Abstract: An image processing device 20 acquires captured images obtained by imaging a sample including a target cell, performs machine learning based on a first image feature quantity, sets a plurality of object regions for detecting the target cell in the captured images, and displays the plurality of object regions in an order determined based on the first image feature quantity of each of the plurality of object regions. The image processing device 20 calculates a second image feature quantity in each of the plurality of object regions, sorts the plurality of displayed object regions in an order of the second image feature quantity similar to the second image feature quantity of a reference object region selected from among the plurality of object regions, and displays the plurality of object regions.

Abstract: A method and system for volumetric quantification of local bone changes includes the steps of loading at least a first and second (cone-beam) computed tomography three dimensional image, registering the first three dimensional image and second three dimensional image to one coordinate system, selecting a region of interest in one of the first three dimensional image or the second three dimensional image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method, a system and a service for analyzing biological liquids like blood and to assess the quality of such liquid. The analysis is made on a plurality of dried drops of the liquid as samples on a substrate, and involves scanning the substrate to create an image of the dried samples on the substrate. The image of the samples is processed in order to segment and qualify the samples into images of defined sample drops for further processing, whereafter they are grouped into at least one group of samples. The samples are analyzed to retrieve the total areas having at least one predetermined color and to retrieve the total areas for each predetermined color in the drops, whereby a ratio is calculated of the total area of the defined sample drops versus the total areas of the at least one predetermined color areas to achieve a quality indication of the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for non-invasive reproducible determination of a corrected surface on a 3D bone surface model constructed from 3D medical image of a bone having a deformation consisting in a bump overgrowth at the head-neck junction; wherein said corrected surface comprises: i) a 3D spherical corrected surface patch on the head portion of said 3D bone surface model, and ii) a 3D smooth transition corrected surface patch on the neck portion of said 3D bone surface model, contiguous to said 3D spherical corrected surface patch; Said corrected surface patches are defined by a set of parameters comprising: iii) at least one first parameter (a*) representing a spherical extent value of said 3D spherical corrected surface patch, iv) and a set of at least one second parameter, said set determining the 3D correction boundary of said corrected surface patches, such that said corrected surface patches are continuous with said 3D bone surface model along said boundary.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: A method for classifier generation includes a step of obtaining data for classification of a multitude of samples, the data for each of the samples consisting of a multitude of physical measurement feature values and a class label. Individual mini-classifiers are generated using sets of features from the samples. The performance of the mini-classifiers is tested, and those that meet a performance threshold are retained. A master classifier is generated by conducting a regularized ensemble training of the retained/filtered set of mini-classifiers to the classification labels for the samples, e.g., by randomly selecting a small fraction of the filtered mini-classifiers (drop out regularization) and conducting logistical training on such selected mini-classifiers. The set of samples are randomly separated into a test set and a training set.

Abstract: A method for automatically rapidly analyzing biological cells includes continuously capturing a plurality of image frames of a suspension including a plurality of biological cells according to a predetermined time interval within a predetermined time using a low-magnification optical image amplification device of a image capture device; transmitting each of the plurality of image frames to an operation processing device; the operation processing device utilizing an image identification technology to detect a number of the plurality of biological cells in an image frame and a static data of each biological cell of the plurality of biological cells according to at least one parameter; and the operation processing device generating a dynamic data of each biological cell in the image frame according to the static data of each biological cell in the image frame and the static data of each biological cell of a previous image frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A variation of a method for estimating a quantity of a blood component in a fluid canister includes: within an image of a canister, identifying a reference marker on the canister; selecting an area of the image based on the reference marker; correlating a portion of the selected area with a fluid level within the canister; estimating a volume of fluid within the canister based on the fluid level; extracting a feature from the selected area; correlating the extracted featured with a concentration of a blood component within the canister; and estimating a quantity of the blood component within the canister based on the estimated volume and the concentration of the blood component within the canister.

