Method for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals in undiluted whole blood

An apparatus and method for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals within a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) disposing the sample within a sample chamber in a sample layer having a height not greater than about fifteen microns (15μ); b) disposing the sample layer within the sample chamber between a polarizing filter and an analyzing filter; c) disposing the polarizing filter, sample chamber, and analyzing filter in a configuration relative to a light source such that polarized light passes through the sample, and subsequently impinges on the analyzing filter; and d) wherein polar orientations of the polarizing filter and the analyzing filter are such that the polarized light will not pass through the analyzing filter, and light passing through an anisotropic crystal disposed within the sample will pass through the analyzing filter and appear as a point of light.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for analysis of biologic fluid samples (e.g., blood) in general, and for the detection of anisotropic crystals within the samples in particular.

2. Background Information

Anisotropic (also referred to as birefringent) crystals are not usually present in liquid whole blood of healthy subjects. Whole blood that is allowed to dry will generally result in the precipitation/formation of crystals and particles that are anisotropic but have no readily detectable anisotropic features while they are in solution. Anisotropic solid substances that may be present in un-dried whole blood include: 1) phagocytosed uric acid crystals (seen in acute gout), 2) phagocytosed cholesterol crystals seen in degenerative states of intra-arterial plaque in which plaque is phagocytosed, 3) phagocytosed Charcot-Leyden crystals found in degenerating eosinophils, and 4) hemozoin, a waste product of hemoglobin digestion by hematophagous parasites infecting the vertebrate host such as those in the order Haemosporida. Other parasites that ingest hemoglobin and excrete hemozoin include Schistosomes, an important cause of morbidity throughout the world. Perhaps the medically most important cause of the presence of circulating anisotropic crystals in whole blood in humans is infection with malaria in which the crystals are hemozoin and seen in a small proportion of the red blood cells and in some cases in some monocytes and neutrophils, although the detection and identification of the other mentioned crystals is also potentially clinically useful. Hemozoin is a waste product of the parasites digestion of the red cells hemoglobin. Red blood cells infected with malarial parasites will have significant decreases in their hemoglobin content and or concentration due to the ingestion of the hemoglobin by the parasite and its eventual excretion as the waste product, hemozoin. The formation of crystalline of hemozoin renders it non-toxic to the parasite. Babesia are another genus, with over 100 species, of protozoa that are clinically important members of the order Haemosporida. Both malaria and Babesiosis are found in many species of vertebrates in addition to humans. Birds and reptiles are common hosts. Babesia, in contrast to similar appearing malarial protozoans, according to the literature, do not have hemozoin associated with their infection. This absence of hemozoin in Babesia infections can be of utility in distinguishing the morphologically similar Babesia forms from malarial infections, but obviously hemozoin detection cannot be used as a screening tool for the detection of Babesia infection, Haemoproteus is another genus of protozoa that are parasitic in birds, reptiles and amphibians. These protozoa infect both wild birds and birds in the food chain such as turkeys. The protozoa, like malaria, produce hemozoin.

Hemozoin may be found both in the red blood cells that are infected with the hematophagous parasites or in neutrophils or monocytes that have phagocytosed the infected red blood cells containing the hemozoin or have phagocytosed the free hemozoin released by lysed red blood cells or excreted by the parasite.

