Abstract: Various embodiments disclose systems and methods for tracking regions (e.g., tumor locations) within living organisms. Some embodiments provide real-time, highly accurate, low latency measurements of tumor location even as the tumor moves with internal body motions. Such measurements may be suitable for closed-loop radiation delivery applications where radiation therapy may be continuously guided to the tumor site even as the tumor moves. Particularly, the system may dynamically identify planned to actual fiducial correspondences by iterating through the possible assignment permutations. A successful permutation may be recorded and used to orient the patient during follow up treatment sessions.

Abstract: A system and method for the wearable mini-size intelligent healthcare system, comprising one or multiple vital signal sensors, activity sensors, a real-time detection and analyzing module for continuous health monitoring, adjustable user setting mode with the adaptive optimization, data-collecting capability to record important health information, smart audio outputs beep and speech advice to the user through audio path and audio interface, preset and user confirmable alarm conditions via wireless communications network to the appropriate individual for prompt and necessary assistance. The system uses non-invasive monitoring technology for continuous, painless and bloodless health state monitoring. The system also works through the short range RF link with carry-on PDA or cell phone for displaying health information, making urgent contact to support center, doctor or individual, or for information transmission with a healthcare center.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing noise effects in a system for measuring a physiological parameter, including receiving an input signal, obtaining an assessment of the signal quality of the input signal, selecting coefficients for a digital filter using the assessment of signal quality; and filtering the input signal using the digital filter, without comparing the filter's output signal with the input signal.

Abstract: A method for testing the plausibility of electric impedance measurement values. The measurement values are determined during the measurement of the bio-impedance of a person. Real parts and imaginary parts of the impedance measurement values are determined for a plurality of different frequencies and are localized in a complex representation plane. The representation plane is defined by a coordinate axis for the imaginary part and a coordinate axis for the real part. The localization of the measurement values in the complex representation plane is compared to a desired profile, and the measurement values are adjudged to be not plausible if predefinable deviation from the desired profile is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise effect analysis system for analyzing and displaying an exercise effect on the basis of lung function information of a user. The exercise effect analysis system includes: an input unit for inputting at least exercise information and lung age information of the user; an exercise amount change calculation unit for calculating an exercise amount change amount that is a difference between first exercise information and second exercise information inputted in the input unit; a lung age change calculation unit for calculating a lung age change amount that is a difference between first lung age information and second lung age information; and an output unit for displaying the lung age change amount and at least one of the exercise information of the user and the exercise amount change amount.

Abstract: A device for extracting physiological information indicative of at least one vital sign of a subject from detected electromagnetic radiation transmitted through or reflected from a subject comprises an input interface for receiving a data stream of detection data derived from detected electromagnetic radiation transmitted through or reflected from a skin region of a subject. The detection data comprises wavelength-dependent reflection or transmission information in at least two signal channels representative of respective wavelength portions. A signal mixer dynamically mixes the at least two signal channels into at least one mixed signal. A processor derives physiological information indicative of at least one vital sign from the at least one mixed signal, and a controller controls the signal mixer to limit the relative contributions of the at least two signal channels mixed into at least one mixed signal and/or the rate-of-change at which said relative contributions are allowed to dynamically change.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of approximating a patient's pulse wave based on non-invasive blood pressure measurement, comprising the following steps: (a) non-invasively measuring a sequence n?1 . . . N of pulse signals pulsen—measured(t) of a patient, thereby applying a clamp pressure clampn(t), (b) weighting the measured pulse signals pulsen measured(t) using a weighting function to obtain weighted pulse signals pulsen weighted(t), and (c) adding up the weighted pulse signals pulsen weighted(t) to obtain an approximation of the patient's pulse wave pulseapprox(t). The invention also refers to a logic unit and a system for approximating a patient's pulse wave based on non-invasive blood pressure measurement.

