Abstract: A method is provided of forming an imaging reference device for a biological material imaging system. A first region is provided in a substrate formed from an optically transmissive material which is an analogue of biological tissue. This first region is stained using a first biological tissue stain. A second region is provided in second substrate which is optically transmissive and an analogue of biological tissue. The second region is stained with a second biological tissue stain. The first and second regions are overlapped as a pair, such that light incident upon the pair is modulated by the respective first and second biological tissue stains of the respective regions. Multiple regions of the first and second type may be provided, stained to different degrees.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for monitoring platelet quality are disclosed. A bag of platelet concentrate is oriented in a desired manner on a transparent surface that is illuminated from one side with a light source. A clamp applies pressure to a desired portion of the bag to temporarily manipulate a predetermined portion of the bag and therefore the fluid in the bag in a known and repeatable manner. A flow inducing member applies pressure to the bag to thereby cause a turbulent flow of the fluid from the bag through a flow path. A detector records optical characteristics of light diffracted by the flowing particles, which is analyzed by software to derive a score correlating to the quality of the platelets. Platelet swirl is scored as a measure of platelet quality where more resting, discoid platelets result in a higher score.

Abstract: A cell analyzing apparatus includes: a first histogram acquiring section which is configured to acquire a first histogram of fluorescence intensities by using a result of a measurement of a number of nuclear stained cells; a second histogram acquiring section which is configured to acquire a second histogram that is normalized based on a fluorescence intensity value indicating a maximum value of the first histogram; a determining section which is configured to determine whether cancer cells exist or not, based on one of the first histogram and the second histogram; and an outputting section which is configured to output a result of the determination performed by the determining section.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a plurality of blood fluid samples or other types of samples include processing at least a portion of a sample to enhance imageability of certain particles in that portion and subsequently imaging the sample portion. In some instances, processing and imaging of various samples may be staged in a manner to optimize throughput of the system or method.

Abstract: Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and at least two integrated computational elements. The at least two integrated computational elements are configured to produce optically interacted light and further configured to be associated with a characteristic of the sample. The optical computing device further includes a first detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least two integrated computational elements and thereby generate a first signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: A lateral flow assay detects and differentiates between viral and bacterial infections. A combined point of care diagnostic device tests markers for viral infection and markers for bacterial infection, to effectively assist in the rapid differentiation of viral and bacterial infections. In one preferred embodiment, the bacterial marker is CRP. In another preferred embodiment, the viral marker is MxA. In some embodiments, it is unnecessary to lyse the cells in the sample prior to applying it to the device.

Abstract: Use of an acoustic wave receiving apparatus which includes: a resonator including a first mirror on which measurement light is incident, a second mirror which is arranged to face the first mirror and on which acoustic waves from an object are incident, an acoustic wave reception layer interposed between the first mirror and the second mirror, and a compensation layer; and a detector for detecting a variation in an optical path length between the first mirror and the second mirror that occurs in response to deformation of the acoustic wave reception layer caused by incidence of the acoustic waves, wherein the variation in the optical path length due to a film thickness distribution of the acoustic wave reception layer is compensated by refraction in the compensation layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, arrangements and methods for quantifying the concentration of an analyte present in bodily fluid, including: an assay pad having at least one chemical reagent capable of producing a detectable signal in the form of a reaction spot upon reaction with the analyte; a light source; a detector array; a processor; and a memory in communication with the processor, the memory comprising: (a) at least one value indicative of one or more of: (i) the level of hematocrit contained in the sample; (ii) the volume of the sample applied to the assay pad; or (iii) imperfections present in the reaction spot; and (b) at least one algorithm for calculating the concentration of the analyte contained in the sample.

Abstract: This blood analyzer includes a sample preparation portion preparing a first measurement sample containing a blood sample and a hemolytic agent and a second measurement sample containing the blood sample, the same hemolytic agent as the hemolytic agent and a staining agent and a control portion classifying white blood cells in the first measurement sample into at least four groups of monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils and others on the basis of fluorescent information and two types of scattered light information generated by a light information generation portion and classifying blood cells in the second measurement sample into at least malaria-infected red blood cells and others on the basis of fluorescent information and scattered light information generated by the light information generation portion.

