For analyzing a sample containing particles of at least two categories, such as a sample containing blood cells, a particle counter subject to a detection limit is coupled with an analyzer capable of discerning particle number ratios, such as a visual analyzer, and a processor. A first category of particles can be present beyond detection range limits while a second category of particles is present within respective detection range limits. The concentration of the second category of particles is determined by the particle counter. A ratio of counts of the first category to the second category is determined on the analyzer. The concentration of particles in the first category is calculated on the processor based on the ratio and the count or concentration of particles in the second category.

The present invention relates to a biomolecule detection apparatus capable of easily and quickly detecting various biomolecules associated with diseases and determining the presence or absence of a specific disease. The biomolecule detection apparatus of the present invention includes a micropore device, a microchip, and sensing electrodes. According to the present invention, a microscale pore is formed inside the micropore device. In addition, the microchip is configured to pass through the microscale pore along the flow of a conductive liquid supplied inside the micropore device, has a surface coated with a sensing molecule complementarily bound to a target biomolecule, and has a unique code for identifying the complementarily bound target biomolecule. The sensing electrodes serve to sense the code by measuring change in current flowing through the pore when the microchip passes through the pore.

A method, system and storage medium for providing an alarm for indicating that an abnormality is present in a sample analyzer are provided. The method includes: mixing a first aliquot of a blood sample with a diluent agent to prepare a first test sample; mixing a second aliquot of the blood sample with a lytic reagent to prepare a second test sample; detecting electrical impedance signals of the first test sample; detecting at least two types of optical signals of the second test sample; acquiring first platelet detection data based on the electrical impedance signals; acquiring second platelet detection data based on the at least two types of optical signals; acquiring an evaluation result based on a difference between the first platelet detection data and the second platelet detection data; determining whether the evaluation result meets a preset condition to provide an alarm.

For analyzing a sample containing particles of at least two categories, such as a sample containing blood cells, a particle counter subject to a detection limit is coupled with an analyzer capable of discerning particle number ratios, such as a visual analyzer, and a processor. A first category of particles can be present beyond detection range limits while a second category of particles is present within respective detection range limits. The concentration of the second category of particles is determined by the particle counter. A ratio of counts of the first category to the second category is determined on the analyzer. The concentration of particles in the first category is calculated on the processor based on the ratio and the count or concentration of particles in the second category.

Particles such as blood cells can be categorized and counted by a digital image processor. A digital microscope camera can be directed into a flowcell defining a symmetrically narrowing flowpath in which the sample stream flows in a ribbon flattened by flow and viscosity parameters between layers of sheath fluid. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell, for example at an edge of a rear illumination opening. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Blood cell images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

Aspects of the present disclosure include systems for detecting light from a particle in a flow stream by spectral discrimination. Light detection systems according to certain embodiments include a wavelength separator component configured to propagate light between a first set of linear variable optical filters and a second set of linear variable optical filters where each set of linear variable optical filters is configured to pass light having predetermined sub-spectral ranges and a plurality of photodetectors positioned to detect light from each sub-spectral range across the linear variable optical filters. Systems having a light source for irradiating a particle in a flow stream and a photodetector modulator component for binning data signals generated in a plurality of photodetector channels of the light detection system are also described. Methods for detecting light with the subject systems and kits having one or more components for detecting light according to the subject methods are also provided.

Particles such as blood cells can be categorized and counted by a digital image processor. A digital microscope camera can be directed into a flowcell defining a symmetrically narrowing flowpath in which the sample stream flows in a ribbon flattened by flow and viscosity parameters between layers of sheath fluid. A contrast pattern for autofocusing is provided on the flowcell, for example at an edge of a rear illumination opening. The image processor assesses focus accuracy from pixel data contrast. A positioning motor moves the microscope and/or flowcell along the optical axis for autofocusing on the contrast pattern target. The processor then displaces microscope and flowcell by a known distance between the contrast pattern and the sample stream, thus focusing on the sample stream. Blood cell images are collected from that position until autofocus is reinitiated, periodically, by input signal, or when detecting temperature changes or focus inaccuracy in the image data.

A measuring cuvette for counting and/or characterizing cells, the measuring cuvette including a base and a transparent lateral enclosure extending from the base so as to form with the latter an optical measurement chamber; the base having a through-orifice with a diameter of 30 to 100 μm for cells to pass through, characterized in that the base and the transparent lateral enclosure form a one-piece cuvette suitable both for impedance measurement and for optical measurement. Also, a system for characterizing cells, which includes the measuring cuvette.

A system and a method for the batch sorting of particles are provided. An example of a batch sorting system includes a microfluidic ejector, a flow channel fluidically coupled to the microfluidic ejector at one end, and a reservoir coupled to an opposite end of the flow channel from the microfluidic ejector. A counter is disposed in the flow channel upstream of the microfluidic ejector to count particles prior to ejection from the microfluidic ejector. An optical sensor is to image the flow channel. A controller is configured to locate a target particle in the flow channel based, at least in part, on the image and capture the target particle in a collection vessel based, at least in part, on a count from the counter.

Disclosed are a sample analyzing method and a sample analyzer for measuring red blood cells and platelets. The method includes: preparing a first test sample solution containing a blood sample and a diluent; using an impedance method to acquire a first measurement result of red blood cells and platelets; when the first measurement result indicates that the blood sample is abnormal, preparing a second test sample solution containing the blood sample and a diluent or preparing a second test sample solution from the first test sample solution; irradiating the second test sample solution with light; collecting scattered light signals generated by particles in the second test sample solution; and acquiring a second measurement result of red blood cells and platelets in the second test sample solution based on the scattered light signals. Thus, RBC and PLT can be accurately classified especially under a condition of using an ordinary diluent.