Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for detecting the presence of a test pad on a test strip. Exemplary techniques involve receiving a test strip having at least one test pad, where individual test pads have a pad width with ink disposed on two ink zones at two opposing sides of the width of the pad, illuminating the at least one test pad with a light source, detecting reflected signals from the test pad, generating an image comprising of pixels of the two ink zones based on the reflected signals, detecting the presence of each of the ink zones by comparing the number of consecutive pixels against a predetermined threshold, and determining the presence of the test pad on the test strip if two ink zones are detected within the pad width.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the age of cellular hemoglobin in individual red blood cells in a blood sample by determining the percentage of HbA1c. In embodiments, a method includes measuring side scatter and fluorescence of the individual red blood cells and identifying immature red blood cells and mature red blood cells from the side scatter and fluorescence measurement. In embodiments, data collected includes the exact number of red blood cells, the fraction limits in fluorescence and side scatter units, the mean value of each fraction in fluorescence and side scatter units, the mean FL1 values per fraction in arbitrary units and the mean side scatter values per fraction in arbitrary units. In embodiments, a method also includes deriving a HbA1c content from the measured mean fluorescence of the individual red blood cells and determining the percentage of HbA1c from the HbA1c content and the hemoglobin content of the red blood cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for detecting the presence of a test pad on a test strip. Exemplary techniques involve receiving a test strip having at least one test pad, where individual test pads have a pad width with ink disposed on two ink zones at two opposing sides of the width of the pad, illuminating the at least one test pad with a light source, detecting reflected signals from the test pad, generating an image comprising of pixels of the two ink zones based on the reflected signals, detecting the presence of each of the ink zones by comparing the number of consecutive pixels against a predetermined threshold, and determining the presence of the test pad on the test strip if two ink zones are detected within the pad width.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the age of cellular hemoglobin in individual red blood cells in a blood sample by determining the percentage of HbA1c. In embodiments, a method includes measuring side scatter and fluorescence of the individual red blood cells and identifying immature red blood cells and mature red blood cells from the side scatter and fluorescence measurement. In embodiments, data collected includes the exact number of red blood cells, the fraction limits in fluorescence and side scatter units, the mean value of each fraction in fluorescence and side scatter units, the mean FL1 values per fraction in arbitrary units and the mean side scatter values per fraction in arbitrary units. In embodiments, a method also includes deriving a HbA1c content from the measured mean fluorescence of the individual red blood cells and determining the percentage of HbA1c from the HbA1c content and the hemoglobin content of the red blood cells.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing immature platelet parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of immature platelet conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing immature platelet parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of immature platelet conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing white blood cell parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of white blood cell conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing white blood cell parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of white blood cell conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing white blood cell parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of white blood cell conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing immature platelet parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of immature platelet conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing white blood cell parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of white blood cell conditions in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hematology instrument system that discriminates platelets from red blood cells, debris and other particles within a blood sample. The instrument system uses an optical trigger and collects data at optical sensor locations relative to a flow cell-illuminating laser beam's optical axis. An axial sensor measures axial light loss due to a particle in the flow cell's illumination aperture. In addition, the instrument system can include an RF unit generates electrical parameters, such as DC and RF parameters, within the flow cell. Blood specimens can be prepared with and without a sphering agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hematology instrument system that discriminates platelets from red blood cells, debris and other particles within a blood sample. The instrument system uses an optical trigger and collects data at optical sensor locations relative to a flow cell-illuminating laser beam's optical axis. An axial sensor measures axial light loss due to a particle in the flow cell's illumination aperture. In addition, the instrument system can include an RF unit generates electrical parameters, such as DC and RF parameters, within the flow cell. Blood specimens can be prepared with and without a sphering agent.