Abstract: A computer-implemented method of identifying a pathogen likely causing an increased somatic cell count in a sample of fluid is described. An image of the sample of fluid is received. Pixels in the image are parsed to identify pixels representing somatic cells. The identified pixels are analyzed to determine image parameters. The determined images parameters are compared with different sets of predefined pathogen parameters stored in memory to determine a match. Each of the sets of pathogen parameters represents a different one of a plurality of pathogens. The pathogen likely causing an increased somatic cell count is identified by the set of the pathogen parameters that matches the image parameters. A computer readable medium storing instructions to implement the method and a system configure to implement the method are also described.

Abstract: A biological fluid analysis system and method for measuring optical characteristics of a sample of biological fluid using a commercially available portable computing device having a camera, such as a smart phone. The system includes a scope, a case that attaches to the portable computing device, and a software application that runs on the portable computing device. Some embodiments of the invention include a sample slide having a viewing chamber that can be filled with a biological fluid to be analyzed by the biological fluid analysis system. The system may be adapted to analyze cow's milk to estimate the number of somatic cells per unit volume contained in the milk using a reagent that stains the somatic cells so that they will fluoresce when excited by light with a particular wavelength, with the light source in the scope being adapted to generate light of that particular wavelength.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of identifying a pathogen likely causing an increased somatic cell count in a sample of fluid is described. An image of the sample of fluid is received. Pixels in the image are parsed to identify pixels representing somatic cells. The identified pixels are analysed to determine image parameters. The determined images parameters are compared with different sets of predefined pathogen parameters stored in memory to determine a match. Each of the sets of pathogen parameters represents a different one of a plurality of pathogens. The pathogen likely causing an increased somatic cell count is identified by the set of the pathogen parameters that matches the image parameters. A computer readable medium storing instructions to implement the method and a system configure to implement the method are also described.

Abstract: An on-line somatic cell analyser and a method for evaluating the quantity of somatic cells present in a sample of milk are provided. A flow cell is connected to a milking hose and admits a constant volume of sampled milk into a flow chamber. A probe with two electrodes is positioned in a zone of optimal sensing inside the flow chamber and provides a modulated signal with an intensity value corresponding to the number of sodium ions present in the sample. A detection unit receives the modulated signal and generates a ion count signal whenever the number of sodium ions is above a reference value. A control unit converts the ion count signal into a somatic cell count (SCC) score. A step graph comprising a plurality of SCC thresholds defining a plurality of milk categories is stored in a memory and used by the control unit to classify the sample in a quality category according to the SCC score of the sample.