Abstract: Among other things, a user of a browser is exposed simultaneously to three interfaces: A viewing interface for at least one image of a subject that is stored on a device on which the browser is running, a decision support interface that aids the user in determining the state of the subject based on the image, and a template interface that aids the user in capturing uniform descriptive information about the state of the subject. At least two of the viewing interface, the decision support interface, and the template interface operate cooperatively so that actions of the user with respect to one of the two interfaces causes changes in content exposed by the other of the two interfaces.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus includes a rotating body configured to house an X-ray tube which irradiates X-rays on an object; at least one weight configured to be housed in the rotating body and to adjust balance of the rotating body; a sensor configured to detect fluctuation amount in a front-back direction approximately orthogonal to a rotating surface of the rotating body; processing circuitry configured to determine moving amount of the weight based on the fluctuation amount in a front-back direction detected by the sensor; and at least one weight moving mechanism configured to be housed in the rotating body and to move a position of the weight based on the moving amount determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for contact-free control of a patient table includes a camera system for detecting at least one gesture of a user of the device, a processing unit for converting the at least one detected gesture into at least one command for controlling the patient table, and an execution unit for executing the at least one command for controlling the patient table. The device can furthermore include a monitoring system for monitoring the control of the patient table and an authentication system for authenticating the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an X-ray photography machine (300). The X-ray photography machine includes a transfer apparatus (370) which moves a pressing member (360) which presses a target. The transfer apparatus includes a drive source (371), a drive shaft (374) which is rotated by the drive force of the drive source, first and second pulleys (375 a,b) which convert rotational force of the drive shaft into force by which the pressing member is moved, and first and second flanges (379 a,b) which make the first pulley depend on the rotational force of the drive shaft. In the present invention, because only a single drive shaft is used to move the pressing member, problems such as the occurrence of noise can be minimized.

Abstract: A patient couch with a control system and a method for controlling the patient couch are provided. The control system is based on a three-dimensional (3D) camera for recording first 3D images of a recording area. The 3D camera is attached to the patient couch. An image processing unit for identifying at least one control gesture in the first 3D images allows a safe and fast control of the x-ray device. In order to carry out the control, the control system includes a control unit with a motor for controlling a movement of the patient couch based on the first control gesture.

Abstract: A medical imaging system including a C-arm including a mobile inner C supporting a radiation source and a radiation detector, a protection cover of said C-arm, wherein said cover is removable from said C-arm, and wherein said cover is expandable into a tunnel encompassing the full rotation path of said inner C, of said radiation source and of said radiation detector, so as to protect said full rotation path both from inwards and from outwards of said inner C.

Abstract: Radiographic imaging systems and/or methods embodiments capable of both tomosynthesis x-ray imaging and general projection radiography x-ray imaging can include a single x-ray source assembly including a plurality of distributed x-ray sources, where at least one of the plurality of distributed x-ray sources is configured to output a beam sufficient for standard projection radiography, and each of at least two of the plurality of distributed x-ray sources is configured to output a beam at a lower radiation dose sufficient for tomosynthesis. In one embodiment, radiographic imaging systems and/or methods embodiments can include a single x-ray source; a first collimator that is configured to be adjustable for at least two dimensions; and a second collimator that is configured to provide fixed collimation. In one embodiment, a single x-ray source can include a single radiation shield or a single vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes: a beam splitter; a detector that detects radiation passing through the beam splitter and the object; and a processing device that generates image data representing information on an inside of the object on the basis of data obtained with the detector. A first distance which is a distance between the beam splitter and the object can be changed. The processing device has a determination unit that determines the first distance that is to be set when the object is imaged, such that a value of the information on the inside of the object falls within a dynamic range of the image data.

Abstract: A portable radiological cassette is designed to equip a digital radiological system. The cassette comprises a digital ionizing radiation detector in the form of a flat panel which makes it possible to provide an image which depends on the radiation received, with an electronic board ensuring the control of the digital detector, and a casing ensuring the mechanical protection of the detector and the electronic board. The cassette additionally comprises a flat seating which supports the detector on a first one of its main faces, and supports the electronic board on a second one of its main faces, the two main faces being opposite. The seating is formed by a heterogeneous stack produced such that the surface thermal conductivity of the seating is greater than the transverse thermal conductivity of the seating.