Abstract: Provided is a method for imaging a blood sample and a kit and system for executing the method. The method includes introducing a cell suspension including red blood cells onto a base surface of a carrier having a vertical height (H) being greater than or equal to a vertical depth (h) of the cell suspension when on the base carrier, the cell suspension including a cell concentration (C) being determined by a defined function; allowing the cells in the cell suspension to settle on the base surface of the carrier to form a monolayer of cells thereon; and acquiring at least one microscope image of at least a portion of the monolayer of cells; wherein the at least one microscope image is obtained by a microscope set to Depth Of Field that is not more than 20% of the vertical height of the cell suspension settled on the base surface.

Abstract: This invention provides for an energized biomedical ophthalmic device and associated method of measuring changes in biomarkers contained in tear film to generate data related to a light therapy regimen used to treat symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder. In some embodiments, the energized biomedical ophthalmic device can include an energized contact lens with a light source in communication with a processor controlling said light source according to the light therapy regimen. The light therapy regimen may be generated or modified by the processor from the measured changes and sometimes from user's preferences, and/or additional measurements, including for example, light exposure and/or circadian rhythm of the user.

Abstract: An automated platelet function analyzer includes a sampling vessel, a preparation vessel, an analysis vessel, a sampling needle, a blood sample syringe, a platelet agonist syringe, an analysis solution syringe and a blood mixing device. A method for platelet analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values.

Abstract: An affordable flow cytometry system with a significantly increased analytical rate, volumetric sample delivery and usable particle size including a light beam that interrogates multiple flow streams so as to provide excitation across all of the streams, and an optical objective configured to collect light from the sample streams and image the light onto an array detector.

Abstract: A portable unitary device handheld diagnostic device can be operated with minimal power requirement and provides ease of operation as well as low cost communication of diagnostic data from remote locations. The device can provide nucleic-acid based diagnostics with minimal training, little to no sample preparation, and generates diagnostic data in about 45 minutes. A system can enable point of care transmission from any location globally using a low cost satellite-based data link technique, for example, Short Burst Data (SBD), combined with data encoding.

Abstract: In an analysis system having an analysis apparatus using a reagent container having a memory to store reagent information concerning the reagent in the reagent container and a remote computer, the following steps are executed: reading out the reagent information from the memory of the reagent container; judging, based on the read reagent information, whether or not the reagent in the reagent container is usable; when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, writing data representing the reagent is unusable into the memory of the reagent container; and when it is judged that the reagent in the reagent container is unusable, registering the data representing the reagent is unusable, into a reagent database managed by the remote computer in association with identification information to identify the reagent container. Thus, it is possible to automatically identify the reagent, which should not be used, and to manage the reagent not so as to use it for the analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing data processing and control for use in a medical communication system are provided.

Abstract: An object support retainer, which allows object supports to be supported stably for automated dyeing processes and at the same time the uncontrolled drainage of reagent by means of capillary currents to be prevented. The device has at least one bearing surface (3) including a longitudinal web (4) and a transverse web (5), b) the underside (9) of the object support (2) comes to lie substantially centered on the longitudinal web (4), and c) the bearing surface (3) has a smooth surface (29) so that the object support (3) is retained by adhesive forces between overflowing treating agent and the underside (9) of both the object support (3) and the smooth surface (29).

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an RFID chip and a photo-active material disposed in proximity to the RFID chip. The photo-active material provides energy—in the form of optical frequency radiation—to the RFID chip that affects (e.g., enhances or inhibits) the performance of the RFID chip and its sensitivity to a reader signal. An infrared (IR) light illuminating a polished backside of an RFID chip enhances or inhibits a read rate of the RFID chip according to an intensity of the IR light. A method for controlling operation of RFID devices includes illuminating a number of RFID devices by a radio frequency (RF) reader field, the reader field being below an operational threshold of the RFID devices, and optically illuminating a selected one of the RFID devices so that the selected RFID device becomes operational and communicates to the RFID reader.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method and a device for determining middle and protein bound uremic toxins in the biological fluids. More specifically, the present invention relates to an optical method utilizing fluorescence, preferable fluorescence of the spent dialysate, and a specific model, including a unique set of optical spectral components at certain wavelengths, to determine, preferable on-line, the concentration of the middle and protein bound uremic toxins such as beta2-microglobulin (B2M), and indoxyl sulfate (IS).

