Abstract: A blood cell analyzer comprising: a detector for detecting predetermined component of leukocytes contained in a specimen; and a controller, including a memory under the control of a processor, the memory storing: correlation information relating to the correlation between leukocyte distribution data and either stab neutrophil or segmented leukocyte classification data; and instructions enabling the processor to carry out operations, comprising: (a) obtaining leukocyte distribution data of a subject based on the detection results of the detector; (b) obtaining the stab neutrophil or segmented leukocyte classification data based on the correlation information and the leukocyte distribution data of the subject; and (c) outputting the obtained stab neutrophil or segmented leukocyte classification data. A blood cell analyzing method and a computer program product is also disclosed.

Abstract: A particle processing device includes a chamber and at least one capturing structure. The chamber is connected to a first port and a second port to provide a space between the first and second ports for flowing of a fluid having a particle. The capturing structure is provided in the chamber to form a fluidic channel, wherein the fluidic channel has a first opening and a second opening and a capturing region is formed between the first and second openings such that the capturing region has a changeable sectional shape for capturing the particle in the fluid flowing from the first port to the second port.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods for evaluation of hemostasis. Also provided are sound focusing assemblies.

Abstract: A sample analysis cartridge and a sample cartridge reader are provided. In measuring a particular component included in a sample flowing in a microfluidic channel, a numerical value of hematocrit is reflected to thus improve the accuracy of measurement of the particular component.

Abstract: The methods and reagents described in this invention are used to analyze circulating tumor cells, clusters, fragments, and debris. Analysis is performed with a number of platforms, including flow cytometry and the CELLSPOTTER® fluorescent microscopy imaging system. Analyzing damaged cells has shown to be important. However, there are two sources of damage: in vivo and in vitro. Damage in vivo occurs by apoptosis, necrosis, or immune response. Damage in vitro occurs during sample acquisition, handling, transport, processing, or analysis. It is therefore desirable to confine, reduce, eliminate, or at least qualify in vitro damage to prevent it from interfering in analysis. Described herein are methods to diagnose, monitor, and screen disease based on circulating rare cells, including malignancy as determined by CTC, clusters, fragments, and debris. Also provided are kits for assaying biological specimens using these methods.

Abstract: A single-use disposable cartridge and reusable interrogation platform for interrogating particles in a fluid carrier medium. The cartridge includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) embodied in a chip to perform electrical property interrogations of fluid flowing in a micro channel. Desirably, the microchannel is sized to cause single-file particle flow past a sensor portion of the MEMS chip.

Abstract: Packaged NERS-active structures are disclosed that include a NERS substrate having a NERS-active structure thereon, and a packaging substrate over the NERS substrate having an opening therethrough, the opening in alignment with the NERS-active structure. A membrane may cover the opening in the packaging substrate. In order to perform nanoenhanced Raman spectroscopy, the membrane may be removed, and an analyte placed on the NERS substrate adjacent the NERS-active structure. The membrane may be replaced with another membrane after the analyte has been placed on the substrate. The membrane may maintain the pristine state of the substrate before it is deployed, and the replacement membrane may preserve the substrate and analyte for archival purposes. Also disclosed are methods for performing NERS with packaged NERS-active structures.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting biological particles in a liquid flow running from a flow chamber to a flow cell, which comprises a sheath-liquid tank for storing a mass of a sheath liquid, a fluidic pump being operable to suck the sheath liquid from the sheath-liquid tank, a buffer reservoir being adapted to remove air bubbles from the sheath liquid, and a mass flow controller being operable to supply the sheath liquid free from air bubbles to the flow chamber at a constant flow rate.

Abstract: A centrifuge to which sample tubes can be introduced while the centrifuge is in motion. The centrifuge comprises a carousel having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the carousel has a plurality of positions for sample tubes for a centrifugation operation, a plurality of drive mechanisms attached to the upper portion of the carousel, a movable element mounted upon each drive mechanism, the movable element capable of traversing the length of the drive mechanism when the drive mechanism is actuated, a sample tube-holding assembly comprising a sample tube holder and a bearing attached to each movable element, and at least one balancing element capable of contributing to a force vector that cancels an imbalance vector generated by rotation of the centrifuge.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A microchip for measuring platelet function by allowing blood to flow through a channel to induce platelet aggregation, wherein the microchip comprises a channel provided inside thereof, wherein at least a part of the channel is coated with collagen for allowing adhesion of platelets; a plurality of walls extend along the direction of the flow of blood in the channel and divide the width of the channel to form a channel dividing section; and the walls are treated to have a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 to 200 nm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a wireless sensor, such as an RFID tag, that includes a substrate, an antenna disposed on the substrate, and an environmentally sensitive sensor material disposed over at least a portion of said substrate. Other embodiments an RFID tag and at least one antibody coupled to the RFID tag. The RFID tag includes a substrate, circuitry disposed on the substrate, and an antenna coupled to the substrate. The at least one antibody is capable of affecting the signals emanating from the RFID tag. Further embodiments include a detection system that includes a reader. Yet other embodiments include a method for detecting specific analytes. The method includes providing an RFID tag which emanates a first signal having a first frequency, and enabling the REID tag to emanate a second signal having a second frequency upon attraction of a specific analyte to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Provided are devices, systems and methods for the use of a portable unit for the evaluation of hemostasis. For example, a portable system for determining a plurality of hemostatic parameters may be included. The system includes a blood sample receptacle, an analyzer and a housing. The blood sample receptacle is configured to hold at least one blood sample. The analyzer is configured to determine at least two hemostatic parameters of the at least one blood sample. The housing is configured to operably couple the blood sample receptacle and the analyzer. The housing is portable and may, for example, have a thickness of 17.5 cm or smaller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample supply device that alternates between the supply of samples from one sample line while cleaning a second sample line and then supplying a second sample from the second sample line while cleaning the first sample line. This is repeated in rapid succession to allow greater speed in analyzing a plurality of samples in a shorter amount of time.

