Abstract: An oximeter probe determines an oxygen saturation for the tissue and determines a quality value for the oxygen saturation and associated measurements of the tissue. The quality value is calculated from reflectance data received at the detectors of the oximeter probe. The oximeter probe then displays a value for the oxygen saturation with the error value to indicate a quality level for the oxygen saturation and associated values used to calculate oxygen saturation.

Abstract: An imaging device includes light sensitive locations that are separately sensitive to light received at a surface with respect to a portion of a sample associated with the surface, the light sensitive locations having a resolution of 5 microns or smaller. There is a device to associate the portion of the sample with the surface. The imaging device and a distance of the portion of the sample to the light sensitive locations are such that usable useful image of the portion of the sample can be acquired directly by operation of the imaging device. An imaging device includes light sensitive sources that are separately able to deliver light with respect to a portion of a sample associated with the surface. The light source locations having a resolution of 5 microns or smaller. There is a device to associate the portion of the sample with the surface.

Abstract: A mixer arrangement for use in a chromatography system includes a first frequency targeting mixer including a first flow channel coupled between an inlet and an outlet and a second flow channel coupled between the inlet and the outlet, the second flow channel including a volume offset region configured to delay fluid propagation through the second flow channel, wherein the volume offset region is configured to reduce or eliminate fluidic compositional oscillations in a compositional solvent stream that depart from a desired composition at a first target frequency, and a residual noise targeting mixer fluidically connected in series to the frequency targeting mixer, the residual noise targeting mixer configured to dampen aperiodic baseline noise in the compositional solvent stream.

Abstract: A cell culture apparatus includes a flow passage in which cell suspension containing at least one of cells or cell masses as granular bodies is to flow, and an imaging unit that is provided in a middle of the flow passage and continuously images the plurality of granular bodies contained in the cell suspension to acquire a plurality of images while the cell suspension flows in the flow passage.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid sensor that can more accurately detect the state of a liquid. The liquid sensor includes a light emitting element, an optical waveguide, a light receiving element, and a detection circuit. The light receiving element is configured to receive light that was emitted by the light emitting element and passed through the optical waveguide. The detection circuit is configured to detect output of the light receiving element. The optical waveguide includes a first pillar portion that extends straight and a second pillar portion that extends straight. The second pillar portion is provided at a position opposing the first pillar portion. A space for liquid is formed between the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion. The first pillar portion includes a first end surface that faces the light emitting element, and a second end surface that is tilted relative to the first end surface and reflects light toward the second pillar portion.

Abstract: A machine for extracorporeal blood treatment including a housing for accommodating operational components of the machine for extracorporeal blood treatment and a light-emitting unit having no diffusion disk for displaying an operating and/or therapy condition of the machine according to the principle of ambient light. The light-emitting unit is arranged in a predetermined sequence and/or with predetermined shaping on at least one portion of the housing. The light-emitting unit is a flexible light conductor having at least one end-face light coupling surface at a first end and at least one end-face light output surface at a second end or alternatively a self-luminous flat and/or flexible OLED unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry that is conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house, in order to establish at the start of said slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house. Such can include the detection of a body parameter of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning said poultry, and wherein an absorption spectrum of blood of the slaughtered poultry is determined.

Abstract: A non-destructive method of estimating hematocrit (Hct) of whole blood from a dried blood sample prepared from the whole blood, the method comprising: a) determining the amount of hemoglobin derivatives comprising oxyhemoglobin, met-hemoglobin and hemichrome (total hemoglobin) in a dried blood sample, wherein the sum of the amounts of the hemoglobin derivatives remains constant in the dried blood sample in function of time, and b) estimating the hematocrit from the sum of the amounts of the hemoglobin derivatives, wherein the hematocrit is estimated using a calibration curve providing a correlation between hematocrit and the amount of the hemoglobin derivatives in a dried blood sample. The amount of the hemoglobin derivatives is preferably determined by measuring the reflectance, absorbance, or transmittance of the dried blood sample at the quasi-isosbestic point of the hemoglobin derivatives about 589 nm or at multiple wavelengths within the range of 450 to 750 nm.

