Patent ID: 8323984
Filing Date: 2012-12-04
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for preparing a sample of whole blood for blood cell analysis in a hematology instrument in which a characteristic morphology of individual cell types is sensed by such instrument to differentiate one cell type from another in the whole blood sample, said method comprising the steps of: (a) dispensing predetermined volumes of whole blood and reagent material in a mixing chamber; and (b) mixing said volumes together by injecting a stream of air under pressure at the top surface of the contained volumes for a time and at a pressure sufficient to produce a homogeneous mixture containing blood cells having a characteristic morphology after the mixing step, said air stream being directed at the surface of materials within the mixing chamber at an angle of less than about 10 degrees measured with respect to a normal to said surface and at a region offset from the center of the mixing chamber.