Abstract: A apparatus for obtaining an image of a blood cell is described, a representative one of which includes image obtainer for obtaining an image of a predetermined blood cell in a blood sample smeared on a sample holder; an analysis result obtainer for obtaining an analysis result of the blood sample; and a controller for controlling the image obtainer such that the image obtainer obtains the image under a first imaging condition when the analysis result does not indicate a presence of a predetermined anomalous cell, and obtains the image under a second imaging condition to be different from the first imaging condition when the analysis result indicates the presence of the predetermined anomalous cell.

Abstract: This blood examination apparatus examines cancer cells mixed in an examination object which is flowing blood, and includes: a flow cell through which the examination object is made to flow; an imaging optical system which light output from the examination object in an examination region in the flow cell enters, the imaging optical system forming an image of the light on a first image plane; a first Fourier transformation optical system which optically two-dimensionally Fourier-transforms the image formed on the first image plane by the imaging optical system to form the Fourier-transformed image on a second image plane; a spatial light filter which selectively allows a portion in a certain range around an optical axis of the first Fourier transformation optical system of the image formed on the second image plane by the first Fourier transformation optical system to pass through; and a second Fourier transformation optical system which optically two-dimensionally Fourier-transforms the portion which has passe

Abstract: The invention comprises a patient information server device which automatically accumulates together with time information: biological information detected by a bedside monitoring device of a patient or a biological-measuring device; biological information and device information detected by a blood purification device which treats a blood sample taken from the patient; and blood information detected by a circulating blood volume measuring device that detects blood information about a circulating blood sample taken from the patient. A client device simultaneously and chronologically displays or records the patient information stored in the patient information server device. Through this arrangement, it is possible to obtain on a real time basis the biological information of a human body such as a patient's body, and the device information, for example, of a blood treating device.

Abstract: A total transmission spectroscopy system for use in determining the analyte concentration in a fluid sample comprises a sample cell receiving area, a light source, a collimating lens, a first lens, a second lens, and a detector. The sample cell receiving area is adapted to receive a sample to be analyzed. The sample cell receiving area is constructed of a substantially optically clear material. The collimating lens is adapted to receive light from the light source and adapted to illuminate the sample cell receiving area with a substantially collimated beam of light. The first lens is adapted to receive regular and scattered light transmitted through the sample at a first angle of divergence. The first lens receives light having a first angle of acceptance. The first lens outputs light having a second angle of divergence. The second angle of divergence is less than the first angle of divergence.

Abstract: A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of thrombocytes in a blood sample is provided which comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a haemolyzing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and optionally a staining agent for selectively staining thrombocytes in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyzer arranged to analyze the acquired digital image for determining the number of thrombocytes in the blood sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (DA) for analyzing microscopic elements, comprising firstly a measuring space (CM) for microscopic elements to be analyzed, secondly at least one source (S) delivering conjugated rays at the measuring space (CM), having at least two different analyzing wavelengths and designed to interact with the microscopic elements in the measuring space (CM) to form interacting rays, thirdly coding means (M) for encoding the rays upstream of the measuring space (CM) with different codes, fourthly optical filtering means (FO) for selectively filtering the interacting rays of fluorescence and/or diffusion depending on their wavelength, fifthly detecting means (DE, DF) for transforming into electric signals part at least of the interacting rays from the measuring space (CM), and sixthly analyzing means (MA) including decoding means (DRE, DRF) for decoding the electric signals to enable data representing the analyzed microscopic elements to be determined.

Abstract: A method of determining an optical parameter or function thereof for a liquid, the method comprising: flowing the liquid through a flow cell; transmitting a pulse of light into the liquid in the flow cell; generating a signal responsive to energy that the material emits responsive to a portion of the light from the light pulse that is absorbed by the liquid; and using the signal to determine the optical parameter or function thereof.