Abstract: There is provided a structure to reduce the size of light intensity data in the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique of detecting light of a light-emitting particle in a sample solution, time series light intensity data of light from a light detection region detected with moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in the sample solution is generated, and a signal of a light-emitting particle individually is detected in the time series light intensity data. In that case, regions where no signal indicating light of light-emitting particles exist in the time series light intensity data is removed from the time series light intensity data.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic device including a chamber which contains a fluid sample, a channel which is connected to the chamber and through which the fluid sample flows, and a valve which controls flow of the fluid sample through the channel; an irradiation apparatus which irradiates electromagnetic energy; and a diffuser which diffuses and distributes the electromagnetic energy irradiated by the irradiation apparatus to an irradiation region of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The liquid-quality adjusting apparatus of the present invention includes: a water purifying part that deionizes a machining liquid; an anticorrosive part that exchanges ions in the machining liquid with anticorrosive ions; a conductivity measuring part that measures a measured value of conductivity of the machining liquid; a storage part that stores in advance a first reference value and a second reference value which are an upper limit value and a lower limit value of conductivity applicable to machining, respectively, and a third reference value which is between the first reference value and the second reference value; and a control part that performs control on the basis of the reference values stored in the storage part and the measured value of the conductivity of the machining liquid measured by the conductivity measuring part.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a blood sample is provided that includes the steps of: providing a blood sample having one or more of each first and second constituents; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the first constituents and second constituents to fluoresce and absorb light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample; e) imaging a portion of the sample; determining a fluorescence value for each the first constituents and second constituents; determining an optical density value for each of the first constituents and second constituents; and identifying the first constituents and the second constituents using the determined fluorescence and optical density values.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for photometric measurements of a liquid sample. The methods and devices use one or more diffractive reflective surfaces to enable a light beam incident on a measurement chamber to be steered so as to be reflected inside the measurement chamber to achieve relatively long optical paths in the measurement chamber. The liquid sample may be blood or blood serum. The measurement chamber may be provided in a microfluidic device, for example a centrifugal microfluidic device. Some embodiments enable multiplexing of different wavelengths or path lengths. Some embodiments make use of multiple returned beams to determine the position and/or orientation of the measurement chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying reticulocytes in a blood sample deposited on a substrate include: illuminating the sample with incident light at two different wavelengths, obtaining a two-dimensional image of the sample corresponding to a first one of the wavelengths, and obtaining a two-dimensional image of the sample corresponding to a second one of the wavelengths; analyzing the images to identify a set of representative red blood cells; determining an area of each of the red blood cells in the set; determining a color value of each of the red blood cells in the set; and, for each one of the red blood cells in the set, identifying the red blood cell as a reticulocyte if the area of the red blood cell exceeds an area cutoff value and the color value of the red blood cell is less than a color cutoff value.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing and sorting cells characterized by comprising distinguishing and sorting a specific cell mass or a part of the cells in the cell mass with the use of transmitted light data reflecting the morphological characteristics of the cells such as size and shape optionally together with side-scattering light data reflecting the characteristics of the internal structure of the cells. The part of the cells in the specific cell mass as described above are at the G1 stage or at a part of the M stage in the cell cycle. A part of the cells at the G1 stage are referred to as the left bottom line in an analytical dispersion diagram of the cells wherein the abscissa indicates the transmitted light data, while a part of the cells at the M stage are referred to as the right bottom line in the analytical dispersion diagram of the cells wherein the abscissa indicates the transmitted light data.

Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A centrifuge motor can spin the sample cell to separate the fluid into a plurality of components (plasma, red blood cells, etc.). A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be positioned at a sample portion of the sample cell after centrifuging such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a cuvette that has two window pieces sandwiched between two clamshell pieces, and where the sample portion of the sample cell is defined by a gap between the window pieces.

