Sedimentation Rate Or Hematocrit Patents (Class 436/70)
-
Patent number: 6319719Abstract: A capillary hematocrit separation structure is included within a housing having a fluid inlet port, a reaction region, and a capillary pathway connecting the inlet port and the reaction region. The capillary pathway is dimensioned so that the driving force for the movement of liquid through the capillary pathway arises from capillary pressure. A plurality of obstructions are fixed in the capillary pathway, each obstruction having a concave portion facing toward the vented reaction region on the down stream side of the obstructions as viewed with reference to a liquid flowing from the inlet port to the reaction region. The capillary pathway in a hematocrit separation structure for a single drop sample size includes about 105 obstructions, each obstruction including a concave portion having a volume of between about 10−4 to 10−5 &mgr;l for selectively receiving hematocrit.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Roche Diagnostics CorporationInventors: Raghbir S. Bhullar, Christopher D. Wilsey, Jeffrey N. Shelton
-
Patent number: 6268217Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing hemochromatosis or a predisposition thereto by detecting an increase in erythrocyte parameters such as mean corpuscular volume or mean corpuscular hemoglobin compared to normal individuals unaffected by hemochromatosis.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Inventors: James C. Barton, Luigi F. Bertoli, Barry E. Rothenberg
-
Patent number: 6245569Abstract: Accurate evaluation of reaction kinetics is evaluated using the threshold-value method. Amenable curve profiles for this method occur whenever, under controlled ambient conditions, the transition of a reaction-dependent variable from an initial state to a final state is observed over time.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Dade Behring Marburg GmbHInventor: Wilfried Meyers
-
Patent number: 6235536Abstract: Formed constituents of a quiescent anticoagulated whole blood sample are optically or visually analyzed in a sample chamber which has a varying through plane thickness due to convergent opposing sample chamber walls. At least one of the convergent walls of the chamber is transparent so that the blood sample constituents can be observed. The chamber's varying thickness produces a first lesser thickness region in the chamber wherein a quiescent monolayer of red blood cells in the sample will reside after the sample is introduced into and fills the chamber. Larger formed constituents such as white blood cells in the sample are unable to enter the aforesaid lesser thickness region of the chamber. The red cells which reside in the greater thickness regions will agglomerate to form rouleaux and lacunea. The exact thickness of the chamber at any particular location in the chamber can be predetermined, or can be determined in situ as the sample is being analyzed.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignees: Wardlaw Partners, LPInventor: Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 6204066Abstract: A method for determining the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes (ESR) includes the steps of placing an anticoagulated sample of whole blood in a transparent capillary tube and subjecting the blood sample and the tube to centrifugation. The position of the erythrocyte/plasma interface in the blood sample is determined at known time intervals during centrifugation of the blood sample. A point during centrifugation wherein the position of the erythrocyte/plasma interface becomes non-linear relative to elapsed centrifugation time is determined; and the slope of successive non-linear interface positions which are observed at subsequent elapsed centrifugation times occurring between the aforesaid point, to the time of substantial completion of centrifugation of the sample, is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 6150174Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the coagulation propensity of blood wherein a condition in a portion of a blood sample is assessed and related to the onset of coagulation. Apparatus for performing the method is encompassed by the invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Diametrics Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kee Van Sin, Carter R. Anderson
-
Patent number: 6127187Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing blood or the like has a centrifuge rotor (10) with a means for visibly holding a sample, and a scanning arm (32) which traverses the rotor and includes a means (38) for sending light to the sample to detect the sample component interfaces. A second light source (40) may be provided for colorimetric inspection of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Roger Clampitt
-
Patent number: 6051433Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignees: Streck Laboratories, Inc., Hematronix, Inc.Inventor: Wayne R. Hengstenberg
-
Patent number: 6017764Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) an aggregating agent such as a high molecular weight polymer or combination of high molecular weight polymers, and (3) chemically fixed mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens. Chemical fixing of the red blood cells provides the ESR control with the capability of providing useful results in the presence of citrate and/or saline.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignees: Streck Laboratories, Inc., Hematronix, Inc.Inventors: Roulhwai Chen, Azra S. Zaidi