Abstract: Systems and sensor clip assemblies for optically monitoring blood flowing through a blood chamber are provided. A sensor clip assembly includes emitters and photodetectors positioned on opposing arms, a signal conditioning circuit for conditioning raw analog signals generated by the photodetectors while the sensor clip assembly is fastened to a blood chamber, and an analog-to-digital converter for converting the conditioned analog signals to raw digital data. The sensor clip assembly may output the raw digital data to an external device and receive synchronized control signals from the external device, or the sensor clip assembly may include a microcontroller for performing calculations on the raw digital data and providing synchronized control signals internally. Parameters of blood flowing through the blood chamber such as hematocrit, oxygen saturation, and change in blood volume may be calculated from the raw digital data derived from the raw analog signals generated by the photodetectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure proposes a colorimetric method that couples sensor design with image processing to enable automated evaluation of test results obtained by paper-based sensors. The proposed method can match ink color and dye used in colorimetric reaction in terms of their absorption in spectral range (e.g., red, green, blue). A near-zero absorption channel can then be used to normalize absorption channels and construct a composite image.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and systems for assaying a sample for an analyte. Methods according to certain embodiments include illuminating a sample with a slit-shaped beam of light, detecting light transmitted through the sample, determining absorbance of the transmitted light at one or more wavelengths and calculating concentration of the analyte based on the absorbance to assay the sample for the analyte. Systems for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for measuring the hemoglobin concentration in whole blood, wherein the system comprises: a light-radiating unit including a light source that emits two types of incident light having different wavelengths; a diffusion unit which diffuses the incident light emitted by the light-radiating unit; a cuvette-holding unit which is formed so as to hold a cuvette including a blood sample; a detection unit which detects each absorbance of the two types of incident light having different wavelengths; a processing unit which determines the hemoglobin concentration in the blood by processing the measured absorbance result; and a control unit which regulates the two types of incident light having different wavelengths in order to repeatedly/sequentially radiate same. Although the system for measuring hemoglobin in whole blood of the present invention uses a small amount of whole blood, it is possible to measure the total hemoglobin concentration in an accurate and reliable manner.

Abstract: The invention discloses a blood analyzing device (100) comprising a holder (110) arranged for carrying a container (10) having a cuvette (20) containing a blood sample (30). The container (10) is positioned in the holder (110) so that a longitudinal axis (60) of the cuvette (20) is angled relative a horizontal axis (70). A light source (120) provides light (40) into the sample (30) and a detector (130) detects the output light (50) from a sub-portion of the blood sample (30). Kinetic information indicative of the change in hemoglobin concentration in a measuring volume (32, 34) is determined by a Hb processor (145) from the detected output light (50). An ESR processor (140) determines the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of the sample (30) based on the kinetic information.

Abstract: A method for determining total hemoglobin concentration in a blood sample comprising spectrophotometric analysis of a blood sample at two wavelengths and determining a ratio of the detected radiation at a first wavelength to the detected radiation at a second wavelength; and determining a concentration of total hemoglobin in the blood sample based on the ratio.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may use photoacoustic sensing to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The photoacoustic system may use two light sources (e.g., a high power pulsed laser diode and a continuous wave laser diode) to generate acoustic pressure signals in a subject. One or more light sources (e.g., the high powered pulsed laser diode) may provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. The high signal-to-noise ratio signals may provide high sensitivity for physiological measurements (e.g., cardiac output and temperature measurements). The photoacoustic system may use high powered light sources in combination with other light sources to improve physiological measurements.

Abstract: A bilirubin measuring apparatus includes a sample holding portion for holding at least a sample to be analyzed, a light source for directing light toward the sample holding portion, and means for determining a concentration of bilirubin in the sample based on an amount which the light is refracted while passing through the sample holding portion when at least the sample is held at the sample holding portion. Also, a method of measuring bilirubin in a sample includes holding at least the sample at a sample holding position, directing light toward the sample holding position so that the light will pass through the sample, and determining a concentration of bilirubin in the sample based on an amount which the light is refracted while passing through the sample holding position.

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: 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: The invention relates to a method for the spectrophotometric determination of the concentration of multiple substances, preferably bilirubin, haemoglobin and lipids, in a sample of body fluid.