Abstract: A diagnostic X-ray apparatus of an embodiment includes determining circuitry, projection image generating circuitry, and a display. The determining circuitry determines, based on position information of a probe of a diagnostic ultrasound apparatus acquired from the diagnostic ultrasound apparatus, at least one of an angle horizontal to a scan plane of the probe and an angle vertical to the scan plane of the probe to be an X-ray irradiation direction in processing to perform puncture using a puncture needle. The projection image generating circuitry generates, based on the position information and the X-ray irradiation direction, projection image data that projects an ultrasound image of the scan plane in the X-ray irradiation direction. The display displays X-ray image data containing the puncture needle photographed in the X-ray irradiation direction and the projection image data generated by the projection image generating circuitry.

Abstract: A method and device, e.g. a C-arm device, for radiographic and nuclear imaging of an object by means of x-ray and gamma emission imaging. The device comprises a support installation with opposed first and second support members, wherein an x-ray source is mounted on the first support member and an x-ray detector on the second support member. The first support member is additionally provided with at least two gamma cameras that are each located adjacent the x-ray source. Each of said at least two gamma cameras comprising a collimator with one or more collimator openings and a gamma radiation detector. Each of the at least two gamma cameras has an associated field of view. The fields of view of the gamma cameras overlap partly, said overlap defining a focus volume that is seen by the at least two gamma cameras. The focus volume is located between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector so that the x-ray beam passes through the focus volume and the focus volume F is seen by the x-ray detector.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment includes a gantry, an air inlet, and an air outlet. The gantry supports an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector. The air inlet is provided in the gantry to draw air into the gantry from outside the gantry. The air outlet is provided in a lower section of the gantry to discharge air from the gantry through a path that houses a controller that controls the gantry.

Abstract: A medical image display control apparatus includes a medical image obtaining unit that obtains a set of time series medical images captured by successively imaging the same subject, an observation position obtaining unit that obtains anatomically common positions in the set of medical images as observation positions, and a display control unit that successively displays the set of medical images such that the observation positions in the set of medical images are displayed at the same position on a display screen.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes a couch where a subject is placed, a projector, a display controller, and a system controller. The projector includes an X-ray tube having a cathode and an anode that receives electrons from the cathode and irradiates X-rays to the subject, and a first detector configured to detect X-rays that have passed through the subject and are incident on the detection surface. The display controller displays a first image generated based on first detection data from the projector on a display. Having received an enlargement instruction to display an enlarged image of part of the subject illustrated in the first image, the system controller controls the display controller to display a second image generated based on second detection data obtained by detecting X-rays incident on the partial detection surface corresponding to the anode side in the detection surface as the enlarged image.

Abstract: Provided are a method of deciding the risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome capable of deciding the risk of a subject to become obstructive sleep apnea syndrome objectively and easily in a short time, its program and an X-ray diagnostic system having the program. The method of includes detecting at least the hyoid bone, sella S, gonion Go and menton Me by lateral head and neck radiography of the subject; and deciding whether the center of the body or the whole of the body of the detected hyoid bone is included in an area above a perpendicular drawn toward the extended line of the segment S-Go from Me or not.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical image diagnostic apparatus includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, storage circuitry, slice image generation circuitry, a display. The X-ray tube generates X-rays from a predetermined focus. The X-ray detector detects X-rays which have been generated by the X-ray tube and passed through an object placed on a top plate. The storage circuitry stores volume data about the object. The slice image generation circuitry generates slice images corresponding to planes each including the focus based on the volume data and a relative position of the focus with respect to the top plate. The display displays the slice images.

Abstract: An estimating apparatus according to an embodiment includes specifying circuitry, deriving circuitry, and display control circuitry. The specifying circuitry specifies a region of a subject irradiated with X-rays emitted from an X-ray tube of an X-ray CT apparatus on a human body model schematically representing the subject. The deriving circuitry assumes the human body model to be at a position where the subject is arranged in radiography performed by the X-ray CT apparatus and derives an exposure dose of the X-rays on a surface of the region specified by the specifying circuitry on the human body model based on irradiation conditions in the radiography. The display control circuitry displays, on a display, information in which the exposure dose derived by the deriving circuitry is associated with the region on the human body model specified by the specifying circuitry.

