Patent ID: 7929121
Filing Date: 2011-04-19
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for enumerating platelets within a blood sample having a plurality of platelets, comprising the steps of: depositing the sample into an analysis chamber adapted to quiescently hold the sample for analysis, the chamber defined by a first panel and a second panel, both of which panels are transparent; admixing a colorant with the sample, which colorant is operative to cause the platelets to fluoresce upon exposure to one or more predetermined first wavelengths of light; illuminating at least a portion of the sample containing the platelets at the first wavelengths; imaging the at least a portion of the sample, including producing image signals indicative of fluorescent emissions from the platelets, which fluorescent emissions have an intensity; identifying the platelets by their fluorescent emissions, using the image signals; determining an average fluorescent emission intensity value for the individual platelets identified within the sample; identifying clumps of platelets within the sample using one or more of their fluorescent emissions, area, shape, and granularity; enumerating platelets within each platelet clump using the average fluorescent emission intensity value determined for the individual platelets within the sample.