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 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: A physiological monitoring system may use photoacoustic sensing to determine physiological information of a subject. The photoacoustic monitoring system may use a light source, such as a modulated continuous wave laser diode, to provide a frequency modulated photonic signal (e.g., a chirp signal) to the subject. An acoustic detector may be used to detect an acoustic pressure signal from the subject. The acoustic pressure signal may include two components corresponding to two wavelengths of light in the photonic signal. A signal ratio may be calculated based on the two components. The photoacoustic monitoring system may use the signal ratio to calculate one or more absorption coefficients. The photoacoustic monitoring system may use the one or more absorption coefficients to determine additional physiological information such as hemoglobin concentration, blood oxygen saturation, and temperature.

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: A microfluidic resistance network (20) is disclosed that comprises a first microfluidic channel (112) in fluidic communication with a first fluid inlet (22); and a second microfluidic channel (114) in fluidic communication with a second fluid inlet (24); wherein the microfluidic resistance network (20) further comprises a cross-shaped dilution stage (100) having the first microfluidic channel (112) as a first dilution stage inlet and the second microfluidic channel (114) as a second dilution stage inlet, the dilution stage further comprising a first microfluidic outlet channel (122) for combining a portion of a first fluid from the first microfluidic channel with a second fluid from the second microfluidic channel (114) and a second microfluidic outlet channel (124) for receiving the remainder of first fluid. A microfluidic device (200) comprising such a microfluidic resistance network (20) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may use photoacoustic sensing to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The photoacoustic system may use two light sources (e.g., a high power pulsed laser diode and a continuous wave laser diode) to generate acoustic pressure signals in a subject. One or more light sources (e.g., the high powered pulsed laser diode) may provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. The high signal-to-noise ratio signals may provide high sensitivity for physiological measurements (e.g., cardiac output and temperature measurements). The photoacoustic system may use high powered light sources in combination with other light sources to improve physiological measurements.

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: 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: An optical blood monitoring system includes a sensor clip assembly and a blood chamber. The blood chamber has an internal flow cavity for extracorporeal blood flow and viewing lenses to enable the sensor clip assembly to monitor the blood when it is mounted on the blood chamber. The sensor clip assembly includes an annular shroud surrounding the LED emitters and another annular shroud surrounding the photodetectors, both for the purpose of blocking ambient light and limiting light piping. The blood chamber includes separate, distinct shroud mating surfaces to engage the shrouds on the sensor clip assembly.

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 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: A method for analyzing a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) disposing the biologic fluid sample within a chamber; b) imaging the biologic fluid sample at a first resolution, and producing first image signals representative of a low resolution image of the sample; c) analyzing the first image signals to identify one or more first characteristics of the sample, and determining a position of each first characteristic within the chamber using a map of the chamber; d) imaging a portion of the biologic fluid sample at a second resolution and producing second image signals, which portion of the sample is determined using the first characteristics and the map, and wherein the second resolution is greater than the first resolution; and e) analyzing the biologic fluid sample using the second image signals.

Abstract: A method for tomographic imaging of diffuse medium includes directing waves into a diffusive medium, solving a surface-bounded inversion problem by forward field calculations through decomposition of contributions from the multiple reflections from an arbitrary surface within the diffusive medium or outside the diffusive medium into a sum of different orders of reflection up to an arbitrary order, and using contact or non-contact measurements of waves outside said diffusive medium to generate a tomographic image.

Abstract: Differences between a control profile of light scattered by a control sample from a sample of whole blood and a detection profile of light scattered from a detection sample from the sample of whole blood with a detection agent added indicate malaria infection of the whole blood, where the light scattering is Mie scattering by an ensemble of scatterers in samples which are detection optimized to a concentration just low enough so that each scatterer which does scatter light scatters light only once, where the profiles are for light scattered between zero and five degrees.

Abstract: A bilirubin measuring apparatus includes a sample holding portion for holding at least a sample to be analyzed, a light source for directing light toward the sample holding portion, and means for determining a concentration of bilirubin in the sample based on an amount which the light is refracted while passing through the sample holding portion when at least the sample is held at the sample holding portion. Also, a method of measuring bilirubin in a sample includes holding at least the sample at a sample holding position, directing light toward the sample holding position so that the light will pass through the sample, and determining a concentration of bilirubin in the sample based on an amount which the light is refracted while passing through the sample holding position.