Abstract: A method for moving a motorized table designed to receive a patient in a medical imaging system comprising a radiation detector capable of detecting a beam of radiation emitted by a radiation source, the method comprising generating a signal that indicates a movement of the motorized table in the plane of the motorized table causing or tending to cause said beam to at least partially or completely leave an area predefined by the user of the medical imaging system.

Abstract: A system and method for determining, via ultrasound, a size of a concretion in a subject are provided. One or more ultrasound pulses are transmitted into a tissue in the subject, which are then reflected from the tissue and received by the ultrasound transducer. A shadow region obscured by the concretion that does not provide reflected signals is generated, and the width of the shadow region is measured. The width of the object is determined based on the width of the shadow region.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, via ultrasound, a concretion in a subject are provided. One or more ultrasound pulses are transmitted into the concretion and at least one object of interest, such as a bubble, present in the concretion. Reflection signals from the concretion and the bubble are then contrasted using the twinkling artifact, and a filter removes motion signals. An output device, such as a display, provides an indication of the presence of the concretion based on the reflection signals.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and methods for accessible and reliable routine health monitoring and noninvasive detection and early diagnosis of diseases and conditions. In one implementation, a health monitoring device is provided. The health monitoring device includes a light source configured to emit photons into an optical waveguide, which internally reflects the photons. A compliant surface is compressible against the optical waveguide during a scan of tissue. The compression of the compliant surface against the optical waveguide scatters at least one of the photons into the tissue and/or back through the optical waveguide. An imaging array is configured to collect the at least one scattered photon, forming an image representing a hardness of the tissue relative to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device is provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic device includes an ultrasonic probe configured to acquire an echo signal by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a test object, a probe identification part configured to identify information about a position and orientation of the ultrasonic probe, a biopsy needle identification part configured to identify information about a position and orientation of a biopsy needle to be inserted into the test object, and a control part which controls at least one of two processes based on positional relations between the ultrasonic probe and the biopsy needle, the positional relations identified by the information from the probe identification part and the information from the biopsy needle identification part, wherein one of the two processes is the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves, and the other of the two processes is data processing based on the echo signal.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a medical acoustic coupler detachably is provided on an ultrasonic wave radiation surface of an ultrasonic probe. The medical acoustic coupler includes an elastic body. The elastic body has an adhesive force. The elastic body adheres to the ultrasonic wave radiation surface with the adhesive force. The elastic body includes a middle portion, end portions, and groove portions. The middle portion has a size corresponding to the ultrasonic wave radiation surface. The end portions adheres to two opposite side surfaces of the ultrasonic probe. The groove portions are provided between each of the end portions and the middle portion. The groove portions are thinner than the middle portion and the end portions.

Abstract: A portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus has an ultrasonic probe, and a main body including a display unit provided on a front surface of the main body. An input device is provided at a rear surface of the main body to receive user command information from a user, which allows the user to operate the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with a hand that is gripping the portable ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus may be used by moving the ultrasonic probe in contact with a surface of an object, sending ultrasonic signals from the object surface, receiving reflected ultrasonic signals from the object, and converting the ultrasonic signals into electrical signals.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of connecting a connector of ultrasonic probe includes a connected part, a wall part and a vent hole. The connected part is provided in a housing and is configured to be capable of connecting a connector of ultrasonic probe. The wall part is provided in a location to surround side faces of the connector in a state of being connected to the connected part. The vent hole is provided between the connected part and the wall part so as to pass through from outside to inside of the housing.

Abstract: A fabricator resource receives an assembly including a first portion of material and a second portion of material. Initially, the first portion of material in the assembly may have a different modulus of elasticity than the second portion of material. The fabricator resource exposes the assembly to one or more heating/cooling cycles. Exposure of the assembly to the one or more heating/cooling cycles modifies a modulus of elasticity of the first portion of material and a modulus of elasticity of the second portion of material to desired target values (such as substantially same or different values).

