Abstract: A device for clamping a hose line 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 with two receiving elements and an electric motor-driven actuation mechanism. Actuation mechanism is constituted such that, when a clamping force is applied, the first and second receiving element can be moved from a position releasing the hose line into a position clamping the hose line. Moreover, the device comprises an unlocking mechanism which is constituted such that, by actuating an unlocking element, the actuation mechanism in the position clamping the hose line can be decoupled from electromotive drive. Unlocking mechanism makes it possible for the receiving elements to be transferred easily and rapidly by hand from the position clamping the hose line into the position releasing the hose line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for analyzing platelet parameters in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with an evaluation of platelet conditions in the individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass automated systems and methods for predicting a tuberculosis infection in an individual based on a biological sample obtained from blood of the individual. Exemplary techniques involve correlating aspects of direct current (DC) impedance, radiofrequency (RF) conductivity, and/or light measurement data obtained from the biological sample with a prediction of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in the individual.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system for blocking unwanted light from reaching sensors in a sensor clip assembly fastened to a blood chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The sensor clip assembly includes opposing heads with LED emitters and photodetectors. In one embodiment, lenses in the heads are surrounded by shrouds extending from the lenses so that when the sensor clip assembly is fastened to the blood chamber the shrouds block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors. Either alternatively or as a complement to the shrouds, the blood chamber includes an opaque portion or a portion colored to attenuate particular wavelengths of light to further enhance the overall ability of the blood chamber and sensor clip assembly to block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for detecting blood or blood constituents in the liquid system of a device for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a dialysis device or filter divided by a semipermeable membrane into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is part of the extracorporeal blood circulation system and the second chamber part of the liquid system of the extracorporeal blood treatment device.

Abstract: A method for directly illuminating a Coulter aperture so light scattering can be incorporated into the classical Coulter aperture and 3-diff blood analyzer to realize full functional hematology analyzer by providing a flow chamber which is separated into two portions by a plate having a Coulter aperture; and using a light source to directly coaxial illuminate the Coulter aperture wherein the illuminating beam propagates in the same direction as the axis of the Coulter aperture and the cell's moving direction.

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: A blood analysis apparatus includes an analysis section. The analysis section is configured to compare a measurement spectrum obtained regarding red blood cells with a standard spectrum of heme, biliverdin, and bilirubin, and cause the measurement spectrum to belong to any one of the standard spectra.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a paper medium to measure blood hemoglobin concentration. In certain embodiments, spectrophotometric techniques are used to measure light transmission at specified wavelengths through a paper medium containing a blood sample. The light transmission information is then used in the calculation of blood hemoglobin concentration. In certain embodiments, the paper medium may be chemically treated to lyse the blood sample prior to measurement of the light transmission information.

Abstract: Provided herein are an examination device and an examination method that can efficiently perform examination even when both whole blood and serum/blood plasma specimens are to be examined. A solid-phase extraction cartridge or a filter is placed on a continuous track of a cartridge table. A cup table is disposed below the cartridge table. A cup is placed on a continuous track of the cup table to receive a sample purified by the filter. When viewed from above, the continuous track of the cartridge table and the continuous track of the cup table cross each other at a position “m”, and each of the tracks crosses a position at which a sample probe operates. A pretreatment for serum/blood plasma is completed in one rotation of the cartridge table. A pretreatment for whole blood is completed in two rotations of the cartridge table.

Abstract: A citrate detector is provided for use in combination with a blood processing system and replacement fluid tubing or conduit of a disposable set. The citrate detector comprises a light source and a light detector. The light source is configured to emit a light having a wavelength absorbed by citrate, but at least partially transmitted by the replacement fluid conduit of the disposable set. The light detector is configured to receive at least a portion of the light from the light source and generate a signal indicative of the presence or absence of citrate in the replacement fluid conduit based, at least in part, on the amount of light received from the light source. A blood processing system incorporating such a citrate detector may include a flow detector for determining whether fluid is present in the conduit prior to checking for the presence of citrate.