Abstract: An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes. The optical format is comprised of an illumination light guide, a read window upon which a sample is placed, a sample collection needle or capillary, and a detection guide. Light redirecting facets are provided within the format itself such that the format serves as a unitary component for accepting light, directing light through a sample, and emitting light for detection.

Abstract: A measuring system for determining blood glucose includes a photometric measuring unit with a light source and a detector, and an analytical test element, to which a body fluid sample can be applied, and which can be placed in a beam path between the light source and the detector for optical detection of an analyte. For an improved multi-wavelength measurement, it is proposed that the light source includes a first emitter that can be actuated in a first wavelength range to emit pulsating alternating light and a second emitter that can be excited in a second wavelength range to emit fluorescent light.

Abstract: A wafer includes an active region and a kerf region surrounding at least a portion of the active region. The wafer also includes a target region having a rectangular shape with a width and a length greater than the width, the target region including one or more target patterns, at least one of the target patterns being formed by two sub-patterns disposed at opposing corners of a target rectangle disposable within the target region.

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

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

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system with a ratiometric model determines hematocrit values for a hemodialysis patient, from which hemoglobin values for the patient are estimated. The ratiometric model is calibrated, normally against a cell counter, using blood from a blood bank. The blood from a blood bank is preserved in a long term preservative which is typically different than that found in clinical settings. The hematocrit value determined by the ratiometric model is scaled by scaling factor so that the estimated hemoglobin level output from the monitor consistently matches that measured in a clinical setting. The hematocrit scaling factor is substantially about 1.033 when the patient's blood sample is stored in a short term preservative ethylene diamine tetra acetic, and is substantially about 1.06 when the hematocrit is measured in the blood sample without preservative being added to the blood sample. The hemoglobin value can also be adjusted for altitude.

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: A method for analyzing a blood sample residing within an analysis chamber, which sample has one or more first and second constituents, which constituents are different from one another. The method includes the steps of: a) imaging the sample containing the first and second constituents, which sample is mixed with a colorant that causes the first and second constituents to fluoresce upon exposure to light, and which colorant is also operative to absorb light, the imaging produces image signals representative of fluorescent emissions from the sample and optical density of the sample; b) determining one or more values representative of fluorescent emission from the first and second constituents; c) determining one or more values representative of optical density for the first and second constituents; and d) distinguishing the first constituents from the second constituents using the fluorescent emission representative values and the optical density representative values.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system includes a sensor clip assembly and a blood chamber. The blood chamber has an internal flow cavity for extracorporeal blood flow and viewing lenses to enable the sensor clip assembly to monitor the blood when it is mounted on the blood chamber. The sensor clip assembly includes an annular shroud surrounding the LED emitters and another annular shroud surrounding the photodetectors, both for the purpose of blocking ambient light and limiting light piping. The blood chamber includes separate, distinct shroud mating surfaces to engage the shrouds on the sensor clip assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting hemoglobin in a test sample. These methods can be used to diagnose a subject suffering from a genetic disorder relating to hemoglobin metabolism, to determine the eligibility of a subject to be a blood donor, to determine the age of a stored blood sample or to identify a hemolyzed plasma sample. The present invention also relates to kits for use in the above described methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that reduces variation in radiation therapy treatment planning among plurality of users within the same or different geographic locations. The system includes a method and an apparatus that provide users with the knowledge information and utilizing the knowledge information to contour target volumes for radiation treatment planning. The mode of operation includes utilizing a stand-alone workstation or a server computer connected to the plurality of thin client workstations.

Abstract: A sensor clip assembly for an optical blood monitoring system includes a circuit board with a microprocessor that is programmed with a ratiometric model to calculate hematocrit and/or oxygen saturation levels of a patient.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for fast and accurate image segmentation through the application of a multi-stage classifier to an image data set. An image processing system is provided having a processor configured to apply a multi-stage classifier to the image data set to identify a distinctive region. The multi-stage classifier can include two or more component classifiers. The first component classifier can have a sensitivity level configured to identify one or more target regions in the image data set and the second component classifier can have a specificity level configured to confirm the presence of the distinctive region in any identified target regions. Also provided is a classification array having multiple multi-stage classifiers for identification and confirmation of more than one distinctive region or for the application of different classification configurations to the image data set to identify a specific distinctive region.