Abstract: A sample treatment apparatus includes a sample sucking section, a sample concentration detecting section, and a sample condensing section. The sample concentration detecting section detects a change of the quantity of light emitted from a light source by a light receiving element to measure the quantity of light absorbed or scattered by the particle component in a sample. The signal detected by the light receiving element is processed by a sample concentration controller and the approximate particle concentration of the sample is obtained. The sample condensing section is provided with a syringe and a filter unit, and the sample to be transferred from a chamber to the syringe is condensed in the filter unit.

Abstract: A method of seeking the number of particles of each kind in a group of particles in which plural kinds of particles are intermixed, by measuring, for example, two kinds of properties of each particle by a suitable method or device, plotting each particle on a rectangular coordinate system using the measured properties as its X and Y co-ordinates to obtain a distribution diagram, drafting boundaries to partition the distribution into clusters of the respective kinds and counting the number of particles within the boundary of each cluster, which, especially, even when the clusters of the respective particles are mutually overlapping, can reduce any deviation of the count of particles from its true value as small as possible by defining an optimum boundary.

Abstract: A method of seeking the number of particles of each kind in a group of particles in which plural kinds of particles are intermixed, by measuring, for example, two kinds of properties of each particle by a suitable method or device, plotting each particle on a rectangular co-ordinate system using the measured properties as its X and Y co-ordinates to obtain a distribution diagram, drafting boundaries to partition the distribution into clusters of the respective kinds and counting the number of particles within the boundary of each cluster, which, especially, even when the clusters of the respective particles are mutually overlapping, can reduce any deviation of the count of particles from its true value as small as possible by defining an optimum boundary.

Abstract: A particle analyzer comprising a one-dimensional image sensor for producing imaging signals by scanning a particle in a flow of specimen containing particle components such as blood and urine in a flat sheath flow thin in thickness in the light emitting direction and broad in the direction orthogonal to the light emitting direction, and a signal processing device for processing the signals and operating on the basis of the imaging signals from the one-dimensional image sensor. A particle analyzer excellent in analyzing capability for obtaining morphological information of particles in the liquid specimen flowing in a flow cell in real time is presented. Besides, by emitting light to a flowing particle, the transmitted light image is focused on the one-dimensional image sensor (line sensor), and the detected image signal from the line sensor is further processed in detail in the signal processing device.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing leukocytes having at least one nonionic surfactant having an addition polymerization molar number of polyoxyethylene of 3 to 9, at least one cationic surfactant, and a buffer adjusting a pH value to 2.5 to 4.0, which can determine a cell size of and the morphological features of leukocytes contained in the blood sample.

Abstract: A particle analyzing apparatus includes a particle detector for measuring each of many particles to obtain at least one kind of data for each particle, a conversion unit for converting the obtained data into distribution data, a data base memory for storing reference distribution data relative to the distribution data, and a calculating unit for calculating the degree of similarity .delta. of the distribution data with respect to the reference distribution data.

Abstract: Particle size distributions with greatly improved accuracy are prepared for diagnostic analysis using antigen/antibody reactions to concentrate sensitized insoluble carriers into non-aggregated and aggregated particles of known size. The analyte is analyzed by an electronic analyzer to determine the quantity and size distribution of concentrated non-aggregated and aggregated insoluble carriers resulting from the antigen/antibody reaction, as well as spurious particles that may be present in the analyte. The concentrated non-aggregated and aggregated insoluble carriers occur in known regions of the measured size distribution. The spurious particles exist throughout the size distribution. The distribution of spurious particles is determined in the regions where the desired particles are known to be absent. A complete distribution of spurious particles is constructed by interpolation using a cubic spline function.

Abstract: A liquid sampling valve includes a fixed element having a contact surface and a movable element having a contact surface for contacting the contact surface of the fixed element; the fixed element or the movable element having measuring passageways extending to the contact surfaces, the measuring passageways having an opening for receiving and measuring a liquid sample incorporated into the opening; both the fixed element and the movable element being provided with a plurality of cleaning passageways, each having an opening at a location spaced apart from the central part of the contact surface, the location being different from the locations where the openings for the measuring passageways are provided. Movement of the movable element relative to the fixed element into a first state allows for a liquid sample to be filled into the measuring passageway, and movement into the second state allows for the liquid sample filled in the measuring passageway to be conveyed to out of the element.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometer includes a flow path such as a transparent tube for allowing subject particles to move in a separate fluidity, the subject particles being present in a sample liquid, a light source for applying light to the subject particles which flow through the transparent tube, a beam splitter for distributing to two optical paths image light obtained from each of the subject particles irradiated with the light, a capturing device which has a light receiving surface on which an image is formed, projectors for magnifying at different magnification powers each image light distributed by the beam splitter and forming an image on respective portions of the light receiving surfaces of the capturing device, and an image processor for storing and displaying images of particles captured by the capturing device.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a flow cell for enclosing an electrolyte flow containing particles in a sheathed flow, the flow cell including a first and second cells which are interconnected through an orifice, the sheathed flow flowing through the orifice from the first cell to the second cell, a first and second electrodes provided in the first and second cells, respectively and a voltage application device for applying voltage between the first and second electrodes. The particle analyzer further includes a resistance detection device for detecting a variation of electric resistance between the first and second electrodes when the particle passes through the orifice to output the detected variation as a resistance detection signal. A first diameter calculation device is included for calculating each diameter of the particles based on the detected variation of electric resistance.