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes generation circuitry, detection circuitry, and display control circuitry. The generation circuitry generates an ultrasonic image based on reflected waves received by an ultrasonic probe. The detection circuitry detects an orientation of a puncture needle inserted into a subject. The display control circuitry displays the generated ultrasonic image while changing its orientation, corresponding to the detected orientation of the puncture needle.

Abstract: A device includes a switch and a housing. The switch is configured for manipulation by a user. The housing has an interior surface configured to receive an external feature of a handheld controller for a transesophageal ultrasound system. The housing has a plurality of switch positions. The switch is coupled to the housing at one position of the plurality of switch positions.

Abstract: The ultrasonic probe includes a transducer array that generates ultrasonic waves, a backing layer that is provided on a rear surface of the transducer array, a pulsating heat pipe that absorbs heat generated in the transducer array, and a heat radiation unit that receives the heat from the pulsating heat pipe to emit the received heat to the outside.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices for improved generation and application of radiation force to a material. In one aspect, a system for producing an acoustic radiation force to generate displacement in a material comprises an ultrasonic transducer array, one or more processors, and memory. The memory can comprise instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to generate a push acoustic energy focused to a push focal region in the material using the ultrasonic transducer array, so as to produce the acoustic radiation force to generate displacement in the material. The push focal region can comprise a first width along a first direction transverse to a direction of propagation of the push acoustic energy greater than a second width along a second direction transverse to the direction of propagation of the push acoustic energy.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to one embodiment includes correlation matrix calculating circuitry, calculating circuitry, image generating circuitry, and controlling circuitry. The correlation matrix calculating circuitry calculates a correlation matrix of a scanned region consisting of a plurality of scan lines, from a data array of pieces of reflection wave data collected from the same position by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the scanned region across a plurality of frames. The calculating circuitry calculates a filter coefficient for suppressing a clutter generated by a tissue, by performing principal component analysis using the correlation matrix, and by performing a matrix operation of approximating a clutter component as a principal component and of suppressing the clutter component. The image generating circuitry generates ultrasound image data from blood flow information estimated using the filter coefficient.

Abstract: An ultrasonography apparatus includes an acquiring unit, a calculating unit, a multiplying unit, and a generating unit. The acquiring unit acquires a plurality of reception signals that are generated by assigning various kinds of weights on multiple reflected wave signals to which a delay according to a position in a reception aperture is given, and by adding the weighted signals for respective kinds of the weights. The calculating unit calculates a coefficient corresponding to each of positions on a scan line of the reception signals, based on any one of a signal and pixel value of each of positions based on at least one reception signal. The multiplying unit multiplies any one of the values of each of positions based on at least one different reception signal from said reception signal(s) by the coefficient to acquire output data. The generating unit generates ultrasonic image data based on the data.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic device generating a frame reception signal by compounding sub-frame reception signals through spatial compounding, the ultrasound diagnostic device including a control circuit that includes a sub-frame enhancement map creator creating a plurality of sub-frame enhancement maps, each corresponding to one sub-frame reception signal, the creating of each of the sub-frame enhancement maps being performed by calculating, for a pixel region reception signal in a corresponding sub-frame reception signal, an enhancement amount in accordance with a characteristic value calculated based on the pixel region reception signal, the pixel region reception signal corresponding to a pixel region composed of one or more pixels, and an enhancement-applied reception signal generator generating an enhancement-applied frame reception signal by compounding pixel region reception signals included in the sub-frame reception signals based on pixel region positions, taking into account the enhancement amount in

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes reception circuitry, signal processing circuitry, and generating circuitry. The reception circuitry outputs a plurality of reception signals corresponding to respective reception scanning lines for each transmission and reception of an ultrasonic wave by an ultrasonic probe. The signal processing circuitry executes a weighting process and a phase correction process according to the position of each reception scanning line on at least one of the reception signals and a plurality of signals based on the reception signals, generates the processed signals for each reception scanning line, and outputs a plurality of composite signals using the processed signals generated based on the transmission and reception of the ultrasonic waves before and after changing the sound field of the transmitted ultrasonic wave, and before and after changing the position of the reception scanning lines.

