Patent ID: 6025201
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An automated method for accurately discriminating platelets from non-platelet particles or cells on a cell-by-cell basis in a normal or an abnormal whole blood sample and for determining qualitative and quantitative blood platelet parameters, comprising the steps of:a) analyzing an aliquot of a suspension of said whole blood sample essentially one cell at a time through an aperture capable of detecting at least two measurable signals derivable from said non-platelet particles or cells and said platelets; wherein said measurable signals are detected within said aperture by at least one first detector and at least one second detector; wherein said at least one first detector is an optical detector comprising an optical channel capable of measuring scattered light intensity per unit scattering angle as a function of the scattering angle over a selected angle interval at an increased optical channel signal value, said optical channel signal value deriving from an increase in the gain of a high angle detector, said high angle detector capable of measuring said scattered light intensity over a high angle interval of approximately 5 to 20 degrees; and further wherein said first and second signal detectors produce amplified measurements of said signals sufficient to resolve platelets from non-platelets in said sample; andb) converting said signal measurements into corresponding platelet volume and refractive index values so as to resolve said platelets from said non-platelet particles or cells in said blood sample.