Abstract: A reagent for analyzing urine is described. The reagent comprises a fungus membrane damaging agent for damaging a cellular membrane of yeast-like fungus in urine; a first dye for staining yeast-like fungus so that a fluorescent intensity of damaged yeast-like fungus becomes more intense than that of erythrocyte in urine; and a second dye for staining sperm in urine so that a fluorescent intensity of sperm becomes more intense than that of the damaged yeast-like fungus.

Abstract: A blood coagulation analyzer that realizes both securement of a wide dynamic range and enhancement of sensitivity in blood coagulation analysis by selecting an appropriate angle of detection depending on the intensity of scattered light from each specimen without causing complexity of the analyzer. The analyzer has a reaction container. A storage unit is provided which takes in and stores multiple pieces of chronological light intensity variation data acquired from detectors arranged around a reaction container. A judgment unit selects light intensity variation data to be used for calculation of a blood coagulation time from the multiple pieces of light intensity variation data stored in the storage unit based on the amount of light intensity variation. A calculation unit calculates the blood coagulation time from the light intensity variation data selected by the judgment unit.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus that enable rapid and automatic determination of the coagulant injection rate in a process of water treatment through coagulation and sedimentation. Using a coagulation analyzer comprising sample tanks 1A to 1D each for keeping a predetermined amount of raw water, a water supply pump 7, water supply/discharge valves 4, 6 for raw water and washing water, mixers 3A to 3D, a coagulant injection unit 21, and a detector 30 for determining the particle size and the particle number of flocs, the time within which the coagulant 20 injected into the sample tanks is dispersed by mixing and the particles begin to agglomerate (agglomeration start time) is determined, and based on the thus-determined agglomeration start time, the coagulant injection rate is determined, or the amount of the coagulant to be injected is controlled.

Abstract: The fluidic system including a sheath pump that pumps sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, a waste pump that pumps waste fluid from the interrogation zone to a waste container, in which the flow rate of the sheath fluid is different from the flow rate of the waste fluid thereby drawing a sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone, a detection system that provides a data set of input signals from the sample fluid, an analysis engine that recognizes aggregate particle events in the data set, and a controller that automatically adjusts the flow rate of the sample fluid into the interrogation zone based on the recognition of aggregate particle events, by controlling at least one of the flow rates of the sheath fluid and the waste fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring coagulation parameters in a sample fluid, comprising an interface sensor with a sensor surface that faces the sample fluid. The invention is characterized in that said sensor surface includes adhesive areas and non-adhesive areas with respect to blood components.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a fluidic system of a flow cytometer having a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid towards an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump the sheath fluid and a sample fluid as waste fluid from the interrogation zone, wherein the sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid into the flow cytometer through a drawtube towards the interrogation zone. The method includes controlling the sheath pump and the waste pump to cooperatively flush a fluid out through the drawtube, thereby cleaning the fluidic system of the flow cytometer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the coagulation time of a sample fluid containing blood components by means of a resonator whose vibration parameters are measured and then used as a basis for determining the sample fluid viscosity change, which resonator has an at least partially adhesive surface contacting said sample fluid. The invention is characterized by preincubation of said surface with a preincubation fluid containing blood components, which preincubation fluid has a known way of interacting with the coagulation system, thus resulting in anchoring sites to be formed on the adhesive areas of said surface.

