Apparatus and methods are described including introducing a cell suspension comprising red blood cells into a carrier that is a closed cavity that includes a base surface, via an inlet defined by the carrier. The cells in the cell suspension are allowed to settle on the base surface of the carrier to form a monolayer of cells on the base surface of the carrier. At least one microscope image of at least a portion of the monolayer of cells is acquired. Other applications are also described.

Various examples of systems and methods are provided for slide processing. In one example, among others, a system for processing microscope slides includes a slide positioner that can adjust a position of a slide and a slide treatment system that can dispense a micro stream of a fluid at a location on the slide when the slide is positioned beneath a jet nozzle of the slide treatment system. The system can include a slide sled that can align a smearing slide with a surface of the slide including a fluid sample is disposed, and support the smearing slide at a predefined angle with respect to the surface of the slide. In another example, a method includes obtaining a slide including a sample disposed on a surface, positioning the slide below to a jet nozzle, and dispensing a micro stream of a fluid onto the sample using the jet nozzle.

System for acquiring a digital image of a sample on a microscope slide. In an embodiment, the system comprises a stage configured to support a sample, an objective lens having a single optical axis that is orthogonal to the stage, an imaging sensor, and a focusing sensor. The system further comprises at least one beam splitter optically coupled to the objective lens and configured to receive a field of view corresponding to the optical axis of the objective lens, and simultaneously provide at least a first portion of the field of view to the imaging sensor and at least a second portion of the field of view to the focusing sensor. The focusing sensor may simultaneously acquire image(s) at a plurality of different focal distances and/or simultaneously acquire a pair of mirrored images, each comprising pixels acquired at a plurality of different focal distances.

System for acquiring a digital image of a sample on a microscope slide. In an embodiment, the system comprises a stage configured to support a sample, an objective lens having a single optical axis that is orthogonal to the stage, an imaging sensor, and a focusing sensor. The system further comprises at least one beam splitter optically coupled to the objective lens and configured to receive a field of view corresponding to the optical axis of the objective lens, and simultaneously provide at least a first portion of the field of view to the imaging sensor and at least a second portion of the field of view to the focusing sensor. The focusing sensor may simultaneously acquire image(s) at a plurality of different focal distances and/or simultaneously acquire a pair of mirrored images, each comprising pixels acquired at a plurality of different focal distances.

Build material handling unit (2) for a powder module (3) for an apparatus for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects, which apparatus is adapted to successively layerwise selectively irradiate and consolidate layers of a build material (4) which can be consolidated by means of an energy source, wherein the build material handling unit (2) is coupled or can be coupled with a powder module (3), wherein the build material handling unit (2) is adapted to level and/or compact a volume of build material (4) arranged inside a powder chamber (5) of the powder module (3) by controlling the gas pressure inside the powder chamber (5).

A method of analyzing a plurality of histology slides is provided, wherein possible artefacts are detected at an early stage. This is achieved by including a preliminary imaging and image analysis step in the process flow; the step being executed preferably before any diagnostic assessment e.g. image analysis or manual reading is performed by a pathologist or a lab technician. Accordingly, the histology slides reaching the expert for image analysis are of a higher quality, since the slides are ideally free of artefacts. The method thus saves valuable time for the pathologist, since only artefact-free slides will be subject to a detailed analysis. Furthermore, the method minimizes the risk of misinterpretations leading to potentially false diagnoses. A deep learning model, is also disclosed, which is capable of automatically determining whether histopathological images are suitable for diagnostic and/or research assessment. A training of the deep learning model is also disclosed.

A method of analyzing a plurality of histology slides is provided, wherein possible artefacts are detected at an early stage. This is achieved by including a preliminary imaging and image analysis step in the process flow; the step being executed preferably before any diagnostic assessment e.g. image analysis or manual reading is performed by a pathologist or a lab technician. Accordingly, the histology slides reaching the expert for image analysis are of a higher quality, since the slides are ideally free of artefacts. The method thus saves valuable time for the pathologist, since only artefact-free slides will be subject to a detailed analysis. Furthermore, the method minimizes the risk of misinterpretations leading to potentially false diagnoses. A deep learning model, is also disclosed, which is capable of automatically determining whether histopathological images are suitable for diagnostic and/or research assessment. A training of the deep learning model is also disclosed.

A external accessory can allow a mobile device to perform microscopy imaging with Type-C ultraviolet (UVC) light excitation. The external accessory includes a compound lens placed in front of a camera lens of the mobile device. A light transparent optical window configured to be placed in front of the compound lens and positioned such that a front surface of the optical window overlaps the front focal plane of the compound lens. One or more light emitting diode (LED) that emits UVC light positioned at one or more side-edges of the optical window. The one or more LED emits UVC light through the optical window so that the UVC light undergoes total internal reflection. An externally triggered LED driver configured to power and control the LED(s).

A digital slide scanning apparatus slide stage is configured to hold 1×3 and 2×3 glass slides. The slide stage is configured to alter its position by lateral shift or rotation to present the 1×3 or 2×3 sized recess to a slide rack for loading of the slide onto the stage. Also, a removable insert may configure the stage to hold a 1×3 glass slide when present and to hold a 2×3 glass slide when removed. Alternatively, a gripper stage is described herein that includes a fixed arm and a movable arm, each with one or more contact points configured to engage a side surface of the glass slide. Once the glass slide is secured between the contact points of the movable arm and the contact points of the fixed arm, the slide is further processed for scanning.

A digital slide scanning apparatus slide stage is configured to hold 1×3 and 2×3 glass slides. The slide stage is configured to alter its position by lateral shift or rotation to present the 1×3 or 2×3 sized recess to a slide rack for loading of the slide onto the stage. Also, a removable insert may configure the stage to hold a 1×3 glass slide when present and to hold a 2×3 glass slide when removed. Alternatively, a gripper stage is described herein that includes a fixed arm and a movable arm, each with one or more contact points configured to engage a side surface of the glass slide. Once the glass slide is secured between the contact points of the movable arm and the contact points of the fixed arm, the slide is further processed for scanning.