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: An optical blood coagulation monitor and method. The monitor has a blood sample holder, a laser with its output light directed through the blood sample, a two-dimensional detector that is able to detect light at the laser light wavelength and that has a detector output, optics for imaging onto the detector laser light that is forward scattered by the blood, and a data analysis system, responsive to the detector output, that is adapted to analyze the detected light to provide information on time-resolved coagulation and clotting properties of the blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow cytometer (10) for in vitro assaying of human or animal whole blood and to an investigation method using the flow cytometer. Enhanced detection properties are achieved by it relative to the prior art cytometers of the same kind. Here, automated beam positioning is also solved. To these ends, collection of light scattered by the cellular components of human or animal whole blood and its transmission to suitable optical sensing elements take place by a coupling member with a particular end construction, in particular through one or more optical fiber bundles. Preparation of a blood sample for the assay, that is, mixing up said human or animal whole blood with appropriate reagents is performed by a hydro-pneumatical unit (12) of a particular design. Moreover, the actual assaying takes place in a flow cell (22) of a particular construction, which assists to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the present flow cytometer.

Abstract: Glucose measured in blood samples is distinguished from glucose measured in the control solutions used to test the optical instruments which make such measurements. The control solutions contain a labeling substance recognized by the optical instrument to distinguish glucose measurements made of control solutions from those made of blood samples.

Abstract: A determination of the haemolysis of a blood sample is provided by a measuring light source, a detector and an evaluation device. The light source irradiates the blood sample after a haemolysis operation on the blood sample has been started. The detector device detects light values at several measuring points of time. The evaluation device receives the detected light values and forms a time-dependent course of light values. The evaluation device also determines, at least section-wise, a gradient for an assigned measuring curve from the time-dependent course of light values, as a comparative measure of the light values at the different measuring points of time. The evaluation device further determines when the gradient is different from zero, and indicates a conclusion of the haemolysis when the gradient, after a measuring period of time in which the gradient is different from zero, falls to a minimum going down to zero.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes a medical fluid delivery machine including a light source configured to generate a light beam; a polarizer configured to receive the light beam and to allow a portion of the light beam within the medical fluid to be transmitted through the polarizer, a photodetector to provide a measurement of an intensity of the light beam transmitted through a medical fluid and the polarizer; a medical fluid cassette operating with the medical fluid machine to pump the medical fluid, the medical fluid cassette loaded onto the medical fluid delivery machine such that the light source resides on a first side of the cassette and the photodetector resides on a second side of the cassette; and a computer configured to use the measurement of the intensity to determine whether the medical fluid can be delivered to a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weight and performance management are described. More particularly, an embodiment relates to a system and method of employing a non-invasive, real-time, continuous blood glucose monitoring device to measure glucose levels in a subject. The determined levels are subsequently used to manage the subject's caloric intake and utilization multiple times during the course of a day.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasively scanning and analyzing one or more characteristics of a sample utilizing electromagnetic radiation are described. More particularly, the systems and methods utilize an electromagnetic radiation source connected to a transmitter and an analyzer connected to a receiver. A sample to be analyzed is placed between the transmitter and receiver in a variety of different manners and a frequency sweep of electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the sample to create a series of spectral data sets that are used to create one or more composite spectrograms, which are then analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the sample. A magnetic field can alternatively be applied around the transmitter, receiver and sample to enhance some characteristic analysis applications. Samples include inert and living items, and the characteristics include a wide variety of different applications.