While the detection of hemozoin has been used to alert the physician to the possibility of the host organism being infected with a hemozoin excreting parasite, the utility of looking for hemozoin is presently severely limited by the complexity of the methods employed to detect it. Current techniques to discover the hemozoin in erythrocytes or white blood cells from patients with malaria require a relatively high-powered microscope and often require the use of dark field or polarized microscopy. Such instruments are expensive and not suitable for field use,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals within a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) disposing the sample within a sample chamber in a sample layer having a height not greater than about fifteen microns (15μ); b) disposing the sample layer within the sample chamber between a polarizing filter having a polar orientation and an analyzing filter having a polar orientation; c) disposing the polarizing filter, sample chamber, and analyzing filter in a configuration relative to a light source such that light from the light source passes through the polarizing filter and becomes polarized light, and the polarizing light subsequently passes through the sample, and subsequently impinges on the analyzing filler; and d) Wherein the polar orientations of the polarizing filter and the analyzing filter are such that the polarized light will not pass through the analyzing filter, and light passing through an anisotropic crystal disposed within the sample will pass through the analyzing filter and appear as a point of light. The light passing through the anisotropic crystal is able to pass through the analyzing filter because its polar orientation changes as it passes through the anisotropic crystal prior to encountering the analyzing filter. The light passing through the analyzing filter appears as a point of light.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for detecting the presence of anisotropic crystals within a biologic fluid sample is provided. The apparatus includes a housing, a sample chamber, a polarizing filter, an analyzing filter, and a light source. The sample chamber has a chamber height not greater than about fifteen microns (15μ), and the chamber is selectively disposable within the housing. The polarizing filter has a polar orientation, and is disposable within the housing on a first side of the sample chamber. The analyzing filter has a polar orientation, and is selectively disposable within the housing on a second side of the sample chamber, opposite the first side. The light source is positioned such that light from the light source passes through the polarizing filter and becomes polarized light, and the polarizing light subsequently passes through the sample disposed within the chamber, and subsequently impinges on the analyzing filter. In a first configuration the polar orientations of the polarizing filter and the analyzing filter are crossed, and the polarized light will not pass through the analyzing filter. Light passing through an anisotropic crystal disposed within the sample will have a modified polar orientation and will pass through the analyzing filter in the first configuration.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a biologic fluid sample chamber is provided that includes a base plate, an upper panel, at least three separators, and at least one of a positive control area and a negative control area disposed within the chamber between the base plate and an upper panel. The base plate and the upper panel comprise a transparent and isotropic material. The at least three separators are disposed between the base plate and the upper panel. The positive control area contains anisotropic elements and the negative control area does not contain anisotropic elements.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting the presence of hemozoin crystals within a red blood cell in a biologic fluid sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) disposing the sample within a sample chamber in a sample layer having a height not greater than about fifteen microns (15μ); b) imaging the sample by transmitting light through the sample at a wavelength in the range of about 410-420 nm, and identifying red blood cells within the image; and c) evaluating the red blood cells for the presence of at least one area of low transmission, which area of low transmission is indicative of the presence of a hemozoin crystal within the red blood cell.

The present invention examines a layer of biologic fluid sample for the presence of anisotropic crystals using cross polarization, of light passing through the sample. Incident light is passed through a polarizing filter where it is polarized, subsequently passed through the specimen, and is subsequently subjected to an analyzing filter. The polarity orientation of the analyzing filter can be oriented to not allow the polarized light (from the first filter) to pass through the analyzing filter. If the polarized light passing through the sample interacts with an anisotropic crystal, however, the polarity of the light passing through the crystals will change and will thereafter pass through the analyzing filter, becoming, detectable against the dark background created by the polarized analyzing filter. Hence, the presence of anisotropic crystals may be detected.

In some embodiments, one or both of the polarizing filter and analyzing filter are selectively movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the other to a non cross-polar orientation (i.e., an “open” orientation) where the polar axis of each filter is aligned. In a configuration wherein both the polarizing filter and the analyzing filter have the same polarity orientation, light can be transmitted through both filters32,34, where after it can be detected and analyzed. In an analysis mode, epi-fluorescent light can be passed through one of the filters, or one or both of the filters can be moved out of the light path instead of rotating one so that their polarity is un-crossed. When the insertion or removal of the polars from the light path is employed, they can be oriented in the crossed position when present in the light path.

The present method permits the examination of whole blood or other biologic fluids for the presence of hemozoin as well as other anisotropic crystals without significant dilution. If such crystals are found, a more detailed examination of the patient's blood or biological fluids can be performed to determine the nature and location and size of the crystals. In particular, the detailed examination may be facilitated by examining the liquid blood which has been suitably stained with a supravital stain (e.g., acridine orange) and examined with fluorescent microscopy for the presence of malarial parasites at the exact location of the detected hemozoin within the red cell containing the hemozoin. The detailed examination of those red blood cells shown to contain hemozoin may be subsequently be performed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,951,599; 7,929,122; and 7,903,241, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/371,020, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, describe a reader and apparatus operable to determine hemoglobin content of individual red blood cells, as well as absorption of transmitted light at chosen wavelengths and fluorescent emissions from the sample for purposes of additional analyses on the sample.