Abstract: A method for determining a mean cell volume for a blood sample includes: illuminating the sample with incident light at a plurality of illumination wavelengths and obtaining a two-dimensional image of the sample at each of the plurality of illumination wavelengths; identifying a plurality of cells that appear in each of the images; for each one of the plurality of cells, determining an integrated optical density corresponding to each of the plurality of illumination wavelengths; for each one of the plurality of cells, determining a cell volume based on the integrated optical densities corresponding to each of the plurality of illumination wavelengths; and determining the mean cell volume for the blood sample from the cell volumes for each one of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: There is provided an optical rotation measurement apparatus and a measuring system which are user-friendly, capable of measuring glucose concentration in drawn blood and living bodies with high accuracy in real time such that it is available for use at an actual medical site without depending on a reagent, and capable of measuring glucose concentration in a living body noninvasively with high accuracy, a new polarized light converting optical system that can be used for the measuring system, and an optical rotation measurement method using the optical system.

Abstract: An apparatus for turbid sample measurement comprising a plurality of light sources for illuminating a turbid sample target area with non-spatial structured light, a projection system for illuminating the turbid sample target area with spatial structured light, a sensor for collecting light from the turbid sample target area, and a processor to analyze the data captured by the sensor to yield scattering and absorption coefficients of the turbid sample. A method comprises illuminating the sample with spatial structured light, collecting light reflected from the sample at a number of wavelengths, illuminating the sample with non-spatial structured light, collecting light reflected from the sample at a number of wavelengths, and combining the measurements of the collected light to obtain the optical properties of the sample and/or the concentration of absorbing or fluorescent molecules. The wavelengths of the spatial and non-spatial light sources are preferably different.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying reticulocytes within a blood sample is provided.

Abstract: Methods of detecting bacterial contamination in a platelet concentrate are performed using a dynamic light scattering (DLS) instrument and a sample holder. A sample of platelet concentrate can be held vertically or horizontally in a capillary in the sample holder. Alternatively, novel platelet storage bags modified to include an optically translucent window can be held within another variant of the sample holder. Still alternatively, platelet storage bags having one or more tubes detachably appended to the bag can be used. A sample is drawn off into an appended tube for placement directly into the sample holder. This method provides a number of related, non-invasive techniques for detecting whether bacteria has contaminated a platelet concentrate. Contamination indicators include a population of particles different from platelets, microparticles or proteins, bad-quality platelets, i.e. low DLS score, and very high or very low scattering intensity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for the analysis of a blood sample are disclosed. One embodiment is a method of detecting and enumerating hard-to-ghost cells in a blood sample. Another embodiments is a method of analyzing reticulocytes in a blood sample. Methods of using blood count parameters are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid, in particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: In some aspects of the present disclosure, methods of detecting coincident sample events are provided. The methods include receiving a first set of signal data representing detected signals from a flow cytometer system; detecting, with a peak detection module, one or more peaks within the signal data; and cancelling, with a successive cancellation module, one or more individual sample events from the signal data at corresponding time indexes, wherein the cancellation of more than one individual sample event is successive. Devices and system related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A glucose sensor comprising an optical energy source having an emitter with an emission pattern; a first polarizer intersecting the emission pattern; a second polarizer spaced a distance from the first polarizer and intersecting the emission pattern, the second polarizer rotated relative to the first polarizer by a first rotational amount ?; a first optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a second optical detector positioned proximal to the second polarizer, the first polarizer and the second polarizer being positioned between the optical energy source and the second optical detector, the second optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a compensating circuit coupled to the second optical detector; and a subtractor circuit coupled to the compensating circuit and the first optical detector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the extracorporeal treatment of blood are described. The apparatus includes a dialyzer which is separated into a first and second chamber by a semipermeable membrane, wherein the first chamber is disposed in a dialysis fluid path and the second chamber can be connected to the blood circulation of a patient by way of a blood inflow conduit and a blood outflow conduit, a feed for fresh dialysis fluid, a discharge for spent dialysis fluid, a measuring device disposed within the discharge for determining the absorption of the spent dialysis fluid flowing through the discharge, wherein the measuring device has at least one radiation source for substantially monochromatic electromagnetic radiation, and a detector system for detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation, wherein means are provided to compensate for changes that occur in the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation of the radiation source and/or the sensitivity of the detector system.

Abstract: A blood analysis system functions as a non-invasive blood parameter analyzer when a monitor is coupled with an optical sensor and as an invasive blood sample analyzer when the monitor is coupled with a blood analysis adapter. The blood analysis adapter has a transmitting assembly and a receiving assembly in electrical communications with the adapter connector so as to receive emitter signals for driving emitters within the transmitting assembly and so as to transmit a detector signal for responding to at least one detector in the receiving assembly. A cuvette containing a blood sample is irradiated with multiple wavelength light from the emitters, the detector responds to the multiple wavelength light after attenuation by the blood sample, and the monitor analyzes the blood sample according to the detector signal.

