Time-Resolved WBC Classification Using Multi-Channel Luminescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for white blood cell classification are prone to errors and are limited in reliability, accuracy, and precision, particularly in low-resource settings, due to their reliance on complex and expensive optical setups or fluorescence intensity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for classifying white blood cells using luminescent dyes, recording luminescence images at multiple timepoints, and analyzing luminescence data series with multiple color channels to distinguish different types of white blood cells based on their morphological differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If light scattering measurements using laser are used in addition to fluorescence measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the light scattering measurement component from the optical setup, relying solely on fluorescence measurements with multiple dyes to achieve WBC classification. This eliminates the need for complex light scattering apparatus while maintaining classification capability through alternative fluorescent markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple fluorescent dyes that can bind to different cellular components (nucleus, cytoplasm, granules) to perform multiple classification functions simultaneously. This multi-dye approach replaces the need for separate light scattering measurements, allowing one optical system to achieve what previously required multiple measurement modalities.
2Measurement precision
If light scattering measurements using laser are used in addition to fluorescence measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive fluorescent dyes as disposable staining reagents that can be applied to blood samples. These low-cost chemical markers replace expensive laser-based light scattering equipment, achieving accurate WBC classification through affordable consumables rather than expensive durable equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/optical measurement systems (laser light scattering apparatus) with chemical-biological markers (fluorescent dyes). This replacement eliminates the need for complex mechanical optical setups and reduces manufacturing costs by using simpler chemical-based detection methods.
3Device complexity
If fluorescence intensity measurements only are used, then device complexity is reduced and cost is reduced, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluorescence measurement into multiple independent channels, each detecting a different fluorescent dye with specific binding targets (nuclear dyes, cytoplasmic dyes, granule dyes). This segmentation creates multiple independent measurement streams that can be combined to improve classification reliability while keeping each individual measurement channel simple and low-cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite fluorescent staining with multiple dyes having different excitation and emission characteristics. This composite approach combines the signals from various dyes to create a robust classification system that is more reliable than single-dye methods, while still using simple optical detection equipment.
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
Improves classification reliability and precision by capturing changes in luminescence signals over time, allowing for accurate differentiation of white blood cell types using low-cost optical setups.
Implementation Method 1
adding at least one luminescent dye to the sample, thereby staining the WBCs
Implementation Method 2
each luminescence image comprises at least a first color channel and a second color channel
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method for classifying white blood cells (WBCs), the method comprising the steps of: —providing a sample comprising a plurality of WBCs; —adding at least one luminescent dye to the sample, thereby staining the WBCs; —disposing the stained WBCs on a test surface; —recording a luminescence image series comprising luminescence images of the stained WBCs on the test surface at a plurality of different timepoints, wherein each luminescence image comprises at least a first color channel and a second color channel; —for each WBC of the plurality of WBCs, obtaining a luminescence data series by extracting from each luminescence image a luminescence datapoint associated with said WBC, wherein each luminescence datapoint comprises at least a first luminescence emission intensity value in the first color channel and a second luminescence emission intensity value in the second color channel; and—analyzing the luminescence data series of each WBC in order to classify the WBC into one of at least two predetermined categories. The invention further provides an apparatus for classifying WBCs.