Abstract: A blood cell image display apparatus comprising: a classifier for classifying blood cell images, which are obtained by imaging a blood smear prepared from a blood specimen, in accordance with types of blood cells in the blood cell images; an information receiver for receiving information relating to the blood specimen; a display section; and a display controller for determining a type of blood cell as a display object on the basis of the information relating to the blood specimen, and displaying a blood cell image classified as the determined type on the display section, is disclosed. A specimen analyzing system, a blood cell image display method, and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An image processing device 100 divides a hollow organ 50 extracted from a volume image 40 using a plurality of planes 20 including an arbitrary eye vector 23 or a plurality of planes along the centerline of the hollow organ 50, transforms the coordinates of a point inside the hollow organ 50 along a predetermined convex surface set outside the hollow organ 50 on each plane 20, and gives a pixel value of an original position to a corresponding point after the coordinate transformation. Then, a folded volume image is generated by combining the respective planes 20 in a reverse procedure of the division procedure, and a shaded folded three-dimensional image 90 is generated by projecting the folded volume image to a projection surface from the arbitrary viewing direction and is displayed on a display device 107.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus is provided for displaying a color map on which a difference in blood flow dynamics is reflected. Setting a test subject who is administered a contrast agent is assumed as an imaging target, and a probe transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the target for contrast imaging. Image data is constructed based on signals received by the probe and a time-intensity curve is generated from intensity values of the image data. According to the time-intensity curve, a value of a predetermined parameter is calculated for producing a distribution image of blood flow dynamics. The distribution image (color map) of the blood flow dynamics is produced from the parameter value. The color map is a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional image being color-coded according to the parameter value.

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 computer implemented method identifying calcification in a patient image data set including blood vessels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of detecting centerline of a vessel is provided. The method comprises steps of acquiring a 3D image volume, initializing a centerline, initializing a Kalman filter, predicting a next center point using the Kalman filter, checking validity of the prediction made using the Kalman filter, performing template matching, updating the Kalman filter based on the template matching and repeating the steps of predicting, checking, performing, and updating for a predetermined number of times. Methods of automatic vessel segmentation and temporal tracking of the segmented vessel is further described with reference to the method of detecting centerline.

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: Provided is an image processing apparatus capable of analyzing a target sample image with high accuracy in line with a phenomenon occurring in the target sample. The image processing device includes: a dye spectrum storage portion (233) for storing a dye spectrum of a dye used in staining the stained sample; and an arithmetic portion (250) including: a variation characteristic calculating portion (2501) for calculating, based on the stored dye spectrum, a variation characteristic representing either a sharp or gradual change of the dye spectrum in the wavelength direction; and a dye-amount/variation-amount estimating portion (2503) for estimating, based on the stored dye spectrum and the calculated variation characteristic, a variation amount from a pixel value of each pixel forming the stained sample image based on the dye-amount and the variation characteristic, the arithmetic portion analyzing the stained sample image at least based on the variation amount.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for continuously authenticating individuals are provided. A continuous authentication system receives first biometric authentication information from an individual. The system compares the first biometric authentication information to stored first biometric information to identify the individual and links the identified individual to a device for obtaining second biometric authentication information. The device for obtaining second biometric authentication information continuously receives second biometric authentication information. The continuous authentication system compares the received second biometric authentication information to stored second biometric information that corresponds to the individual to determine if the received second biometric authentication information corresponds to the individual.

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 method is described for distinguishing between cancerous and normal human cells. The method includes collecting cells; preparing cells for scanning; scanning of the prepared cells by means of atomic force microscopy; processing of the obtained images through specific algorithms; wherein the algorithms allowing one to identify whether the cell is cancerous or normal.

Abstract: A device (1) for sorting objects immersed in a flowing medium is described. The device comprises a holographic imaging unit comprising a plurality of holographic imaging elements (2), a fluid handling unit comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels (3) for conducting flowing medium along a corresponding holographic imaging element (2) and comprising a microfluidic switch (5) arranged downstream of an imaging region in the microfluidic channel for controllably directing each object in the flowing medium into a selected one of a plurality of outlets (6). The device also comprises a processing unit (7) adapted for real-time characterization of the holographic diffraction image obtained for each of the objects thereby taking into account at least one predetermined object type signature. The processing unit (7) furthermore is adapted for controlling the microfluidic switch (5) in response to the characterization.