-
Patent number: 5948686Abstract: A method for evaluating constituents of a sample of substantially undiluted anti-coagulated whole blood is provided which includes the steps of a) providing a sample chamber; b) admixing a sensible colorant with the sample of whole blood; c) inserting the admixed sample into the sample chamber; d) quiescently holding the admixed sample for a period until rouleaux and lacunae form within the sample; and e) evaluating a target constituent disposed within the lacunae.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Robert A. LeuineInventor: Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5916814Abstract: A presealed integral hematocrit test assembly includes a holder, a bore molded into the holder, and a blood sample tube mounted on the holder adapted to receive a sample of blood by capillary action, whereby the blood sample tube is filled with blood from its inlet end by capillary action, and the test assembly is centrifuged into a column having a red corpuscles portion, white corpuscles portion, and a plasma portion. The method of using the presealed integral hematocrit test assembly includes the steps of measuring the length of the red cells column portion and measuring the total length of the blood column, and dividing the length of the red cells column portion by the total length of the blood column to make the hematocrit determination.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1996Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Drummond Scientific CompanyInventor: James W. Kenney
-
Patent number: 5914272Abstract: In an improved method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) a pre-evacuated test tube (T) is used to collect a blood specimen. The tube (T) is made of a material such as glass or plastics and contains an anticoagulant agent. In order to facilitate mixing of the blood sample a surfactant such as an organosilicone fluid is provided in the tube (T) as an additive.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1998Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Christopher Dufresne, Georges Bonnevial, Jean Emin, Robert S. Golabek, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5912134Abstract: A cartridge is provided to present a biological sample for analysis by an imaging instrument. The cartridge of the invention utilizes a series of channels, capillaries, reservoirs and stop junctions to precisely move a sample, reagent and diluent through the cartridge as a function of the sum of capillary, gravitational and low centrifugal forces. The operator applies a precise amount of sample to the cartridge; therefore, the cartridge fluidics need not meter the sample prior to dilution. A practical and cost effective cartridge and assay process is disclosed which overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. Such a cartridge is especially useful with fixed volume assays which permit low centrifugal accelerations to move the fluids within the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Biometric Imaging, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Shartle
-
Patent number: 5895760Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) an aggregating agent such as a high molecular weight polymer or combination of high molecular weight polymers, and (3) chemically fixed mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens. Chemical fixing of the red blood cells provides the ESR control with the capability of providing useful results in the presence of citrate and/or saline.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Hycor Biomedical, Inc.Inventors: Roulhwai Chen, Azra S. Zaidi
-
Patent number: 5888826Abstract: The present invention provides novel test cartridges for use in the assay of liquid samples and methods of carrying out such assays. These test cartridges are particularly useful in assays which include at least one step during which the sample to be assayed and one or more components of the assay system are kept separated by a pierceable member. The test cartridges comprise a housing through which the sample flows during the assay. The housing includes a holding chamber for holding the sample and a test chamber separated by a pierceable member having a cut therein. The test chamber further includes a partition member which has an opening therethrough and includes at least one reagent for the assay. A transfer member movably mounted in the test chamber can move towards and pierce the pierceable member by moving through the cut and contact the liquid sample in the holding chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.Inventors: Roy Ostgaard, Stephen Schoenberg, Thomas R. Stone, Sourav K. Kundu, Ted S. Geiselman
-
Patent number: 5888822Abstract: A three-phase suspension suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1995Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Hycor Biomedical Inc.Inventor: Wayne R. Hengstenberg
-
Patent number: 5863799Abstract: A three-phase solution suitable for use as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate control having the following three components: (1) a synthetic plasma base, (2) a high molecular weight polymer, and (3) mammalian red blood cells. The control is designed to allow the user to monitor the accuracy and precision of analytical methods for determining the sedimentation rate of human erythrocytes in whole blood specimens.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1997Date of Patent: January 26, 1999Assignee: Hycor Biomedical, Inc.Inventor: Wayne R. Hengstenberg
