Method for testing a cell sample

Abstract

In this invention, a cell parameter, for example cell volume, is determined by subjecting one or more aliquots of a sample cell suspension to one or more alterations of at least one parameter of the cell environment to identify a point at which the cells achieve a particular shape to obtain a sample specific shape compensation factor. Preferably, the environmental parameter change is a reduction in osmolality.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method for testing a cell sample or a fluid sample.[0002] Many types of cells as well as artificial cells may be tested according to the method of the present invention, although the test is especially suitable for testing red and white blood cells.[0003] It is well known that certain diseases give rise to changes in the condition of blood and especially of the red blood cells. Blood characteristics such as red blood cell count, mean cell volume, haemoglobin content and haematocrits are commonly used in the diagnosis of disease.[0004] The measurement of cell volume is one of the most informative investigations in clinical medicine. Cell size is an important indicator of pathology and in conjunction with haemoglobin, forms the basic classification of anemias. It is the basis of the differentiation of white blood cells and leukaemias, the assessment of prognosis in scores of diseases and is an invaluable screening device for the thalassaemias, the mo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0063] The 3D pattern enables identification of the precise osmolality at which particular cells reach their maximum volume, i.e. when they become spheres. With appropriate calibration, and using the magnitude of the voltage pulse, it is possible to define precisely and accurately the actual volume of such cells. By causing cells to pass through their maximum and differentiating, identification of the point of lysis ie sphered cells is obtained to the nearest {fraction (1/10)} mosm Kg.sup.-1. When the mean cell volume is required, the data is taken from the voltages and thereby the volume at isotonic osmolality corrected for the proportion of cells that are more leptocytotic or spherocytic than normal and the degree of that deviation. When individual cell volumes are required they are obtained directly from the observed voltage pulse or from the frequency distribution data with dispersion statistics or its graphical representation.

0064] In a preferred form of the invention, when the measurements of a blood sample are made a...

Problems solved by technology

In the majority of patients, these results do not cause significant problems but occasionally the erroneous measurements result in misdiagnosis and patient's death.

However, this error...

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