Abstract: A flow-through tank 300 is suitable for an optical device 120 for the counting and/or differentiation of leucocytes in an automatic blood analysis apparatus 1. The tank has an analysis zone 304, in which the section of the tank has at least one transverse dimension between 1 and 5 millimeters. It can advantageously be produced, at least partially, from an injected plastic material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the analysis of body fluids (21), whereby an image recording device (30) is arranged in a low-reflection, preferably zero-reflection chamber (16), provided with an illumination device (45) and connected to an electronic image analyzer. The image recording device (30) is focused on a container (20), containing the body fluid (21) in an analysis position (22), in order to take at least one image of the body fluid (21), analyzed by means of an image analysis software which determines the quality of the body fluid (21).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting the accidental use of short and long samples in the clinical analysis of a sample, specimen, or assay. The systems can include a clinical analyzer for determining one or more values for one or more measurable characteristics of a sample. These values are used in combination with reference data stored in a data module to generate a probability that the sample tested is a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample. This probability and/or the status of the sample as a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample are output to a user.

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes (a) a measuring part for measuring optical information of a sample at first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength, first light of the first wavelength and second light of the second wavelength being absorbed by a second substance but substantially not absorbed by a first substance, and third light of the third wavelength being absorbed by the first substance; and (b) an obtaining part for obtaining content of the first substance in the sample, and content of the second substance in the sample, influence by the second substance being excluded from the content of the first substance, based on the optical information at the first wavelength, second wavelength, and third wavelength measured by the measuring part.

Abstract: A measuring device includes a VCSEL of a first-order or high-order single mode emitting laser beams, a driving part configured to drive the VCSEL, a detecting part configured to detect an electric signal relating to feedback lights generated when laser beams are projected onto an object, and a calculating part configured to identify a direction of movement of the object on the basis of the electric signal detected by the detecting part.

Abstract: A cell isolating device and method is provided to concentrate or isolate cells with specific characteristics from a mixture of different cell types. One embodiment may comprise two subtypes of antibodies that are directly conjugated to biotin (Abb) and conjugated to a fluorescent molecule (Abf). The conjugated antibodies (Abb+Abf) bind to the target cells in a mixed cell suspension. The cell suspension is then passed over an immobilized avidin or streptavidin substrate on a glass microscope slide. The biotinylated target cells adhere to the avidin/streptavidin substrate, while the unbound cells are washed off and collected in a wicking member. Captured cells on the avidin/streptavidin substrate may then be visualized directly using a fluorescent microscope or detected and enumerated via an on-board fluorescent detection device.

Abstract: A compact optical system for a particle analyzer and particle analyzer using same are provided. The optical system for a particle analyzer of the present invention comprises a light source, an irradiation optical system for irradiating particles passing through a flow cell with light from the light source, a photodetector for receiving the scattered light from the particles, a light shielding member for blocking the direct light from the light source from impinging the photodetector, and a detecting lens for directing the scattered light toward the photodetector, wherein the irradiation optical system forms a first focus that focuses the light from the light source on the particle passing through the flow cell, and forms a second focus that focuses the light from the light source at a position between the detecting lens and photodetector, and disposes the light shielding member at the position of the second focus.

Abstract: Spectroscopic systems and methods are disclosed for determining levels of at least one analyte in blood undergoing hemodialysis. In one aspect, the invention employs Raman spectroscopy to monitor and/or control hemodialysis. In one embodiment, the system uses a laser light directed to circulating blood from a patient undergoing dialysis to make Raman spectral measurements. For example, the laser light can be directed into a segment of the dialysis tubing. The system can utilize unique Raman spectroscopic signature of one or more analytes, e.g., urea, to identify and quantify such analytes against a whole blood background. Based on the spectral response, the concentration of the analytes can be monitored and/or used to control hemodialysis.

Abstract: A reagentless whole-blood analyte detection system that is capable of being deployed near a patient has a source capable of emitting a beam of radiation that includes a spectral band. The whole-blood system also has a detector in an optical path of the beam. The whole-blood system also has a housing that is configured to house the source and the detector. The whole-blood system also has a sample element that is situated in the optical path of the beam. The sample element has a sample cell and a sample cell wall that does not eliminate transmittance of the beam of radiation in the spectral band.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low cost imaged-based system for detecting, measuring and/or counting labeled features of biological samples, particularly blood specimens. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for imaging multiple features of a specimen that includes one or more light sources capable of successively generating illumination beams each having a distinct wavelength band and a plurality of differentially excitable labels capable of labeling a specimen comprising multiple features, such that each different feature is labeled with a different differentially excitable label.