Abstract: A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into a sample container having an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, and an amount of colorant that platelets absorb and which fluoresces upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 2) imaging at least a portion of the sample disposed in the analysis chamber, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets illuminated by first wavelengths of light; 3) identifying the platelets using the image signals; and 4) enumerating individual platelets and clumped platelets within the sample using one or more of fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for assessing chronic exposure of a biological sample, such as a bodily fluid, to an analyte of interest. A biological sample may be illuminated to thereby generate a one or more pluralities of interacted photons. These interacted photons may be detected to thereby generate one or more spectroscopic data sets representative of a biological sample. Spectroscopic data sets generated may be compared to at least one reference data set. Each reference data set may be associated with a known exposure to a known analyte. The present disclosure contemplates that the system and method disclosed herein may be used to analyze exposure of biological samples to at least one analyte over time. Data sets may be obtained at various time intervals to assess changes in a molecular composition as a result of chronic exposure to an analyte.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring an analyte concentration in a body fluid sample, comprising at least one cartridge that contains consumables for multiple measurements, a data carrier affixed to the cartridge that contains calibration information for the consumables, a hand-held device including a reading facility for receiving a cartridge of this type and for reading its data carrier, a measuring facility for measuring the result of a detection reaction, and a processor for controlling the measuring facility and for analysis of a measuring signal. At least one replaceable data storage unit is further provided in which supplementary data is stored. The data storage unit functions in combination with calibration information from the data carrier and is used by the processor to determine whether the consumables of the inserted cartridge renders a reliable measurement of analyte concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detection of bacterial HAI. Disclosed methods may be utilized for continuous in vivo monitoring of a potential bacterial infection site and may be utilized to alert patients and/or health care providers to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at an early stage of infection. Disclosed methods include utilization of recombinant bacteriophage to deliver to pathogenic bacteria a translatable genetic sequence encoding an optically detectable marker or an enzyme capable of producing an optically detectable marker. Upon detection of the optical signal produced by the marker, medical personnel may be alerted to the presence of pathogenic bacteria at the site of inquiry. Any bacterial causative agent of HAI may be detected according to disclosed methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-parameter integrated cuvette pool having a plurality of cuvette pool cells. Adjacent cuvette pool cells are connected to each other through a connecting plate. A heat generation unit is arranged in each cuvette pool cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for skin imaging uses a combination of near-field and far-field skin images under different angles of illumination. The apparatus provides a tool that may be employed for rapid screening of the skin for lesions that may be indicative of skin diseases, in particular skin cancers such as melanoma.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus, in particular embodiments, may provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) may be generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.

Abstract: The spectral linewidth variation of the light signal passing through the optical filter is employed to determine or evaluate the property of the analyte sample. By way of the optical filter, the light signal passing through the optical filter is affected by the analyte sample placed in the optical filter and the property of the analyte sample is determined by analyzing the resonating linewidth variation from the optical filter.

Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes a confocal optical system including a laser emitting laser light, a collimating lens collimating the laser light emitted from the laser, an objective lens condensing the collimated light having exited the collimating lens in order to illuminate internal tissue of an object of measurement, a half mirror redirecting reflected light reflected by the internal tissue of the object of measurement and refracted by the objective lens, a pin hole through which the reflected light redirected by the half mirror passes, and a light-receiving element receiving the reflected light having passed through the pin hole. The component measurement apparatus also includes a data analyzer section measuring a component of the object of measurement in accordance with data output from the light-receiving element. In the component measurement the apparatus, a focal position of the objective lens is adjustable along an optical axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging system that stores and retrieves very large scanned digital images, as in applications that automatically scan biological samples using a computer-controlled digital camera microscope. Slide data is entered, zelle data is captured and compressed and a zelle database file is loaded. Furthermore, an image database file is loaded and it is determined whether another zelle is to be stored. The image can be retrieved by accessing the zelle database, reading a zelle record, reading an image file, loading the display buffer, and determining whether another zelle is to be loaded.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an instrument for measuring characteristics of particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. It includes a closed wall surface defining a fractionation channel having a input opening, an output opening, and a flow axis that spans downstream from the input opening for the channel to the output opening. A force application subsystem has a force application output oriented perpendicular to at least part of the flow axis of the fractionation channel. A particle characteristic measurement subsystem is located hydraulically downstream from at least a portion of the closed wall surface defining the fractionation channel, and includes a sensor positioned to sense a property of the suspended particles in the potential measurement subsystem as well as a signal output responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: Methods and devices for analyzing body fluids, in particular for determining blood glucose. Body fluid is applied to a test element for single-use in a test device and the test element is optically coupled to a photometric measuring unit by means of an optical transmission system, wherein a time course of measuring values is recorded after the body fluid has been applied in order to detect a component of the body fluid on the test element. The transmission behavior of the optical transmission system may be controlled by recording measuring values at two different measurement wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus which is capable of measuring a sample is provided. The optical detection apparatus includes a plurality of light emission units, a light receiving unit, a driving unit, and an analyzing unit. Each of the light emission units is capable of emitting a light beam. The light receiving unit is capable of receiving the light beam passing through the sample and is capable of converting the received light beam to an electrical signal. The driving unit is capable of changing the relative position of the light emission units and the sample. The analyzing unit is electrically connected to the light receiving unit and is capable of measuring a property of the sample by using the electrical signal. A number of the light receiving unit is less than a number of the light emission units. An optical measurement system including the optical detection apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A whole blood immunity measuring device includes a hemolytic reagent supply device that supplies a hemolytic reagent to a whole blood sample, a first light source that irradiates light on a first blood sample as being the whole blood sample to which the hemolytic reagent is added, a first light detection device that detects transmitted first light intensity, and a Hgb calculation part that calculates concentration of hemoglobin based on the first light intensity. An immunoreagent supply device supplies an immunoreagent to the first sample, a whole second light source irradiates light on a second blood sample as being the first sample to which the immunoreagent is added. A second light detection device detects transmitted second light intensity, and a measuring object calculation part that calculates a concentration of the measuring object based on the second light intensity.