Abstract: A diagnosis assistance apparatus for assisting a diagnosis using schemas includes a storage section that stores a plurality of different schemas each configured by a figure representing a body region, an acquiring section that acquires results of a plurality of examinations that are performed on an examination target, a schema refining section that refines a schema of a body region related to a disease that is predicted from the acquired examination results, from the schemas step-by-step in accordance with progress of the examinations, and a displaying section that displays the schema refined by the schema refining section.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes an input extraction unit, and a parameter estimation unit. The input extraction unit configured to extract, from time sequence images of medical images obtained by performing a blood perfusion imaging scan on a tissue, a region where a main vessel supplying blood input to the tissue is located as an input part and obtain, based on the input part, a time-density sequence of the blood input as an input time sequence. The parameter estimation unit configured to estimate parameters in a model representing the change of the blood flow at each point in the tissue with the input time sequence, based on the input time sequence, the model and the time sequence images, wherein the parameters include a delay undergone by the blood when flowing from the input part to each point in the tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.

Abstract: A home healthcare management system wherein a patient conducts self diagnoses and self testing, and manages their own medical records at home. A digital microscope is utilized as part of the system that is smaller, of lower cost, faster, of a higher dynamic range, and has a higher resolution than conventional microscopes. The microscope consists of an illumination source, a spatial sub-sampling device and a detector device. The digital microscope provides a vectored method of collecting images from a digital microscope that is independent of the optical resolution, and a slide based coordinate system, and a method of displaying images and communicating such images over the Internet in a file format that does not require a header or prior knowledge of magnification, coordinate system, or tiling structure. The system further includes an interface for physiological monitoring devices and a connection to the Internet for more comprehensive services.

Abstract: Digital evaluation of cellblock preparations to determine the type and extent of disease in order to identify the best approach for treatment without the need for additional testing or sampling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining hemoglobin concentration is provided. A method aspect includes the steps of: a) depositing an unlysed, substantially undiluted blood sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis; b) imaging the sample in a region of the analysis chamber where the height of the chamber is no more than about twenty microns (20?) or no less than about two microns (2?), to produce image signals representative of the optical density of the imaged region; c) determining a sample representative optical density value using the image signals representative of the optical density of the imaged region; and d) determining the hemoglobin concentration of the sample using the sample representative optical density value.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of analyzing tissue features based on multiplexed biometric images includes storing a data set including cell profile data and an assessment associated with a field of view or a patient. The cell profile data includes biomarker expression intensity data for at least one cell feature. The method includes normalizing the biomarker expression intensity data for each field of view. The method includes determining a plurality of positive cell percentages for a first cell feature for each field of view or for each patient based on a plurality of normalized expression cutoffs for all fields of view. The method further includes correlating positive cell percentages with assessments for each field of view or each patient. The method also includes identifying a combination of a cell feature for expression of a biomarker and a normalized expression cutoff that most closely correlate the positive cell percentage with the assessment.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments enable determination of spatial proximity between two or more features in biological tissue. An exemplary method includes identifying a morphological feature in an image of the biological tissue based on expression levels of a first biomarker indicative of the morphological feature, and receiving a result of a segmentation analysis performed on the image of the biological tissue identifying a set of morphological units in the image external to the morphological feature. An exemplary method includes determining an expression level of a second biomarker corresponding to each unit in the set of morphological units in the image of the biological tissue, and determining a spatial distance between the morphological feature and each unit in the set of morphological units.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for automatically performing set-up steps for flow cytometry operations. The invention provides for the spatial determination of a flow stream and the subsequent automatic alignment of analysis devices and/or collection vessels. The automatic determination of flow stream properties provides for the automatic configuration flow cytometer parameters.

Abstract: An image processing device can explicitly distinguish cells to be observed from cells other than those to be observed with a simple configuration. To this end, the image processing device includes a color information obtaining part obtaining at least hue from color information of each pixel of a color image, a detecting part detecting a mode value of the hue on a color space, a range setting part setting a predetermined range on the color space including the mode value of the hue detected by the detecting part as a target range, a changing part changing hue of a pixel included in the target range by virtually performing extension on the target range, and an information converting part converting color information of a pixel having hue not included in the target range into color information indicative of an achromatic color.

