imaged in a flow cell. A first portion is received in a sample analysis system and processed to enhance imageability of a first type of cell before imaging in the flow cell, while additional blood fluid portions are received for imaging in the same system.
Imaging of the second portion is performed subsequent to processing of the first portion or at least partially at the same time as processing of the first portion. This staged or interleaved processing and imaging supports throughput when processing takes longer than imaging, and the document includes timing examples and staging diagrams illustrating multi-sample processing together with out-of-order imaging across processing stations.
The document also describes flow-cell fluidics and imaging concepts that support the workflow, including a hydro-focusing or ribbon-shaped sample stream in sheath fluid and a viewing zone for imaging. A high optical resolution imaging device and digital image processing are described for capturing and processing images of the sample stream, together with processing stations, holding, and control of sample handling and fluid pathways.
Claims Coverage
The partial document identifies one independent claim. This independent claim covers imaging multiple blood fluid portions in a flow cell while processing at least one portion to enhance imageability, with the timing of imaging of the later portion occurring after processing of the first portion or at least partially concurrently.
Processing to enhance imageability of a selected cell type in a sample analysis system
processing the first portion so as to enhance imageability of a first type of cell
Flow-cell imaging of a plurality of blood fluid portions
imaging the first portion in a flow cell and imaging the second portion in the flow cell
Interleaved or sequential timing between processing of a first portion and imaging of a second portion
wherein the imaging of the second portion occurs subsequent to the processing of the first portion or at least partially at the same time as the processing of the first portion
Across the disclosed independent method, the inventive aspects center on enhancing imageability of a cell type during processing of an initial blood fluid portion, imaging multiple portions in a flow cell, and coordinating the timing so the second portion is imaged after processing of the first portion or at least partially concurrently.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent. (Only a method/system for imaging blood fluid portions in a flow cell is provided in the partial content.)
Interested in licensing this patent?