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: A liquid testing assembly for testing a liquid, the assembly comprising a test vessel and a stopper adapted to fit into a free end of the vessel. The stopper substantially hermetically seals the test vessel from the ambient. Further, the assembly includes a support coated with one or more identifying materials for identifying one or more constituents of the liquid. The support is fixed in the stopper and/or the vessel and extends into its interior for a predetermined distance. The liquid testing assembly when assembled is pre-evacuated to a predetermined vacuum sufficient to draw a predetermined volume of liquid to be sampled into the test vessel. The predetermined volume is of such an amount that it wets the one or more identifying materials ensuring identification of one or more constituents present in the liquid. A kit employing the liquid testing assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: A microfluidic circuit cartridge having 3-D hydrodynamic focusing. The cartridge may be fabricated with injection-molded or other molded layers providing a 3-D structure. A flow channel on the card may have a sample core flowing in a fluid of a flow channel for analysis. The sample core may be adjustable in position within the channel with one or more jets or channels of fluid being injected into the flow channel. The jets may also adjust the size of the sample core. There may be a hemoglobin measurement mechanism or card with a cuvette.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a flat planar member and at least one dilution chamber that is supported by the flat planar member. The at least one dilution chamber can be disposed adjacent chambers used for testing a patient sample that are provided on the immunodiagnostic test card or can be provided separately.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for forming concentrates of platelet-rich plasma or bone marrow cells having user-defined concentrations, concentration ranges, and/or volumes. Whole blood or bone marrow samples can be passed through one or two separation operations in which platelets or bone marrow cells are separated from red blood cells and concentrated in a plasma. During this separation and concentrating, a total number of platelets or bone marrow cells or a concentration of either is determined and then used to ascertain what volumes and concentrations need be mixed in order to produce a platelet-rich plasma concentrate or a bone marrow-rich plasma concentrate having a target concentration and/or volume.

Abstract: A blood coagulation system analyzing method includes acquiring information relating to the coagulability of blood based on a change generated in a complex permittivity spectrum measured in a coagulation process of the blood due to addition of a substance that activates or inactivates platelets to the blood.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The apparatus for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored (RBC) units comprises: a hemolysis unit; an optical analysis unit; and a computation unit. This apparatus is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions.

Abstract: The present invention, provides a flow cytometry apparatus for the detection of particles from a plurality of samples comprising: means for moving a plurality of samples comprising particles from a plurality of respective source wells into a fluid flow stream; means for introducing a separation gas between each of the plurality of samples in the fluid flow stream; and means for selectively analyzing each of the plurality of samples for the particles. The present invention also provides a flow cytometry method employing such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The method comprises: a hemolysis step; an optical analysis step; and a computation step. The method is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions. A vital aspect of this testing method is the accumulation of copious output and other associated data and the mathematical analyses thereof to optimize algorithms by which to characterize each subsequent test output as meaningfully as possible.

Abstract: A blood counting device comprises a capillary conduit for drawing from a subject in which a radiotracer has previously been injected a quantity of blood in the micro-liter range to produce in the capillary conduit a flow of blood from which beta radiation is emitted. At least one direct beta radiation detector is placed closely adjacent to the capillary conduit. The direct beta radiation detector consists of a semiconductor photodiode which detects the beta radiation from the flow of blood when directly hit by this beta radiation.

Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a blood analyte meter that is user-friendly and easy to use. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention an analyte measurement device, for use with a test strip for determining the amount of an analyte in a sample, displays a hierarchy of information or options to a user. The hierarchy of information or options may include, among other information or options, subroutines that are performable by the processor of the device, stored data related to past tests performed by the user, and alarm features of the device. A user scrolls through and selects individual options or pieces of information by rotating and translating a rotatable user interface around and along an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A liquid sample is aspirated using an aspirating tube provided with a flow path extending lengthwise in the interior of the tube, and an aspiration orifice for aspirating the liquid sample formed near the tip of the tube. The aspiration of the liquid sample to the aspirating tube is monitored during aspiration. Liquid sample is aspirated by the aspirating tube, and the collected material in the aspirating tube in the region at the tip side from the region containing the liquid sample to be used for measurement is delivered to a detecting part provided externally to the aspirating tube, and whether or not liquid sample is contained in the collected material is detected in the detecting part.

Abstract: A particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing biologic fluid is provided that includes first and second planar members, and at least three separators. At least one of the first planar member and second planar member is transparent. The separators are disposed between the planar members, and each individually has a height. The separators collectively having a mean height, and separate the planar members to form a chamber having a height extending between the planar members. At least one of the first planar member, second planar member, or separators is sufficiently deformable when the first planar member and second planar member are drawn toward each other by capillary force from a biologic fluid quiescently residing within the chamber to cause the mean chamber height to be substantially equal to the mean height of the separators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sorting stained particles in a fluid stream, each of the method and apparatus including an epi-illumination optics system with a focusing lens. The optics system being operable to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through the focusing lens in a forward direction along a beam axis intersecting particles in the fluid stream at the first location so that the particles pass through the beam, resulting in the fluorescence emissions from the particles being directed along the beam axis in a rearward direction.

