Automated Cell Monolayer Preparation for Cytology Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing body fluids, such as blood and cytology samples, face challenges including cell morphology distortion during preparation, inhomogeneous sampling, loss of small cells, and the inability to accurately determine the number of cell types, which hinders the diagnosis of conditions like leukemia and inflammatory diseases.

Innovation Solution

A system and process for preparing and imaging cells from body fluids, allowing for the creation of a monolayer on a slide, which enables accurate visualization and counting of cells using automated imaging, reducing the need for manual microscopic review and minimizing cell overlap, thereby preserving morphology and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual smear preparation is used, then cell morphology can be visualized, but cell morphology is distorted and cells overlap

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell morphology visualizationVSAvoidcell morphology preservation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning the smear preparation apparatus, controlling the mechanical smear formation process with precise parameters, and pre-positioning the microscope stage before cell deposition to prevent overlap and distortion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual mechanical smear preparation with an automated mechanical system that uses controlled mechanical forces to form uniform smears, eliminating the variability and distortion caused by manual techniques while maintaining cell morphology integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated flow cytometry is used, then cell counting is efficient, but morphological characterization is indirect and requires further manual testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell counting efficiencyVSAvoiddirect morphological information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges automated flow cytometry capabilities with direct microscopic visualization by integrating the smear preparation apparatus with the microscope, allowing simultaneous automated cell counting and direct morphological assessment in a single workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system performs multiple functions including cell deposition, smear formation, morphological visualization, and cell counting, eliminating the need for separate manual differential counts and providing both quantitative and qualitative analysis in one system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual differential count is performed, then accurate cell type identification is achieved, but operator time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell type identification accuracyVSAvoidoperator time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by incorporating automated image capture and analysis capabilities that perform cell type identification without requiring skilled operators to manually examine each slide, allowing the system to independently complete the differential count process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual visual inspection process with an automated imaging and analysis system that uses computer algorithms to identify and classify cell types, eliminating the need for operator time while maintaining or improving identification accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If centrifugation or filtration is used for cell collection, then cells are concentrated, but small cells are lost and sampling becomes inhomogeneous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell concentrationVSAvoidsampling homogeneity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces centrifugation and filtration mechanisms with a direct deposition method that uses controlled mechanical forces to transfer cells from the liquid sample onto the slide, preserving the relative proportions of all cell types including small cells while achieving adequate concentration for visualization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10764538B2Systems and methods for analyzing body fluids

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS HEMATOLOGY INC

AI summary

Systems and methods analyzing body fluids contain cells including blood, bone marrow, urine, vaginal tissue, epithelial tissue, tumors, semen, and spittle are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide and generating a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and method for utilizing multi-color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.