-
Patent number: 5854076Abstract: The present invention provides methods of using bioactive porous partition members for testing the blood coagulation process or platelet function, wherein the porous partition members have an aperture and have incorporated therein at least one agent capable of initiating blood coagulation or platelet aggregation.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Dade International Inc.Inventors: Sourav K. Kundu, Ted S. Geiselman
-
Patent number: 5851835Abstract: A multi-parameter hematology analyzer and method are provided for in vitro determination of blood parameters. The analyzer apparatus includes a laser for transmitting light through a specimen container containing a minimally diluted blood sample. The light scattered by the constituents of the blood sample are scattered into a pattern which is recorded on a camera image. This image is then processed by image processing software and is used to establish specific blood parameters.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1996Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Center For Laboratory Technology, Inc.Inventor: Warren Groner
-
Patent number: 5834217Abstract: A patient's health may be diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more bodies or groups of bodies such as floats, inserts, liposomes, or plastic beads of different densities. Each density-defined body carries analyte-capture binding materials such as antigens or antibodies, which are specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on a target analyte which target analyte may be in the blood or other sample being tested; and the level of which analyte is indicative of the patient's health. At least one labeled binding material which is also specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on the target analyte is added to the sample so as to form labeled binding material/analyte/body complexes in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co.Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Leon W. M. M. Terstappen, Kristen L. Manion, Rodolfo R. Rodriguez, Adrien P. Malick, Subhash Dhanesar, Stephen J. Lovell, Alvydas J. Ozinskas
-
Patent number: 5830639Abstract: Centrifuged anticoagulated blood samples are analyzed under magnification in a centrifuge tube containing a layer-elongating insert, which tube is placed on a calibrated slide. The slide includes a slot in which the tube is placed. A calibrated scale is disposed adjacent to the slot for use in measuring various blood sample parameters, such as hematocrit, platelet count, and the like. Anemia and/or low platelet counts are indicative of potentially serious complications of malaria. Their detection will prompt a physician to consider the liklihood of serious illness due to malaria. The presence or absence of blood-borne parasites can also be determined using the procedures of this invention. Thus the device allows a blood sample to be analyzed for malarial parasites, and also allows measurement of hematicrit and platelet counts.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5827746Abstract: Method and apparatus to determine the sedimentation of blood. A blood sample is taken, and an anti-coagulant substance is added. The sample is homogenized. The method includes a step of measuring an optical density, or absorbance, of the sample as a function of time and without waiting for the formation of a plasma/corpuscle interface to obtain an optical density measurement. The measurements are carried out at any fixed point of a reading container which contains a micro-volume of blood. The inner diameter of the containing chamber ensures a linear relationship between the optical density and the number of corpuscles present. Finally, the optical density measurement is processsed to obtain a speed of sedimentation.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Sire Analytical Systems SrlInventor: Giovanni Battista Duic
-
Patent number: 5811303Abstract: Quantitative buffy coat (QBC) analysis control compositions are provided which sufficiently mimic whole blood and perform consistently in various QBC systems. The control compositions contain a red blood cell component composed of non-human mammalian red blood cells and a granulocyte component composed of fixed human granulocytes. Methods of making and using the control compositions are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Streck Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Wayne L. Ryan
-
Patent number: 5779983Abstract: In an improved method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) a pre-evacuated test tube (T) is used to collect a blood specimen. The tube (T) is made of a material such as glass or plastics and contains an anticoagulant agent. In order to facilitate mixing of the blood sample a surfactant such as an organo-silicone fluid is provided in the tube (T) as an additive.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Becton, Dickinson & CompanyInventors: Christopher Dufresne, Georges Bonnevial, Jean Emin, Robert S. Golabek, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5776710Abstract: A patient's health may be diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more bodies or groups of bodies such as floats, inserts, liposomes, or plastic beads of different densities. Each density-defined body carries analyte-capture binding materials such as antigens or antibodies, which are specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on a target analyte which target analyte may be in the blood or other sample being tested; and the level of which analyte is indicative of the patient's health. At least one labeled binding material which is also specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on the target analyte is added to the sample so as to form labeled binding material/analyte/body complexes in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Co.Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Leon W. M. M. Terstappen, Kristen L. Manion, Rodolfo R. Rodriguez, Adrien P. Malick, Subhash Dhanesar, Stephen J. Lovell, Alvydas J. Ozinskas