Abstract: A method and device for blood hemostasis analysis is disclosed. A blood sample is displaced to reach a resonant state. The resonant frequency of the blood sample is determined before, during and after a hemostasis process. The changes in the resonant frequency of the blood sample are indicative of the hemostasis characteristics of the blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for controlling/manipulating materials flowing in a fluidic device. In particular, the methods of the invention create and utilize differences between dispersion rates and/or average velocity of materials in order to manipulate the materials.

Abstract: A sperm cell process system providing to generate sperm cell insemination samples having controlled sperm cell fertility characteristics of sperm cells.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic test card includes a plurality of transparent chambers wherein each chamber includes a quantity of testing material that combines with a patient sample, when mixed, to produce an agglutination reaction. A plurality of indicia are disposed to aid in the manufacture and determining the usability of the cards prior to test and also in objectively grading the agglutination reactions that are formed or lack of agglutination.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in-vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest. In some embodiments, the circulating cells comprise apoptotic cells whose detection can allow, e.g., non-invasive monitoring of the efficacy of a cancer treatment, such as an anti-tumor or an anti-angiogenic therapy.

Abstract: A flow cytometry nozzle and method for orienting sperm cells in a fluid flow path including an interior surface of a nozzle. The interior surface of the nozzle having a first, a second and a third axially tapered region for progressively accelerating the speed of a fluid stream in a downstream direction toward a nozzle exit. At least two of the regions having generally elliptical cross sectional shapes oriented in different directions for applying torsional forces to a fluid stream passing there through, tending to bring sperm cells in the stream into a desired orientation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an approach for the simultaneous determination of the activation states of a plurality of proteins in single cells. This approach permits the rapid detection of heterogeneity in a complex cell population based on activation states, and the identification of cellular subsets that exhibit correlated changes in activation within the cell population. Moreover, this approach allows the correlation of cellular activities or properties. In addition, the use of potentiators of cellular activation allows for characterization of such pathways and cell populations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media for using actuated surface-attached posts for assessing biofluid rheology are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for testing properties of a biofluid specimen includes placing the specimen onto a micropost array having a plurality of microposts extending outwards from a substrate, wherein each micropost includes a proximal end attached to the substrate and a distal end opposite the proximal end, and generating an actuation force in proximity to the micropost array to actuate the microposts, thereby compelling at least some of the microposts to exhibit motion. The method further includes measuring the motion of at least one of the microposts in response to the actuation force and determining a property of the specimen based on the measured motion of the at least one micropost.

Abstract: A method of sorting stained particles in a flow cytometer by generating a mathematical model based upon extracted features of waveform pulses produced in response to the stained particles. Waveform pulses can then be analyzed to determine the probability the stained particles belong in either a first or a second population and a decision boundary can be established. Sorting decisions can be made based upon the extracted features of the waveform pulses relative to the decision boundary in combination with other desirability factors for particles or droplets containing the particles.

Abstract: A system and method for sorting a mixture of stained particles including a digital signal processor for analyzing and classifying the digital information generated from the particles and providing a sorting signal to a sorting system as a function of the analyzed and classified digital information.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for simultaneously detecting the activation state of a plurality of proteins in single cells using flow cytometry. The invention further provides methods and compositions of screening for bioactive agents capable of coordinately modulating the activity of a plurality of proteins in single cells. The methods and compositions can be used to determine the protein activation profile of a cell for predicting or diagnosing a disease state, and for monitoring treatment of a disease state.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for performing assays for determining the time required for a sample of blood to coagulate. The apparatus comprises reaction chambers coated with one or more clotting agent. A drop of blood or equivalent is placed at the sample application port, diluted, and contacted with the clotting agents in the reaction chambers. The diluted blood sample can be moved back and forth through the reaction chambers until blood clots. The blood clotting process forms fibrin stands that prevent the flow of the blood sample in the reaction chambers. The clotting time is the total time from the sample entering the reaction chambers to the time at which the waveform in the reaction chambers change, or the motion or flow of the sample ceases, and can be measured by turbidity.

Abstract: A method of correction of particle interference to hemoglobin measurement of a blood sample on a hematology analyzer is provided. The method includes mixing an aliquot of a blood sample with a lytic reagent to lyse red blood cells and forming a sample mixture; measuring absorbance of the sample mixture at a predetermined wavelength of a hemoglobin chromogen formed in the sample mixture, and obtaining an apparent hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample using obtained absorbance; measuring concentration and size of cellular particles remaining in the sample mixture; removing contribution of the cellular particles to the apparent hemoglobin concentration using the concentration and the size of the cellular particles to obtain a corrected hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample; and reporting the corrected hemoglobin concentration of the blood sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for the quantitative analysis of in vivo mutation frequencies of the Pig-A gene in individuals exposed to a genotoxicant, particularly using peripheral blood samples of vertebrates.