Abstract: A specimen processing system comprising: a blood cell counting apparatus; and a blood cell image classifying apparatus, wherein the blood cell image classifying apparatus comprises a controller to carry out operations, comprising: receiving a plurality of first count results of a predetermined type of the blood cell by the blood cell counting apparatus; obtaining a plurality of second count results of the predetermined type of the blood cell on the basis of the blood cell image; storing the plurality of the first count results and the second count results; reading at least one of the first count results, and at least one of the second count results obtained from a blood specimen corresponding to the first count result; generating and outputting a quality control screen on the basis of the read first count result and the read second count result. A blood cell image classifying apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining fluorescently labeled particles within a sample in presence of sample movement includes determining spatial shift between sequentially captured first and second images of the sample by using a third image of the sample, wherein the spatial shift is at least partially induced by the sample movement; and spatially correlating events between the first and second images, while accounting for the spatial shift. A method for providing a fluidic assay cartridge with dried reagents includes depositing a plurality of mutually incompatible liquid reagents in a respective plurality of mutually separated areas of the fluidic assay cartridge, and drying the plurality of mutually incompatible liquid reagents to form the dried reagents.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for determining the number and type of blood cells in a blood sample. The blood sample is collected and held in a slide. In the slide, the blood sample is separated and channeled into at least two sampling chambers, one for red blood cells, another for white blood cells, and optionally yet another for platelets. The sampling chambers have wetting agents, lysing agents, staining agents, or the like therein to mix with the blood and facilitate cell count. The slide is placed in a portable slide analyzer where the sampling chambers are illuminated and images of the sampling chambers are taken. These images are converted into electronic form and sent by a communications module of the slide analyzer to a remote external location where the images are analyzed to determine the number and type of blood cells in the blood sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a cell volume of a red blood cell is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) depositing a sample into an analysis chamber, the chamber defined by an first panel interior surface, a second panel interior surface, and a known or determinable height, which height is such that at least one red blood cell subject to a sphering agent assumes a partially compressed spherical shape in contact with the interior surfaces; b) imaging the at least one partially compressed spherical red blood cell contacting the interior surfaces, and producing image signals; c) determining a radius of the partially compressed spherical red blood cell from the image signals; and d) determining a volume of the imaged red blood cell using the determined radius.

Abstract: A system for assessing the microvascular fitness of a sample of stored red blood cells. The system has a network device having at least one network unit. The network unit has a single inlet and a single outlet for the sample and a plurality of microchannels. The plurality of microchannels receive the sample from the single inlet and drain the sample into the single outlet. The network unit includes an aspiration pressure means for providing movement of liquid sample through the at least one network unit. The system further includes an analysis unit that receives the network device therein. The analysis unit includes a sensor for capturing measurements related to the sample and a processor capable of comparing the captured measurements to measurements stored in a database of healthy red blood cells to determine the microvascular fitness of the stored red blood cells.

Abstract: At each of mutually different multiple focal positions, focal adjustment parameter values are obtained from images of standard particles made of the same substance. Each focal adjustment parameter value is figured out as any one of the ratio between the density value around the center of the standard particle image and the density value around the outline, the difference therebetween, and the density value around the center. The in-focus position is adjusted on the basis of the relationship between the obtained focal adjustment parameter values and the focal positions. Moreover, on the basis of the relationship between the focal adjustment parameter values and the focal positions, the parameter values are converted into focal positions, and the focal positions and dispersion thereof are used to check the displacement of the in-focus position and the thickness of the sample liquid.

Abstract: Pseudo dual-energy material identification systems and methods with under-sampling are disclosed. The system comprises a ray generating device, a mechanic rotation control section, a data collecting subsystem comprising a first tier of detectors and a second tier of detectors, and a master control and data processing computer. The system utilizes a CT-imaging-based material identification method with under-sampled dual-energy projection data, in which only a few detectors at the second tier are used to perform dual-energy projection data sampling, and optimization is made on the procedure of solving an equation system.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains an image of an eye area, determines a measurement target among multiple vascular branches based on information regarding multiple vascular branches that include multiple vascular bifurcations in the obtained image, and measures the size of a blood cell aggregate in the determined measurement target.