-
Patent number: 5770152Abstract: A device and method for the detection of small particles in a fluid. The device is a collapsible sample container having a opening which is covered, at least in part, by a porous membrane having a plurality (e.g., 100) of pores therein having a pore diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter of the particles to be detected (e.g., 01. to 100 microns). A means for collapsing the container to extrude the liquid sample through the membrane pores is provided along with a means for detecting pressure during the extrusion. The size and number of particles in the liquid is calculated by relating the extrusion pressure required to a pre-calibrated standard. When a constant pressure is applied the rate at which fluid is extruded decreases as the pores of the membrane become clogged with particles.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Aradigm CorporationInventors: Jeffrey A. Schuster, Peter M. Lloyd, Igor Gonda, David Cipolla
-
Patent number: 5745227Abstract: In an improved method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) a pre-evacuated test tube (T) is used to collect a blood specimen. The tube (T) is made of a material such as glass or plastics and contains an anticoagulant/mixing agent. For testing, the tube (T) is put into a rack (1) and loaded into an instrument which mixes the specimen briefly. An optical sensor (3) is used to record the location of the blood/air meniscus at initial time. At subsequent time intervals thereafter for periods up to 20 minutes or less, the optical sensor (3) identifies and measures the location of the cell/plasma interface (I) within an observation window constituting a minor portion of the overall length of the tube (T). The measured value is then converted by an algorithm (10, 11) to the value which would be obtained using the classical Westergren method.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Christopher Dufresne, Georges Bonnevial, Jean Emin
-
Patent number: 5731512Abstract: An improved method for the estimation of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), with capillary tubes lined with preformed anticoagulant, in an oblique position, on a specially designed stand. The method utilizes the property of whole blood to sediment faster in an oblique position but avoids cumbersome mixing of blood and requirements for special equipment. Standard anticoagulant coated capillary tubes are allowed to fill with blood to a predetermined length by capillary action and the tubes are then placed on a specially designed stand for standardized readings of the final blood plasma/erythrocyte cell interface level after 10 minutes. The method enables the physician to obtain information with regards to the ESR within a short time as during consultation or a house call.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Inventors: Henry Lewy, deceased, by Elsa Lewy, heiress
-
Patent number: 5723285Abstract: Centrifuged anticoagulated blood samples are analyzed under magnification in a centrifuge tube containing a layer-elongating insert, which tube is placed on a calibrated slide. The slide includes a slot in which the tube is placed. A calibrated scale is disposed adjacent to the slot for use in measuring various blood sample parameters, such as hematocrit, platelet count, and the like. Anemia and/or low platelet counts are indicative of potentially serious complications of malaria. Their detection will prompt a physician to consider the liklihood of serious illness due to malaria. The presence or absence of blood-borne parasites can also be determined using the procedures of this invention. Thus the device allows a blood sample to be analyzed for malarial parasites, and also allows measurement of hematicrit and platelet counts.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5705739Abstract: In most mammals studied, a histogram of the erythrocytes' density of a healthy individual normally has a Gaussian distribution. Gaussian or near-Gaussian distributions may be characterized by their mean, by their standard deviation, and their absence of skewness. A measurement of the erythrocyte density distribution (EDD) in mammalian whole blood which has been anticoagulated with heparin can yield information which is indicative of certain physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions that are characterized by various EDD abnormalities. These abnormalities may include abnormalities in the standard deviation of the EDD; the mean erythrocyte density; and any skewness of the EDD curve. The hematocrit or percent packed red cell volume, which is obtained at the same time as the EDD can also yield information.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1996Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5656501Abstract: A flow cell for monitoring blood or any other cell suspension under flow prises a rigid transparent base having a pair of holes with inlets and outlets. One hole transfers the cell suspension from a supply to a flow channel and the other hole transfers the tested suspension back from the flow channel to a receiver. A flow plate is sandwiched between the base and a transparent plate. The flow channel is a wide hole in the middle of the flow channel plate which can be an integral part of either the base or the transparent plate. The transparent plate covers the flow channel plate and a rigid cover covers the transparent plate with a hole enabling a microscope objective to approach the flow channel plate. The transparent plate and the cover are attached to each other firmly by any conventional method or the transparent plate can be an integral part of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of JerusalemInventors: Saul Yedgar, Benjamin Gavish, Shuqi Chen
