A method of analyzing a blood sample from a subject includes loading the blood sample into a single chamber; acquiring, via an imaging system, a stack of serial focal plane images of the blood sample from a plurality of fields of view of the chamber; creating a virtual three dimensional image of the blood sample from selected ones of the stacks of serial focal plane images; and analyzing the virtual three dimensional image to identify blood formed elements within the blood sample. Identifying blood formed elements within the blood sample may include identifying a type and amount of white blood cells, and/or identifying an amount of red blood cells and/or hematocrit, and/or identifying an amount of platelets. Identifying blood formed elements within the blood sample may include determining numbers and percentage by volume in the blood sample of one or more types of white blood cells.

A method of analyzing a blood sample from a subject includes loading the blood sample into a single chamber; acquiring, via an imaging system, a stack of serial focal plane images of the blood sample from a plurality of fields of view of the chamber; creating a virtual three dimensional image of the blood sample from selected ones of the stacks of serial focal plane images; and analyzing the virtual three dimensional image to identify blood formed elements within the blood sample. Identifying blood formed elements within the blood sample may include identifying a type and amount of white blood cells, and/or identifying an amount of red blood cells and/or hematocrit, and/or identifying an amount of platelets. Identifying blood formed elements within the blood sample may include determining numbers and percentage by volume in the blood sample of one or more types of white blood cells.

An apparatus includes a collection tube for containing a sample, a reading cell container including windows, the collection tube linked to the reading cell container to provide the sample to the reading cell container, a collimated light source composed in such way that light passes through the windows of the reading cell container and is reflected therein, an optical detector for the evaluation of collimated light attenuated by the sample within the reading cell container; and an electronic control device linked to the collection tube, collimated light source and optical detector.

An apparatus includes a collection tube for containing a sample, a reading cell container including windows, the collection tube linked to the reading cell container to provide the sample to the reading cell container, a collimated light source composed in such way that light passes through the windows of the reading cell container and is reflected therein, an optical detector for the evaluation of collimated light attenuated by the sample within the reading cell container; and an electronic control device linked to the collection tube, collimated light source and optical detector.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “η” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “η” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

A method of separating particles (P) having different sedimentation velocities in a fluid sample (30) through centrifugal sedimentation comprises enclosing the sample (30) and rotating the sample about a primary axis (12) outside the sample at a first rotational speed (Ω), and about a secondary axis (22) located in the center of the sample at a second rotational speed (ξ), for subjecting the sample to a varying centrifugal field until each particle (P) has settled at a position which depends on the sedimentation velocity of the particle.

A method of separating particles (P) having different sedimentation velocities in a fluid sample (30) through centrifugal sedimentation comprises enclosing the sample (30) and rotating the sample about a primary axis (12) outside the sample at a first rotational speed (Ω), and about a secondary axis (22) located in the center of the sample at a second rotational speed (ξ), for subjecting the sample to a varying centrifugal field until each particle (P) has settled at a position which depends on the sedimentation velocity of the particle.

Analytical assay reaction cartridges, kits containing same, and methods of production and use thereof are disclosed. These cartridges include a magnetic assembly that surrounds at least a portion of a sample read window on the cartridge. The cartridge also includes an analytical reagent positioned therewithin, wherein the analytical reagent comprises magnetic beads coated with at least one anti-red blood cell antibody.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “η” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.