Abstract: Automated quantitative analysis of microcirculation, such as density of blood vessels and red blood cell velocity, is implemented using image processing and machine learning techniques. Detection and quantification of the microvasculature is determined from images obtained through intravital microscopy. The results of quantitatively monitoring and assessing the changes that occur in microcirculation during resuscitation period assist physicians in making diagnostically and therapeutically important decisions such as determination of the degree of illness as well as the effectiveness of the resuscitation process. Advanced digital image processing methods are applied to provide quantitative assessment of video signals for detection and characterization of the microvasculature (capillaries, venules, and arterioles).

Abstract: Provided is an image diagnostic device with which the start and end of the in-flow of a contrast medium are automatically assessed. An image diagnostic device assesses the start and end times of the in-flow of a contrast medium into organs in a lifeform which is a subject. The image diagnostic device comprises: an input unit (11) which receives an input of a signal from a contrast medium which is acquired from such as an image acquisition unit (22); a luminosity evaluation unit (13) which creates a luminosity curve that denotes a change over time in signal strength; a function evaluation unit (14) which approximates the luminosity curve with an S-shaped function and creates a model function; an assessment unit (12), further comprising a circulation evaluation unit (15) which uses a tangent line at an inflection point of the model function and assesses the start and end of the in-flow of the contrast medium; and a display unit (19) which displays the result which is evaluated with the assessment unit (12).

Abstract: Platelets or blood cells are detected in a fluid sample by adjusting a focal depth of a microscope through a range of values, the microscope having a mounted sample and an objective lens adapted with one or both of (a) a spherical aberration correction unmatched to a utilized cover plate for the sample, or (2) a numerical aperture unmatched to a utilized illumination source for the sample. Images are recorded at different specific focal depths and in multiple z planes of a fluid bearing the platelets, where the position of platelets may overlap on different of the multiple z planes that are recorded, the images recorded through the cover plate, thus causing the generation of a specific light-dark pattern indicative of platelets at particular positions and at multiple depths in the fluid media. The images are analyzed for the specific light-dark pattern.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a system and method for real-time enhancement of an identified time-series signal of interest in a video that has a similar spatial and temporal structure to a given reference signal, as determined by a measure of closeness. A closeness measure is computed for pixels of each image frame of each channel of a multi-channel video to identify a time-series signal of interest. The intensity of pixels associated with that time-series signal is modified based on a product of the closeness measure and the reference signal scaled by an amplification factor. The modified pixel intensity values are provided back into the source video to generate a reconstructed video such that, upon playback of the reconstructed video, viewers thereof can visually examine the amplified time-series signal, see how it is distributed and how it propagates. The methods disclosed find their uses in remote sensing applications such as telemedicine.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining at least one hemoglobin related parameter of a whole blood sample is provided.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an area extracting unit that extracts a candidate area of a classification target area in which a pixel value does not correspond to a three-dimensional shape of an imaging target based on pixel values of an intraluminal image acquired by imaging the inside of a lumen or information of a change in pixel values of peripheral pixels; and an area classifying unit that classifies the classification target area out of the candidate area based on the pixel values of the inside of the candidate area, a boundary portion of the candidate area, or a periphery portion of the candidate area.

Abstract: There is provided an ophthalmology information processing apparatus that allows to easily grasp a change in each part in continuously captured ophthalmology images. The ophthalmology information processing apparatus reads out a plurality of continuous captured images stored in a storage unit. An image analysis unit aligns the captured images. The ophthalmology information processing apparatus calculates the variation and position information of the pixel information of each pixel between the captured images based on the alignment information. An image generation unit generates a three-dimensional image which is displayed on a display unit simultaneously with the captured images.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of analyzing hematologic samples deposited within a capillary tube is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) imaging a region of sample centrifuged within a capillary tube using a first analysis device, which region is defined by substantially all of the radial width and axial length of the sample residing within the internal cavity of the tube where the float resides after centrifugation, and producing signals representative of the image; b) communicating the signals representative of the image to a second analysis device independent of, and remotely located from, the first analysis device; c) processing the signals representative of the image using the second analysis device and producing analysis data based on the signals; and d) displaying the image of the region of the sample using the second analysis device.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as a maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC's), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.