-
Patent number: 5633169Abstract: A method of determining the total carbon dioxide concentration in plasma (TCO.sub.2 plasma) directly from a whole blood sample involves adjusting total carbon dioxide concentration measured in the whole blood sample (TCO.sub.2 whole blood) using a volume dilution factor (VDF) to give a value that is equivalent to TCO.sub.2 plasma.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Nova Biomedical CorporationInventors: Chung C. Young, Jeffrey Chien
-
Patent number: 5611997Abstract: An apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield of the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield of the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield may be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: COBE Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Langley, Larry J. Dumont
-
Patent number: 5605842Abstract: A method for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield of the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield of the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield may be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1995Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Cobe Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Langley, Larry J. Dumont
-
Patent number: 5602037Abstract: The present invention provides novel test cartridges for use in the assay of liquid samples and methods of carrying out such assays. These test cartridges are particularly useful in assays which include at least one step during which the sample to be assayed and one or more components of the assay system are kept separated by a pierceable member. The test cartridges comprise a housing through which the sample flows during the assay. The housing includes a holding chamber for holding the sample and a test chamber separated by a pierceable member. The test chamber further includes a partition member which has an opening therethrough and includes at least one reagent for the assay. A transfer member movably mounted in the test chamber can move towards and pierce the pierceable member and contact the liquid sample in the holding chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: February 11, 1997Assignee: Dade International, Inc.Inventors: Roy Ostgaard, Stephen Schoenberg, Thomas R. Stone, Sourav K. Kundu, Ted S. Geiselman
-
Patent number: 5594164Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rates for a blood specimen (29) which can be linearly transposed to Westergren sedimentation rates. The method includes the steps of inducing accelerated rouleaux formation in the specimen (29) in an amount sufficient to begin settling at substantially the decantation rate for the specimen. In one embodiment a structure (27) which produces a very thin cross-sectional region (37) of the specimen (29) inside the lumen (23) of a specimen container (21) is provided to accelerate rouleaux formation. In an alternative embodiment (120), accelerated rouleaux formation is accomplished using a centrifuge (122). A third embodiment employs a movable rod (223) mounted inside the specimen tube (221) to induce accelerated rouleaux formation. All embodiments of the process next employ gravity settling the specimen in a near horizontal oriented container (21, 121, 221). Thereafter, the amount of settling occurring is determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1994Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Inventor: Brian S. Bull
-
Patent number: 5567869Abstract: A method for quantitation of blood parameters comprises the steps: provision of a sample of plasma, serum or blood, entering the sample into a cuvette with an internal dimension less than 1 mm, illuminating the sample by a light source, measuring and recording the changes of light properties caused by the sample as a function of time, calculating parameters of the recorded light signal/time curve such as slopes, extreme values, and the time distance between such extreme values, and interpreting the parameters as blood parameters. For the measurements, an apparatus is used comprising a cuvette (16, 17) with an internal dimension less than 1 mm, a light source (7, 9), means (8, 10) for measuring currently a light signal from the sample, means for recording the measured light signal values, and means for calculating parameters of the thereby defined light signal versus time graph.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/SInventors: Ole Hauch, Jens B. Knudsen, Thomas M. Plum
-