Abstract: A transparent plastic slide has a recessed chamber which receives a transparent plastic cover. The cover has a fluid inlet opening which overlies a recessed center well in the slide. The well has a sloping ramp which extends to a viewing platform which has a surface which is closely spaced from the underside of the cover to define a constant thickness viewing cavity surrounding the well. An overflow channel surrounds the viewing platform. A vent hole extends through the cover above the overflow channel. The sample is introduced into the center well through the fluid inlet opening. The fluid flows into the viewing cavities by capillary action, and is free to overflow the viewing cavities and be received within the overflow channel, thus reducing boundary effects. An inlet port may be provided above the viewing platform to permit substances to be added to a sample while it is under observation.

Abstract: This analyzer comprises a photoirradiation portion simultaneously photoirradiating a plurality of storage vessels storing a plurality of measurement samples respectively and a plurality of photodetection portions detecting a plurality of light components resulting from simultaneous photoirradiation on the plurality of storage vessels storing the plurality of measurement samples respectively. The photoirradiation portion includes a light source, a first light guide portion branching light emitted from the light source into a plurality of light components and guiding the plurality of light components to the plurality of measurement samples respectively and a second light guide portion branching light emitted from the light source into a plurality of light components and guiding the plurality of light components to the plurality of measurement samples respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test system for analyzing body fluids of the type comprising a test element tape carrying a plurality of test elements, a tape deflector for the test element tape for the selective application of body fluid, and a light source as well as a detector for optically analyzing test elements to which body fluid has been applied. The tape deflector has a rotatable optical element which acts as a deflection roller during transport of the test element tape. The optical element is positioned in the optical path between the light source and the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitation of glycated protein in a biological sample using a solid support matrix by making a first bound protein measurement total bound protein under conditions where both glycated and non-glycated protein bind to the support in making a second bound protein measurement under conditions where glycated protein is bound to the support and non-glycated protein is not substantially bound. Diagnostic devices and kits comprising the methods of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A system for determining particle parameters. The system may, for example, may optically determine parameters common to a hematology analysis. Such parameters may include a red blood cell count, a platelet count, a mean cell volume and a red cell distribution width. A hematocrit parameter may be calculated. Also, a measurement of hemoglobin in a blood sample may be obtained leading to a calculation of a mean mass of hemoglobin in a red blood cell and a mean cell hemoglobin concentration. The system may be implemented in a portable cartridge type cytometer.

Abstract: A thin, deformable member may be fixed at one end, while another portion of the member rests on a hydrogel substance whose thickness changes depending on a characteristic of a liquid that permeates the hydrogel. When the hydrogel changes thickness and causes part of the member to tilt, a reflective surface on the member may reflect light in a different direction. Appropriate sensors may detect the change in the direction of the reflected light, allowing determination of the change in thickness, which in turn permits determination of the relevant characteristic of the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a sample analyzer, comprising: an imaging device for imaging a sample container which has translucency and contains a sample; a measuring device for aspirating the sample contained in the sample container and measuring the aspirated sample; a transporting device for transporting the sample container to a supply position for supplying the sample contained in the sample container to the measuring device; a sample volume obtainer for obtaining sample volume information relating to volume of the sample in the sample container, based on an image obtained by imaging the sample container by the imaging device; and a transport controller for controlling the transporting device to perform a transport operation in accordance with the sample volume information obtained by the sample volume obtainer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical analysis system for determining an amplitude of a principal component of an optical signal. The principal component is indicative of the concentration of a particular compound or various compounds of a substance that is subject to spectroscopic analysis. The optical signal is subject to wavelength selective weighting and wavelength selective spatial separation specified by a weighting function. The optical signal is preferably separated into two parts that corresponding to a positive and negative spectral band of the weighting function, respectively. The separation provides separate detection of the separated parts of the optical signal without significant loss of intensity, thereby providing an improved signal to noise ratio of the determined principal component. Separation and weighting of the optical signal is realized by two multivariate optical elements.

