Automated White Blood Cell Counting via Optical Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining white blood cell counts are time-consuming, require manual expertise, and often need laboratory settings, limiting their availability for quick and accurate point-of-care diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
A sample acquiring device with a measurement cavity and reagents for lysing red blood cells and staining white blood cells, allowing for direct analysis of whole blood samples without preparation, using a system that includes a light source and imaging system for digital image acquisition and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual procedure with staining and microscopic viewing is used, then white blood cell count can be determined, but analysis time is long and requires experienced personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical microscopic counting system with an automated optical scanning and image analysis system. The device uses a light source to illuminate the sample, a camera to capture images, and software to automatically count and identify white blood cells, eliminating the need for manual microscopic examination while maintaining counting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-analysis through automated image capture and processing. The software automatically identifies white blood cells in captured images, counts them, and generates results without requiring experienced personnel to perform manual counting, thereby reducing both time and expertise requirements.
2Measurement precision
If sample settling is performed in counting chamber, then white blood cells can be focused for counting, but waiting time of several minutes is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary staining to white blood cells before analysis, which enhances their visibility and contrast in the captured images. This pre-treatment allows for immediate accurate identification and counting without requiring extended settling or focusing time, as the stained cells are readily distinguishable from the start.
3Extent of automation
If automated analysis by Coulter principle is used, then white blood cell count can be determined automatically, but cell size determination is needed which complicates the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical impedance-based Coulter principle with an optical-based image analysis system. Instead of measuring cell size through electrical resistance changes, the system captures optical images of cells and uses image processing algorithms to identify and count white blood cells, simplifying the physical measurement process while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes staining that produces color changes in white blood cells, allowing for their automatic identification through image analysis. The stained cells exhibit distinct color characteristics that enable automated differentiation from other blood components without requiring complex size measurement apparatus.
4Extent of automation
If fluorescent dye and laser scanning are used, then white blood cells can be enumerated automatically, but extensive sample preparation and waiting for settlement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and utilizes only the essential staining function without requiring the complex fluorescent dye and laser scanning system. By using simpler optical illumination and standard imaging, the system achieves automated enumeration while eliminating the need for extensive sample preparation and settling procedures required by fluorescent methods.
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
Enables rapid, simple, and reliable volumetric enumeration of white blood cells at the point of care, reducing analysis time and eliminating the need for complex apparatus or extensive sample preparation, suitable for use by non-qualified personnel.
Implementation Method 1
a hemolysing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample
Implementation Method 2
a staining agent for selectively staining white blood cells in the blood sample
Data Source
AI summary
A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of white blood cells in a blood sample comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a hemolysing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and a staining agent for selectively staining white blood cells in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyser arranged to analyse the acquired digital image for determining the number of white blood cells in the blood sample.