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: A method of determining a kind of a sample, in a method for analyzing a substance by the steps of supplying the sample to be analyzed to a reaction system by a supplying means comprising a transparent region composed of a transparent material, reacting a reagent for detecting the substance with the sample in the reaction system, and analyzing a signal derived from a product obtained by the reaction, characterized by irradiating the transparent region with light in the supplying step, and analyzing an optical intensity of the light.

Abstract: An analyser and related methods for characterising a sample. The analyser includes an integrated laser for emitting electromagnetic radiation in at least one beam at a sample. The electromagnetic radiation can include at least two different wavelengths. A sample detector detects affected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the emitted electromagnetic radiation affected by the sample and provides output representing the detected affected radiation. The analyser also includes a processor for characterising the sample from the detector output representing the detected affected electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating light and associated method of use is disclosed. This apparatus includes a first outer wall having an anterior end, a posterior end, an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining an interior portion, the interior portion having an anterior end and a posterior end, and a light source disposed within the interior portion. The first outer wall has an opening in the posterior end, the opening having an opening diameter. The interior portion has a substantially frusto-conical shape and has a cross-sectional diameter at the opening equal to the opening diameter and a second cross-sectional diameter near the anterior end that is less than the opening diameter and the inner surface is photo-reflective. The light passes through a sample through an aperture and a collector lens or a second outer wall. A transmission diffraction grating may be utilized.

Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes a laser that emits non-collimated laser light, an objective lens that condenses the non-collimated laser light emitted from the laser in order for the laser light to illuminate internal tissue of an object of measurement without collimating the laser light, a half mirror that redirects reflected light reflected by the internal tissue of the object of measurement and refracted by the objective lens, a pin hole through which the reflected light redirected by the half mirror passes, a light-receiving element that receives the reflected light having passed through a pin hole, and a data analyzer section that measures a component of the object of measurement in accordance with data output from the light-receiving element.

