DEVICE FOR PERFORMING A BLOOD, CELL, AND/OR PATHOGEN COUNT AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF
First Claim
1. A system for performing an automated cell count, comprising:
- a testing device having data collection and data analysis capabilities and the ability to interface with a means for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count;
a testing apparatus communicatively coupled to the testing device, wherein the testing device includes an image sensor, and a port configured such that the means for performing the blood, cell, and/or pathogen count can be inserted into the testing apparatus and positioned in proximity to an image sensor;
the testing apparatus further including a light source capable of transmitting at least one wavelength of light configured to allow the image sensor to capture at least one image of the means for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count, wherein the image sensor is configured to collect an image of sufficient resolution for discerning individual cells in the image taken of the means for performing the blood, cell, and/or pathogen count; and
an automated counting system stored in a computer readable format and electronically coupled to the testing device, wherein the automated counting system is configured to count individual cells in at least a portion of the image and classify them according to cell type.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods for performing a point of care blood, cell, and/or pathogen count or a similar blood test. Disclosed herein are systems that can be used to provide rapid, accurate, affordable laboratory-quality testing at the point of care. The systems described herein are capable of imaging and counting individual cells in a prepared cell sample (e.g., a peripheral blood smear or a blood sample prepared in a microfluidic device) or another prepared cell-containing sample without the need for a microscope or other expensive and cumbersome optics. The systems described herein are designed to eliminate or replace expensive, centralized clinical testing equipment and technical personnel. Such systems may include automated data reporting and decision support.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A system for performing an automated cell count, comprising:
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a testing device having data collection and data analysis capabilities and the ability to interface with a means for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count; a testing apparatus communicatively coupled to the testing device, wherein the testing device includes an image sensor, and a port configured such that the means for performing the blood, cell, and/or pathogen count can be inserted into the testing apparatus and positioned in proximity to an image sensor; the testing apparatus further including a light source capable of transmitting at least one wavelength of light configured to allow the image sensor to capture at least one image of the means for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count, wherein the image sensor is configured to collect an image of sufficient resolution for discerning individual cells in the image taken of the means for performing the blood, cell, and/or pathogen count; and an automated counting system stored in a computer readable format and electronically coupled to the testing device, wherein the automated counting system is configured to count individual cells in at least a portion of the image and classify them according to cell type. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for performing an automated cell count, comprising:
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providing a means for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count; preparing a cell sample for counting using the means; providing a testing device having data collection and data analysis capabilities and the ability to interface with the means for means for performing the blood, cell, and/or pathogen count; inserting the means for means for performing the blood, cell, or pathogen count into a testing apparatus that is communicatively coupled to the testing device, wherein the testing apparatus includes; an image sensor, and a port configured such that the means for means for performing the blood, cell, and/or pathogen count can be inserted into the testing apparatus and positioned in proximity to the image sensor; illuminating the cell sample prepared with the means with at least one wavelength of light configured to allow the image sensor to capture at least one image of the cell sample, wherein the image sensor is configured to collect an image of sufficient resolution for discerning individual cells in the image taken of the cell sample prepared on the means; and querying an automated counting system stored in a computer readable format and electronically coupled to the testing device, wherein the automated counting system is configured to count individual cells in at least a portion of the image of the cell sample and classify them according to cell type. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A system for performing an automated blood, cell, and/or pathogen count, comprising:
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a microfluidic device configured for performing a blood, cell, and/or pathogen count, wherein the microfluidic device includes a counting chamber configured for performing a complete blood, cell, and/or pathogen count and at least one fluid channel in fluid communication with the counting chamber for introducing a cell sample into the counting chamber, wherein the counting chamber includes a fixative for immobilizing blood cells the counting chamber; a testing apparatus communicatively coupled to a computing device, wherein the testing apparatus includes a port configured such that the microfluidic device can be inserted into the testing apparatus, one or more optical elements selected and positioned for magnifying an image of one or more blood cells in the counting chamber onto an image sensor, and at least one conduit allowing data transfer back and forth between the image sensor and the computing device; a light source capable of transmitting at least one wavelength of light configured to allow the image sensor to capture at least one image of at least a portion of the counting chamber of the microfluidic device, wherein the image sensor has a pixel size sufficient for discerning individual cells in the image taken of the at least a portion of the counting chamber of the microfluidic device; and an automated counting system stored in a computer readable format and electronically coupled to the computing device, wherein the automated counting system is configured to count individual cells in the image taken of the at least a portion of the counting chamber of the microfluidic device and classify them according to cell type.
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Specification