Abstract: Provided is a medical diagnosis device that further increases the reliability of measurement results on the basis of an image of a subject. The medical diagnosis device is characterized by being provided with: an image generation unit that generates an image of a subject; an auxiliary information generation unit that generates auxiliary information on the basis of input from an operation unit; a measurement computation unit that computes a measurement position using the image generated by the image generation unit, the auxiliary information, and measurement conditions, and computes measurement values using the image generated by the image generation unit and the computed measurement position; and a display unit that displays the image generated by the image generation unit, the input position information, and the measurement value computed by the measurement computation unit.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for registering medical images. The method includes: setting, as a reference, axis an axis of a probe that is disposed to be parallel to an axis of an object; extracting a first sub-object from a first medical image that is obtained by using the probe; extracting a second sub-object from a second medical image that has a modality different from a modality of the first medical image; and registering the first medical image and the second medical image by aligning the first sub-object and the second sub-object about the reference axis.

Abstract: An ultrasound image processing method including: calculating motion amounts of pixel regions in one frame receive signal, based on receive signal units corresponding to identical pixel regions included in at least two frame receive signals; calculating cumulative motion amounts, each corresponding to a target pixel region in the one frame receive signal, by cumulating motion amounts corresponding to pixel regions in the one frame receive signal located substantially along a direction of transmission of the ultrasound beam from a pixel region located at an upstream end of an ultrasound beam to the target pixel region; calculating enhancement amounts for receive signal units corresponding to the pixel regions included in the one frame receive signal, the enhancement amounts being based on the motion amounts and the cumulative motion amounts; and enhancing the receive signal units based on the enhancement amounts.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound diagnosis system including an ultrasound probe apparatus transmitting an ultrasound signal to obtain an ultrasound image of a subject, and an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus constructing a database for ultrasound echo data of a normal operation of the piezoelectric device module provided in the ultrasound probe apparatus.

Abstract: A device for collecting fluid from a penis includes a fluid collection structure configured to be attached to a glans of the penis directly over a meatus of the penis such that a substantial majority of the glans remains uncovered by the device. The device includes an attachment structure configured to secure the fluid collection structure to the penis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically collecting urine samples from a patient. The apparatus includes a toilet bowel with a reservoir and a urine collection receptacle that is a flexible heat sealable plastic bag in an enclosure mounted exterior to the reservoir. The receptacle can be rotated into the toilet reservoir to collect urine and removed therefrom by rotating it back into the enclosure. The opening to the bag is then heat sealed to produce a urine sample packet. The receptacle may be automatically divided into a plurality of urine sample packets by heat sealing the bag at several locations along its length and then cutting the bag at the appropriate heat sealed locations. Each packet is then printed with patient indicia. The sample packets then pass through an opening in the enclosure for removal and subsequent analysis. An electrical activation interface is provided to control the process.

Abstract: A needle for fine-needle aspiration includes an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a central longitudinal axis and having a channel extending therethrough, a distal portion of the body being movable between a first configuration in which the distal portion extends parallel to the central longitudinal axis and the channel is unobstructed and a second configuration in which the distal portion is axially offset relative to the central longitudinal axis to seal at least a portion of the channel and an actuation mechanism controlling movement of the distal portion between the first and second configurations.

Abstract: A sampling catheter encloses a sampling brush which can be selectively extended and retracted from and into the catheter assembly to allow insertion and movement of the catheter while presenting a smooth surface to the body lumen. The selective extension and retraction of the brush allows it to be withdrawn while limiting contamination by contact with tissue outside of the sampled region. The catheter may simultaneously or separately house a cutting tool for slice sampling tissue.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for extracting a sample from a biological subject, the apparatus including, a sampling device including a sampling tool for extracting a sample from the biological subject through a working channel of an endoscope and an isolating member for isolating at least the sample from the working channel during extraction of the sample.