Abstract: A small, inexpensive, and easy-to-use automated immunochemical anlayzer is provided. The automated immunochemical analyzer comprises at least one reaction plate of disposable type forming a plurality of containers in one body, a table that can be drawn out for mounting the reaction plates, a table can be drawn out for mounting specimen racks, a reagent thermostatic unit, a reaction thermostatic unit, a reaction plate holding part, an apparatus for aspirating and discharging sample liquid, and an XY moving part mounting the reaction plate holding part and the apparatus for aspirating and discharging sample liquid. First, by the XY moving part, the holding part holds the reaction plate before use from the table for mounting the reaction plates and moves up to the reaction thermostats unit.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for blood analysis which provides a rapid treatment of a blood sample so that it can be analysed for counting and classification of leukocytes. Leukocytes are permeablized by treatment with a surfactant solution and labeled, preferably with a fluorescent dye. The method provides labeled leukocytes that can be counted and classified by optical means, including flow cytometry by analysis of a fluorescence signal.

Abstract: A reagent for staining malaria infected cells and a method for detecting malaria infected cells using the same, wherein the regent is a staining solution comprising at least one first dye of an Auramine analogue having the formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 to R.sub.6 represents a hydrogen atom, or a methyl or ethyl group, X.sub.1 represents a halogen atom, and at least one second dye of a condensed benzene derivative having the formula (II): ##STR2## wherein A represents ##STR3## R represents a C.sub.1-6 alkyl group, X.sub.2 represents a halogen atom, Y represents --CH.dbd. or --NH--, n represents 0 or 1, and B represents ##STR4## or a phenyl group substituted with 2 lower alkoxy group or with 1 di-lower alkylamino group. A test sample is treated with reagent to stain malaria infected cells. The stained malaria infected cells are then optically detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow imaging cytometer having a flow cell one side of which is irradiated with excitation light, in which wavelength selecting means for reflecting excitation light and transmitting fluorescence or reflecting means for reflecting excitation light is provided on the side of the flow cell opposite the side irradiated, thereby increasing the intensity of the excitation light so that the intensity of fluorescence emitted from an irradiated cell is increased. It is possible to pick up the fluorescent images at all times. The cytometer includes a light source for emitting the excitation light, dichroic mirrors which construct the wavelength selecting means, a photomultiplier for detecting fluorescence from irradiated cells, and a cell flow-by decision circuit which, based upon a detection signal from the photomultiplier, determines whether a detected cell of interest is suited to pick-up of a fluorescent image and produces a prescribed control signal for controlling an electronic shutter.

Abstract: A device for identifying the kind of each particle detected by a particle detecting device such as imaging flow cytometer from detection signals obtained by passing therethrough a specimen, such as blood, in which various kinds of particles (blood corpuscles) exist intermixedly. Distribution characteristics (mean value, distribution width, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles at high precision capable of obtaining informations in real time such as morphological informations and fluorescence image of cells (particles) contained in a sample liquid such as blood and urine. It comprises a flow cell (18) for forming a flat sample liquid flow (20), a light source (10) for emitting light to the sample liquid flow, an image intensifier (34) for amplifying particle fluorescence image emitted from the broader side of the sample liquid flow, a line sensor (36) for scanning the fluorescence image amplified by the image intensifier and issuing imaging signal (Sf (i)) in every scanning i, and a signal processing device (42) for processing signals or operating on the basis of the imaging signal (Sf (i)) from the line sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing particles capable of obtaining the morphological information or absorption information of particles such as cells in a liquid sample or particles moving in a fluid in real time. As a photo detector, a photo sensor array comprising photo detecting elements (photo sensors) in a row is used, and detection signal groups delivered parallel from the elements (photo sensors) are processed in parallel in a signal processing device, thereby obtaining characteristic parameters of particles moving at high speed, concerning morphology, light absorption (extinction) or the like, in real time.

Abstract: A sample container turning apparatus including: a holding member for holding a plurality of sample containers in a predetermined direction; an intermittent conveyor for conveying the holding member intermittently; an arm member; a rotary member rotatably mounted on the arm member; a hand member attached to the rotary member and including a plurality of grip hands hinged to the rotary member so as to pivot on hinge shafts for gripping and releasing the one of the sample containers; a couple member coupled to the hand member and including a shaft member adapted to reciprocate through the rotary member; a first drive mechanism for pivoting the hand members by reciprocating the shaft member of the coupling member; a second drive mechanism for rotating the rotary member; and controller for controlling the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometer for capturing images and, analyzing particle components in a liquid sample containing particle components such as blood and urine, or microparticles such as organic high molecules in a suspension. A video camera of a vertical split scanning type is used in the optical system of a conventional particle imaging type flow cytometer. Using the video camera which is capable of scanning a certain limited range in the vertical direction repeatedly in one field period, the number of particles that can be imaged in unit time may be notably increased as compared with the case of using a conventional video camera. By thus constructing, in a flow cytometer possessing a still picture imaging function, the number of captured particles can be increased.

Abstract: A cell analyzing system flows a liquid to be tested and a sheath liquid through a flattened flow passage. An image of the flattened flow passage is formed at two different magnifications. The thickness of the liquid to be tested in the flattened flow passage is changed between the two different magnifications to maintain this thickness at a value smaller than a depth of field of the apparatus forming the image. The thickness of the liquid to be tested is changed by changing its flow relationship to the sheath liquid.