Patent number: 5531104Abstract: An illuminating device (6, 7) and a light sensor device (5) are each arranged on opposite sides of the sedimentometer (3). The light sensor device (5) can be adjusted in height by means of a servo-motor (18) and contains two light receivers (11, 13; 12 14) arranged one above the other. The output signals of both light receivers (11, 13; 12, 14) are fed to a controller which activates the servo-motor (18) in such a way that the quantities of light falling on both light receivers (11, 13; 12 14) during the process of sedimentation are maintained at a constant predetermined relationship to one another, with the result that the lower light receiver (12, 14) is constantly maintained at a horizontal alignment with the upper surface of the sediment in the sedimentometer (3). The height adjustment of the light sensor device (5) thus forms a basis of measurement of the height of sedimentation during the sedimentation process.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: SIA Schweizer SchmirgelInventors: Manfred Futterer, Gerhard Bolli
-
Patent number: 5506145Abstract: Useful information about a subject's level of systemic inflammation is obtained by quantitatively measuring the amount of fibrinogen and the hematocrit and or hemoglobin in the subject's whole blood. The fibrinogen measurement, when combined with an hematocrit or hemoglobin measurement, provides a systemic Inflammation Index value for the donor. The method is not affected by blood variables which are not related to the presence of inflammation, which blood variables are known to invalidate an erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is the most frequently used blood test for detecting systemic inflammation in humans.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1994Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Inventors: Brian S. Bull, Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5496704Abstract: A biological sample such as feces, sputum, cervical tissue, pleural fluids, exudates, cytologic specimens, or the like, is tested for the presence or absence of: ova; parasites; microorganisms; inflammatory, neoplastic tissue cells; or other target materials which are indicative of infestation, disease or infection. The sample is mixed with a buffer fluid and placed in a transparent tube which contains a volume-constricting cylindrical insert for gravimetric separation of components of the sample. The mixture is centrifuged, and the annular space between the insert and tube bore is examined under magnification for the presence of the target materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Inventors: Paul Fiedler, Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5460979Abstract: A patient's health is diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more groups of particles such as lyposomes or plastic beads of different densities for each group. Each group of density-defined particles carries antigens or antibodies which are specific to a complement antigen or antibody which may be in the blood sample being tested, and which are indicative of the patient's health. A label-tagged antibody which is specific to all bound antibody/antigen couples is added to the blood sample so as to form labelled antibody+antigen-antibody complexes (AAAC) in the blood sample. Upon centrifugation, the complexed particles will settle out in different areas in the tube according to the respective density of the particles, and the degree of label emission of the particle layers can enable qualitative or quantitative analyses of the blood sample to be made.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Leon W. M. M. Terstappen, Thomas J. Mercolino, Diether J. Recktenwald
-
Patent number: 5426054Abstract: A determination of optimal energy insertion, or input, results from a measurement of opacity at various heights in a fluid coagulating system and at the same time from measuring a deviation width of the opacity at a lower measuring point. Simultaneously, a continuous comparison takes place of the opacity measured at the various measuring points, which changes with time, and a comparison of the deviation width of opacity. The optimal energy insertion in the fluid coagulating system is achieved if, at each point in time, the opacity at all measuring points is maintained approximately the same and the deviation width of the opacity is maintained at or near a maximum.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Haake Medingen GmbHInventors: Peter Popp, Ulf Weber
-
Patent number: 5416027Abstract: A process and an apparatus for monitoring the progress of haemodialysis by extra-corporeal measurement of the haematocrit are presented. The process comprises the steps of:calculating at a given time the variation of a function of the haematocrit over a short period, on the one hand, and over a medium period preceding this time, on the other,comparing the values of these variations,the result of this comparison is a first indicator of the progress of the haemodialysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Laboratoire EugediaInventors: Serge Baudin, Philippe Jussiaux
-
Patent number: 5403714Abstract: A biologic sample such as feces, sputum, cervical tissue, pleural fluids, exudates, cytologic specimens, or the like, is tested for the presence or absence of: ova; parasites; microorganisms; inflammatory, neoplastic tissue cells; or other target materials which are indicative of infestation, disease or infection. The sample is mixed with a buffer fluid and placed in a transparent tube which contains a volume-constricting cylindrical insert for gravimetric separation of components of the sample. The mixture is centrifuged, and the annular space between the insert and tube bore is examined under magnification for the presence of the target materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1993Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw, Paul N. Fiedler
