Patent ID: 9097704
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for counting cells in a sample of whole blood by means of an automated hematology analyzer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) diluting a sample of whole blood with a diluent, wherein the sample comprises a plurality of white blood cells, nucleated red blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and reticulocytes; (b) contacting the sample with at least one fluorescent dye that specifically binds to and stains one or more nucleic acids in the white blood cells, the nucleated red blood cells, and/or the reticulocytes in the sample; (c) passing the sample through the hematology analyzer to generate a plurality of events, wherein each event comprises a plurality of light scattering signals and a fluorescence emission signal generated by a cell in the sample; (d) separating the events into two data blocks, prior to counting the events, using a fluorescent trigger configured in the hematology analyzer, wherein the first data block includes events having a fluorescence emission signal that is below the fluorescent trigger, and the second data block includes events having a fluorescence emission signal that is above the fluorescent trigger; (e) analyzing the events in the first data block to count the number of red blood cells, platelets, and reticulocytes in the sample; (f) analyzing the events in the second data block to count the number of white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells in the sample.