Abstract: Based on the present invention, superior compact spectrometers may be constructed and integrated into a cellular phone, or attached to a cellular phone. Such a cellular phone may be a PDA phone, which supplies electrical power to the said spectrometer, provided with data storage, signal processing capability, and real-time display. As a combined standalone system, it allows spectroscopic measurements to be fulfilled in real-time applications in field, and results can be sent out in wireless communication to a remote station or to another cellular phone user in order to share the measurement results right away. When the system is used with a laser to function as a Raman spectrometer system, it can fulfill many daily routine tasks encountered by ordinary civilians, for example, the blood glucose monitoring for diabetes patients at home in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: A blood purification instrument for extracorporeally circulating a patient's blood and a concentration detector detects a concentration of liquid during blood purification wherein the concentration detector has a light emitter irradiating light onto the liquid, a light receiver receives the light as transmitted through the liquid, a reference light receiver receives reference light branched from the light emitter without transmission through the liquid, and a detector detecting the light intensity respectively of the transmitted light and the reference light received by the light receiver and the reference light receiver, respectively.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for controlling a photometric measuring unit of a measuring device for a bodily fluid sample, wherein a test field partially wetted by a bodily fluid sample is illuminated and light from a measuring area that covers a portion of the test field of the measuring unit is fed to a detector of the measuring unit, and the measuring area is displaced relative to the test field toward a partial surface wetted by the fluid sample and past the partial surface. The intensity of a detector signal is detected during the displacement, an extreme value in the course of the detector signal is determined, the measuring area is brought back to the position in which an extreme detector signal was previously measured, and the position of the measuring area in which the detector signal is extreme is used for a photometric determination of concentration.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing the presence or absence of a pathogenic microorganism in a biological sample. the sample is irradiated to generate interacted photons which are used to generate at least one Raman data set represetnive of the sample. The Raman data set may comprise at least one of: a Raman spectrum and a Raman chemical image. The Raman chemical image may comprise a hyperspectral image. The method may further identify the pathogenic microorganism and associate it with a particular microbiome, such as the digestive system. The method may further associate the sample with a disease state and/or stage.

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: 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: A microchip including a fluid circuit formed by a groove of a first substrate and a surface of a second substrate is provided. The fluid circuit includes a fluid retaining reservoir for containing a fluid. The fluid retaining reservoir includes a fluid outlet or outflow channel for allowing the fluid to flow out, and a partition dividing the fluid retaining reservoir into a first region including a fluid inlet for injecting a fluid into the fluid retaining reservoir and a second region including the fluid outlet or outflow channel. The partition includes at least one communication gate for allowing communication between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes a filter that transmits light of a predetermined wavelength; a first light receiving unit receives at least one of a first light that is output from a first light source, reflected by or transmitted through an object to be measured, and transmitted through the filter and a second light that is output from a second light source, reflected by or transmitted through the object to be measured, and transmitted through the filter, and through which a signal according to the received light travels; a second light receiving unit receives light of a different path from that received by the first light receiving unit; a difference extracting unit that obtains a difference signal between the signals traveling through the first and second light receiving units and an information generating unit that generates information of the object to be measured based on the difference signal.

Abstract: A method of determining a volume of a platelet includes: (a) illuminating the platelet with incident light at a plurality of illumination wavelengths; (b) obtaining at least one two-dimensional image of the platelet corresponding to each illumination wavelength; (c) for each illumination wavelength, determining a mean optical density and a maximum optical density for the platelet; (d) determining an area of the platelet; (e) for each illumination wavelength, determining a volume of the platelet; (f) for each illumination wavelength, determining an integrated optical density for the platelet; and (g) determining the volume of the platelet based on a weighted combination of the area of the platelet, the volumes of the platelet corresponding to each of the illumination wavelengths, and the integrated optical densities for the platelet corresponding to each of the illumination wavelengths.

Abstract: A disposable blood analysis cartridge may include a sample collection reservoir, an absorbance measurement channel, and an optical light scattering measurement channel. One or more valves may be disposed between the sample collection reservoir and the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to pull sample from the sample collection reservoir through the one or more valves and into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel. Once the sample is pulled into the absorbance measurement channel and/or the optical light scattering measurement channel, the one or more valves may be closed. With the one or more valves closed, and in some cases, a pusher fluid may be provided to push the fluid sample to other regions of the disposable fluid blood analysis cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring foreign structures in a fluid or in a fluid flow, in particular blood or bloodstream, having at least one optical monitoring means, at least one ultrasound monitoring means and at least one signal evaluation means, wherein the fluid can be optically monitored at least by means of the optical monitoring means and at least by means of ultrasound by means of the ultrasound monitoring means, and wherein at least one foreign structure, can be recognized in the fluid by the signal evaluation means with reference to the combination of the monitoring signals obtained herefrom, in particular with reference to the comparison of the monitoring signals acquired herefrom and/or can be distinguished from at least one second foreign body structure by means of the signal evaluation means.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making to the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.