-
Patent number: 5385846Abstract: A biosensor and method for determining the hematocrit level of a whole blood sample using electrochemistry. The biosensor includes working and counter electrodes. A porous membrane is impregnated with an electroactive compound and is spatially displaced from the surface of the electrodes. When a whole blood sample is applied to the porous substrate, a mixture of the electroactive compound and the blood is formed. The mixture settles on the electrodes and a potential difference is applied sufficient to oxidize or reduce the electroactive compound and generate a current. This current can be measured and correlated to hematocrit level.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: January 31, 1995Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim CorporationInventors: Lance S. Kuhn, Mary L. Ochs, Gilbert C. Morris
-
Patent number: 5321975Abstract: Erythrocytes exist in vivo in a continuous cell subset gradient of density, with the youngest cells being the lightest. A blood sample is centrifuged in a transparent tube containing plastic beads which are selected to include groups of beads wherein each group has a different sharply defined specific gravity, and which are distributed within the range of red cell densities. The beads form spaced well-defined bands in the erythrocyte layer, which bands form boundaries between the different cell subset layers. Measurements of the lengths of the different cell subset layers are then made to quantify the red cell subsets in the patient's blood.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1991Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Inventors: Robert A. Levine, Stephen C. Wardlaw
-
Patent number: 5316729Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate comprising a measuring head having at least light barrier, which can be moved along a test cell containing a blood sample. The output signals of light detectors (52, 54, 60) of the light barriers are fed to an evaluating processor (74), which continuously compares the profiles of the optical density obtained at different measuring times with various reference curves having a known final value of the position of the interphase between the serum and the blood cake.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Inventors: Helmut Orth, Joachim Horrer, Dietmar Holst
-
Patent number: 5316730Abstract: A disposable cartridge for measuring the physical properties of blood is disclosed. A waste compartment supports a platform having first and second syringe fittings. First and second syringes containing blood samples to be measured are positioned within the fittings. At least one testing station is located on the platform for subjecting blood flowing from one of the syringes to a test station, and the testing station is connected at a second end to the waste compartment. Tests on blood running through each of the blood channels may be conducted by inducing various platelet activation conditions, such as piercing a channel, or putting a platelet activating substance within a test channel. The cartridge interfaces with a test stand which will measure pressure changes within each of the test channels.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1992Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: XYLUM CorporationInventors: Joseph W. Blake, Robert Cousineau, Mark Rosen, William Watson
-
Patent number: 5316952Abstract: An improved blood sample apparatus having a capillary channel formed in a basal element and enclosed with a transparent overlay to create a capillary tube. A chamber for receiving a sample of blood is formed in the basal element at one end of the capillary channel. A blotter is placed in the chamber to receive the sample of blood. An overflow reservoir is formed perpendicularly to the capillary tube and receives surplus blood in excess of that needed to fill the capillary tube. A scale adjacent the capillary tube provides an automatic reading of the hematocrit. The transparent overlay sealingly encloses the sample of blood inside the hematocrit apparatus. The transparent overlay also includes a writing surface and a machine-readable indicia.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1991Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Technical Research Associates, Inc.Inventor: Owen D. Brimhall
-
Patent number: RE36054Abstract: A disposable cartridge for measuring the physical properties of blood is disclosed. A waste compartment supports a platform having first and second syringe fittings. First and second syringes containing blood samples to be measured are positioned within the fittings. At least one testing station is located on the platform for subjecting blood flowing from one of the syringes to a test station, and the testing station is connected at a second end to the waste compartment. Tests on blood running through each of the blood channels may be conducted by inducing various platelet activation conditions, such as piercing a channel, or putting a platelet activating substance within a test channel. The cartridge interfaces with a test stand which will measure pressure changes within each of the test channels.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1996Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: XYLUM CorporationInventors: Joseph Blake, Robert P. Cousineau, Mark I. Rosen, William C. Watson