Abstract: A centrifuge blood processing system for separating fluid components comprising a first light source comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes in optical communication with the centrifuge blood processing system for providing an incident light beam for illuminating an observation region on the centrifuge blood processing system, a light collection element in optical communication with the centrifuge blood processing system for collecting at least a portion of the light transmitted, scattered or both from the observation region, a programmable controller for providing an operational procedure for the monitoring system; and an independent dedicated control circuit in electrical communication with the programmable controller and electrically coupled to the light source, the control circuit receiving command parameters from the controller and controlling periods of illumination from the light source in response to the command parameters. Periods of illumination are controlled to prevent the failure of LEDs.

Abstract: A optical sensor for measuring tranmissive properties of a solution having: a cuvette body with an enclosed flow passage for the solution, wherein the flow passage further includes a solution inlet and a solution outlet and a cuvette between the inlet and outlet; a light source projecting light of a predetermined wavelength through the cuvette and solution flowing through the cuvette and to a light sensor, wherein the cuvette has inner wall surfaces opaque to the light of said predetermined wavelength, and the inner wall is in contact with the solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting the amounts of substances that may disturb chemical analysis performed by an analyzer for clinical chemistry. The presence and concentration of hemoglobin, bilirubin and lipemia are detected by measuring the absorbance or reflectance on at least two, preferably six, different wavelengths over the measured spectrum. The measurements are performed at two wavelengths for each substance, preferably on the absorbance peaks of the specific substance and on the root of the specific peaks. Since the three substances mentioned above each have at least one peak in the spectrum, the measurement is done on three peaks and three root positions respectively when three substances have to be measured.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for predicting the yield of a selected cellular component from a composite blood product by sensing the movement of the separated cellular component or another component during expression from a separation container to a collection container to produce a signal indicative of the movement, and predicting the yield of the separated cellular component from the signal.

Abstract: A method and device for accurately determining oxygen saturation of hemoglobin by the measurement of the optical density of a sample, such as a blood vessel, in response to illumination by light having at least three wavelengths (?i, ?2, ?3, . . . ) within a range of about 460 nm to about 523 nm. The hematocrit of a sample may be determined from optical density measurements at the three or more wavelengths in conjunction with a known path length. The device may be an intravenous or intra-arterial fiber optic catheter used to deliver the interrogating light signal to the blood and to detect the reflected signal. A method and device of determining the thickness of the retinal well using spectroscopic information are also disclosed.

Abstract: Transducer modules for use in a blood analysis instrument and methods for analyzing a blood sample. The transducer modules presented generally include a light source, a focus-alignment system, a flow cell, and a light scatter detection system. Electrodes within the flow cell allow for the measurement of the DC impedance and RF conductivity of cells passing through a cell-interrogation zone in the flow cell. Light scatter from the cells passing through the cell-interrogation zone is measured by the light scatter detection system. The light scatter detection system measures the light scatter parameters of upper median light scatter, lower median angle light scatter, low angle light scatter, and axial light loss.

Abstract: A system for scattered light and simultaneous multi-color (e.g., greater than sixteen colors) fluorescence light detecting, and for analyzing, classifying and identifying biological particles and items of interest. A sample to be tested may be entered in a disposable microfluidic cartridge which in turn is insertable in a portable, hand-holdable, or wearable miniaturized cytometer instrument. The present system may be incorporated in the cytometer instrument. It may have significant application relative to biological warfare, environmental substances, the medical field and other fields.

Abstract: A method of determining an optical parameter or function thereof for a liquid, the method comprising: flowing the liquid through a flow cell; transmitting a pulse of light into the liquid in the flow cell; generating a signal responsive to energy that the material emits responsive to a portion of the light from the light pulse that is absorbed by the liquid; and using the signal to determine the optical parameter or function thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly distinguishing positive blood cultures from negative bloodcultures in sealable containers, and for determining the combination of blood volume and hematocrit in a sealable container. The apparatus comprises an optical source for illuminating the culture with a light beam under an oblique angle to generate an asymmetric spatial distribution of backscattered light, which is imaged onto an imaging detector connected to a data analyzer.