Abstract: A method of measuring energy expenditure in a living subject comprises: (a) administering a specified dose of doubly-labeled water (2H218O) to a living subject; (b) obtaining samples at three or more times of body water from the living subject; (c) measuring 2H/1H, 17O/16O and 18O/16O ratios in each of the obtained samples using optical spectroscopy; and (d) determining (1) a combined value of flux of body water and exhaled carbon dioxide from a change in measured 18O/16O over time, (2) a value of flux of body water alone from a change in measured 2H/1H over time, and (3) a reference value of isotopic background fluctuation from a change in measured 17O/16O over time. Using 17O measurements to estimate background fluctuations of the 2H and 18O decreases the required isotope dosing of subjects or decreases uncertainty at current dosing levels.

Abstract: There is described a diagnostic apparatus (1) for analysing a blood sample, the apparatus comprising a luminometer (9) for generating a “luminescence curve” and white blood cell counters (5,7) for determining a lymphocyte count and a neutrophil count, and processing means (10) to determine a physical condition of the subject on the basis of the “luminescence curve” and the white blood cell counts. A diagnostic method is also disclosed, for determining the physical condition of a subject on the basis of the blood test data. A diagnostic system is also disclosed in which data generated by blood tests carried out at a remote location may be communicated to a central server (201), where a fitness result may be generated, and thence communicated to the subject or a third party. The server may also store additional information relating to the subject, which may be made accessable to remote users.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods are provided for detecting lipids in plasma that has been separated from a plasma-containing fluid, such as blood. The system includes a fluid processing region in which a plasma-containing fluid is separated into plasma and other fluid components. A plasma flow path is associated with the fluid processing region for the flow of at least a portion of the separated plasma into or out of the region. A lipid detector shines blue and/or ultraviolet light through the separated plasma in the plasma line to optically detect the presence of lipids therein. The lipid detector may be used alone or in combination with a hemoglobin detector to reduce the number of false hemoglobin alarms or an interface detector for improved detection and correction of the location of an interface between separated fluid components in the fluid processing region.

Abstract: A method for detecting clots in a liquid is presented. The liquid is in a sample container. Light is irradiated having a first wavelength to the sample container by a first light source at a changeable vertical irradiating position (P—0 to P_n) such that the light irradiated by the first light source passes through the sample container along a first measurement path. An intensity of light having the first wavelength passing along the first measurement path and exiting the sample container is measured. Clots are detected in response to the measured intensity.

Abstract: A device for determining the concentration of a constituent of blood in a hose line, in particular in the hose line of an extracorporeal blood circuit of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, includes a clamping unit having an actuation mechanism configured to apply a clamping force such that first and second receiving elements are moved towards one another from a first position releasing the hose line into a second position clamping the hose line, in which the drive of the actuation mechanism takes place with an electric motor, and a monitoring unit configured to detect a hose line inserted into the receiving elements. A method for detecting a hose line in a clamping unit of a device for determining the concentration of a blood constituent in the hose line is also described. Automation of the measurement of the blood parameters is thus possible.

Abstract: One method for estimating the extracorporeal blood volume in a portion of a physical sample includes: comparing a portion of an image of the sample with a template image of known extracorporeal blood volume indicator; tagging the portion of the image of the sample with a blood volume indicator according to the template image that is matched to the portion of the image of the sample; and estimating the extracorporeal blood volume in at least a portion of the physical sample, associated with the portion of the image of the sample, according to the blood volume indicator.

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: A method and apparatus for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample disposed within an analysis chamber, the method including the steps of: a) imaging at least a portion of the sample that contains one or more red blood cells and one or more areas void of red blood cells; b) determining a representative optical density value for a plurality of image units optically aligned with portions of the red blood cells, and assigning an optical density first boundary value to those image units; c) determining a representative optical density value of a plurality of image units optically aligned with the one or more regions of the sample devoid of red blood cells, and assigning a second optical density boundary value to those image units; and d) determining the hematocrit of the sample.