Abstract: A sample liquid containing particles are caused to flow through a transparent flow cell. An image capturing device is used to capture different images for a single particle existing in an image capturing area of the flow cell. The image capturing device further preferably captures different images of the single particle from different directions. Further, the image capturing device can capture different images at different focal positions. The different images can include fluorescence images and chemiluminescence images.

Abstract: A non-invasive blood analyzer includes a light application device for applying light to a detection region of vessels contained in part of the living body, an imaging device for imaging the detection region to which light is applied, a fixing device for relatively fixing the imaging device and the part of the living body; a stabilizing device for stabilizing a focus of the imaging device with respect to the detection region; and an analyzer for analyzing the morphology and/or number of blood cells contained in the detection region by processing images captured with the imaging device, the light application device and the imaging device forming one image with a light application and capturing process during an interval of one ten thousandth to one billionth of a second.

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: A method for leukocyte classification by flow cytometry that uses a first fluid that is hypotonic acidic fluorescent dye solution and a second fluid that is a solution that changes the osmolarity and pH of the first fluid is disclosed. The first fluid to be used in the method incorporates not only the first and second dyes but also the third dye and this insures that even leukocytes with damaged cell membrane can be distributed as entities distinct from other leukocyte types on a two-dimensional plot. And, hence, high precision of leukocyte classification is assured even in the case of assaying blood that contains damaged cells as a result of prolonged standing at room temperature after sampling.

Abstract: A particle image analyzing apparatus including, a flow cell for enclosing a solution containing a particle to be analyzed in a sheathed flow to form the solution into a sample solution flow, an irradiation optical system for emitting light to irradiate the sample solution flow, a one dimension image sensor for receiving the light transmitted through the particle to scan the particle and output an image signal, an optical deflection device, including a variable deflection angle, for deflecting the transmitted light introduced to the image sensor, a controller for controlling the deflection angle of the optical deflection device such that the image sensor optically tracks the particle, and a signal processor for processing the output image signal of the image sensor to analyze the particle.

Abstract: A white-light image and a fluorescent image are capable of being captured by a single video camera, and a single light source for producing exciting light is used to pick up the fluorescent image and monitor arrival of particles to the image capturing area. Specifically, besides a strobe light source, a light source, the output of which normally is low, is provided for exciting fluorescence and for monitoring cell flow-through. An image intensifier is used in the light-receiving system of the fluorescent image and is supplied with a voltage the size and timing of which are controlled in such a manner that the irradiation of a cell with the strobe light when the white-light image is captured will not have an adverse effect upon the aforementioned light-receiving system. This makes it possible to pick up two images each in a different zone on the light-receiving surface of image capturing means.