Abstract: A sample analyzer with a removable and/or disposable cartridge for use at the point of care of a patient such as in a doctor's office, in the home, or elsewhere in the field. By providing a removable and/or disposable cartridge with all of the needed reagents and/or fluids, the sample analyzer can be reliably used outside of the laboratory environment, with little or no specialized training.

Abstract: Microchip testing device having a chip holder that can be exactly positioned and from which adhered sample liquid can be removed easily. The microchip testing device has a chip holder, with a cover and a box area, mounted on a measurement stage, a microchip that has an optical measurement chamber is housed in the chip holder, a light source that radiates light on the optical measurement chamber of the microchip, a detector that receives light that has passed through the optical measurement chamber, and a controller that controls the device. The chip holder has reference planes to position the microchip in two directions perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical measurement chamber and pushers that push the microchip against the reference planes, so that the microchip is positioned within the chip holder by closing the cover of the chip holder.

Abstract: A disposable cell counting board in which a space formed by a counting board body and an upper plate is fixed in advance, and which does not require assembling by a cell counting worker, and which can be mass-produced at low costs, is provided. The cell counting board comprises a main body and a cover plate attached to the main body. The main body comprises a planar lands positioned at a lower position by a predetermined distance with respect to the top face of the other part than the lands, a counting sections provided at the lands, and four projection sections in the vicinity of the lands for positioning and fixing the cover plate above the lands. The cover plate has engagement holes formed at locations corresponding to the projection sections. A space of the predetermined distance, 0.1 mm, is generated between the top face of the lands and the bottom face of the cover plate, when the cover plate is attached to the main body by engaging each of the projection sections with the corresponding engagement hole.

Abstract: A sample analyzer is provided that is capable of eliciting sufficient performance of an avalanche photodiode, and performing high-precision analysis of the sample. The sample analyzer is provided with a WBC detection section that uses the avalanche photodiode as a photoreceptor element. The WBC detection section is provided with a flow cell, semiconductor light source, side collective lens, dichroic mirror, and avalanche photodiode. The side collective lens is a lens with a high NA (numeric aperture), and an aspheric lens with a small aberration. The sample analyzer prepares a scattergram using side fluorescent light signals and side scattered light signals to classify white blood cells into five categories.

Abstract: A sample analyzer including a detection unit for irradiating a biological sample with light and obtaining optical information; a cell classification processor for classifying cells contained in the biological sample into cell groups based on the optical information; a scattered light information obtaining processor for obtaining scattered light information relating to a cell included in a predetermined cell group; a calculation processor for calculating a component value corresponding to an amount of component contained in cell included in the predetermined cell group based on the scattered light information; and an output device for outputting the component value calculated by the calculation means is disclosed. A computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a correlation technique for analysis of changes in bodily fluid and/or tissue in order to identify or monitor appearance, progression or treatment of a disease or condition in a subject. The disclosed method involves measuring spectral properties or changes in bodily fluid and/or tissue of a subject using at least two optical techniques; and correlating the measured properties or changes to a corresponding clinical condition or change in clinical condition, respectively. The measure of spectral changes over time can be used as indicators of changes in the clinical condition, for example, in disease treatment and/or disease regulation. This method is particularly useful for identifying a disease state and for monitoring efficacies of therapies used to treat different diseases or disorders, for example, renal dialysis.

