Platelet Enumeration via Fluorescence Imaging and Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood analysis methods face inaccuracies in platelet counting due to the formation of platelet clumps, which can lead to misdiagnosis, especially in species like birds, reptiles, and fish with nucleated thrombocytes, and small mammalian red blood cells that are often confused with platelets, and most automated analyzers fail to accurately differentiate giant platelets and clumps from normal platelets.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an analysis chamber for undiluted blood samples where a colorant causes platelets to fluoresce under specific light wavelengths, allowing for imaging and identification of platelets, clumps, and giant platelets based on fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity, enabling accurate enumeration without dilution or external fluidics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional blood analysis methods are used, then platelet counting can be performed, but platelet clumps cause inaccurate counting leading to false low platelet counts and high white blood cell counts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments platelet clumps into individual platelets through image analysis. By dividing the image into multiple regions and analyzing each region separately, the system can distinguish between individual platelets and clumped platelets, thereby improving counting accuracy and reducing false low platelet counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image analysis system between the blood sample and the final count. This intermediary uses fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity characteristics to differentiate platelets from clumps and giant platelets, providing a more reliable measurement that prevents diagnostic errors.
2Productivity
If automated analyzers are used for platelet counting, then counting speed is improved, but giant platelets and clumps are not accurately differentiated from normal platelets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by examining specific characteristics (fluorescent emissions, area, shape, granularity) of individual platelets and clumps. This localized examination allows the system to differentiate giant platelets and clumps from normal platelets while maintaining automated counting speed through parallel image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds multiple dimensions of analysis beyond simple counting - including fluorescent emission intensity, area, shape, and granularity. This multi-dimensional approach enables accurate differentiation of platelet types while maintaining automated processing speed through integrated image analysis.
3Measurement precision
If manual examination methods are used, then detailed visual inspection is possible, but high degree of training is needed and analysis time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-service analysis by automatically identifying and counting platelets, clumps, and giant platelets using image processing algorithms. This eliminates the need for highly trained manual examiners while maintaining accurate visual inspection capabilities and significantly reducing analysis time through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual examination process with an automated optical and computational system. The image analysis system substitutes human visual inspection and manual counting with automated detection algorithms that process images rapidly and accurately, eliminating training requirements and reducing analysis time.
4Measurement precision
If centrifugal separation methods are used, then sample separation into constituent layers is achieved, but large volumes of contaminated waste are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary information (platelet characteristics) from the blood sample through image analysis, eliminating the need for complete centrifugal separation and subsequent waste disposal. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing waste volume by avoiding bulk processing and disposal of separated components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method provides a more accurate platelet count by distinguishing giant platelets and clumps, reducing false low platelet counts and high white blood cell counts, and is adaptable for portable use and small sample volumes, suitable for point-of-care applications and microgravity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: 1) depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; 2) admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; 3) illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the platelets at the first wavelengths; 4) imaging the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets, which fluorescent emissions have an intensity; 5) identifying the platelets by their fluorescent emissions, using the image signals; 6) determining an average fluorescent emission intensity value for the individual platelets identified within the sample; 7) identifying clumps of platelets within the sample using one or more of their fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity; and 8) enumerating platelets within each platelet clump using the average fluorescent emission intensity value determined for the individual platelets within the sample.