Abstract: A system for scattered light and simultaneous multi-color (e.g., greater than sixteen colors) fluorescence light detecting, and for analyzing, classifying and identifying biological particles and items of interest. A sample to be tested may be entered in a disposable microfluidic cartridge which in turn is insertable in a portable, hand-holdable, or wearable miniaturized cytometer instrument. The present system may be incorporated in the cytometer instrument. It may have significant application relative to biological warfare, environmental substances, the medical field and other fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel radiation associated markers. The radiation associated markers may be one or more of albumin, LTGF-?, or any protein or peptide listed in any one of Tables 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 provided herein. The present invention also provides methods of assessing exposure to ionizing radiation by determining the presence of one or more radiation associated markers. The methods may optionally include quantifying one or more of the radiation associated markers. The methods may further include comparing the amount of one or more radiation associated markers in the sample determined to be present in the sample with either (i) the amount determined for temporally matched, normal samples or (ii) the amount determined for samples obtained from individuals or subjects that have not been exposed to an elevated level of ionizing radiation. The present invention further provides a method of predicting outcome in a subject after exposure to elevated levels of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: An optical measuring device (10) for detecting the coloring of test fields of a test strip (12), which is to be wetted with a liquid for detecting substances in said liquid, whereupon the reflectivity of the test fields changes depending on the concentrations of the substances to be detected, comprising: a measuring plane (14) wherein said test strip (12) is to be placed; an illumination device (16) for illuminating the measuring plane (14); a planar image sensor (36); an optical system for imaging said measuring plane (14) onto the image sensor (36); and an electronic evaluation unit (52) for evaluation of the signals detected by said image sensor (36), said illumination device (16) comprises light sources (18, 20, 22) or other means of different colors which serve to alternatively illuminate said measuring plane (14) in different colors, wherein said electronic evaluation unit (52) detects the coloring of the test fields from the images obtained under different color illuminations.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Multivariate optical analysis systems employ multivariate optical elements and utilize multivariate optical computing methods to determine information about a product carried by light reflected from or transmitted through the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tilting adjustable surface profilometer, comprising an apparatus capable of adjusting an image acquiring angle. The apparatus includes two types of frameworks. One is a translation-stage-type tilting adjustable surface profilometer, which is enabled by the translations of two translation stage with the rotation of a rotary rack, a surface profile with an omni-directional angle of a sample can be obtained. The other framework is a surface profilometer with an arc-trajectory tilting apparatus, which is enabled by guiding the surface profilometer to slide along the arc rails with the rotations of the rotary rack, a surface profile with an omni-directional angle of a sample can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detector for measuring scattered light in liquids having a housing, a transparent, flexible tube for transporting liquid through the housing, a light emitter, and a light detector. Two parallel surfaces are formed in the housing, between which the tube is arranged such that two opposing tube walls are formed in a planar parallel manner. The light emitter is arranged in such a way that the optical axis thereof is perpendicular to the parallel surfaces of the first tube wall, and the light detector is adjacent to the light emitter, the optical axes of the light emitter and light detector forming an angle smaller than 90°. The invention also relates to a method for detecting the presence of blood and for the quantitative determination of biological marker substances, especially bilirubin, in solution, and to a device for treating blood containing the detector.

Abstract: A blood analysis apparatus is provided. The blood analysis apparatus includes: a chip holding portion having an aperture which allows light to pass therethrough and holding a ?-TAS chip for holding a measurement liquid; a rotary body on which the chip holding portion is mounted; a light source; and a light-receiving unit. A measurement position of the rotary body at which the measurement liquid is to be measured with the light from the light source is set by: rotating the rotary body to obtain a light value of light which is emitted from the light source and received by the light-receiving unit through the aperture; and setting a rotational position of the rotary body where the light value is a threshold value or more, as the measurement position.

Abstract: New diagnostic parameters or indexes for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency have been disclosed. The parameters include a RBC size factor, RSf1 defined by the formula of (MCV×MRV)1/2, or RSf2 defined by the formula of (MCV×MRV)/100, a volume-hemoglobin factor (VHf) defined by the formula of (MCV×Hgb)/100, and a volume-hemoglobin/distribution factor (VHDWf) defined by the formula of (MCV×Hgb)/(RDW×10). Further disclosed are the methods of using these parameters for detection of absolute iron deficiency, latent iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, or latent functional iron deficiency. Also disclosed is a method of using RSf for detection of hemochromatosis.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical cell for a separation chamber of a density centrifuge blood processing system for separating fluid components comprising an extraction chamber having a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of an incident optical beam; and an extraction port having an axial bore for passing fluid components and a first external optical surface for transmitting at least a portion of the incident optical beam; wherein said first external optical surface of said extraction chamber and said first external optical surface of said extraction port are both positioned within the depth of field of a light collection element.