Whole blood is composed of many compounds that, when crystallized, will depolarize light. However, these compounds have no impact with respect to affecting the polarization of transmitted light while they are in solution, unless the path length is sufficiently large (centimeters). Glucose (dextrose) is an example of such a compound. Additionally, whole blood is also quite opaque unless it is in a thin layer; i.e., nearly a monolayer in thickness. Light that passes through a sample of whole blood disposed in a layer greater than fifteen microns (15μ) is greatly scattered. In view of that light scattering, it is preferable to evaluate an undiluted whole blood sample disposed in a layer having a thickness on the order of equal to or less than fifteen microns; 15μ. Hemozoin can be efficiently detected within a liquid whole blood sample by examining the aforesaid thin layer (preferably only one to several cells thick) of the sample for the presence of anisotropic crystals. The thin layer prevents red blood cells not containing hemozoin from obscuring the transmission of light through the anisotropic crystals.

A chamber in which a sample of undiluted, whole liquid blood is disposed in a thin layer where cells arc relatively immobile (e.g., a monolayer) is particularly desirable. In such a chamber, the visible light signal created by light passing through one or more anisotropic crystals, and their location within the chamber (or relative to one other) will not be extinguished or greatly diminished by superimposed relatively opaque red blood cells. In fact, the location of the light signal can be used to determine if the crystal is extracellular or intracellular, and if it is intracellular, the cell type, etc. Preferably, the chamber is configured to impede evaporation of blood within the chamber for at least a minute or two (1-2) after the sample is disposed within the chamber, and the chamber is preferably free of any anisotropy.

Such a chamber could be filled with a small amount of blood (100 to 500 nanoliters), examined under field conditions and/or in a laboratory by a magnifier in combination with a light source, a polarizing filter, and an analyzing filter (e.g., an opaque tube with non reflective interior surfaces, free of significant light leaks, holding the chamber, a polarizing filter, and an analyzing filter). The light source could he daylight (if sufficiently bright) or an electrically powered light source. The presence of light points in the specimen when examined through the filters32,34in a cross polarized configuration would indicate the presence of anisotropic crystals present in the sample. For some analyses, a positive determination of the existence of anisotropic crystals within the sample may be adequate information for treatment purposes (e.g., in areas where there is a high incidence rate of malaria). In other instances, a sample that proves positive for anisotropic crystals in the initial screening step can then be examined further to provide useful clinical information.

Potential uses for the present invention include: a) screening for malaria infection; b) discriminating Babesia infections from malarial infections; c) screening for acute myocardial infarction and or stroke or other vascular events due to ruptured plaque; d) screening for any parasite that produces hemozoin; e) screening for acute gout in cases of an acute arthritis; f) quantifying the degree of malaria infection in a patient's blood; g) speciation of malarial infections based on size and or shape and or location of hemozoin; h) screening for Schistosomiasis; i) screening for bet-amyloid protein (BAP), associated with Alzheimer disease in peripheral blood or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and wherein Congo red dye may be added to the specimen to make the BAP anisotropic; and j) detection of Haemoproteus infections in birds, reptiles and amphibians.

The present method and advantages associated therewith will become more readily apparent in view of the detailed description provided below, including the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for screening a biological fluid sample (e.g., undiluted whole blood) for the presence of anisotropic crystals is provided. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method and apparatus for screening and analyzing a biological fluid sample containing anisotropic crystals is provided.

Referring toFIGS. 1-4, the present invention utilizes a sample chamber10that includes a base plate12and an upper panel14, both of which are transparent and comprised of an isotropic material. Cyclic polyolefin (e.g., Zeonex® offered by Nippon Zeon Co. Ltd., of Tokyo Japan) is an example of an acceptable material, but the chamber10is not limited to this particular material. Glass can also be used as an isotropic material, but lacks an amount of flexibility that facilitates the creation of a sample chamber of uniform height, as is described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0243117 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/971,860, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Using an isotropic material for the base plate12and upper panel14(and separators24described below) is preferable to prevent optical rotation of light passing there through. A further advantage to using a chamber formed using a flexible material as described in the aforesaid Publication and Application is that it facilitates further analysis of a hematological sample e.g., permitting the determination of valuable hematological data as well as the determination of the presence of malaria. The sample chamber10is formed between the opposing surfaces16,18of the base plate12and upper panel14(i.e., the “interior surfaces”), respectively. Within the sample chamber10, the interior surfaces16,18of the base plate12and the upper panel14are spaced apart from one another and are configured to receive a fluid sample there between for image analysis. The distance between the opposing interior surfaces of the two panels (i.e., “chamber height20”) is such that a biologic fluid sample disposed between the two surfaces16,18will contact both surfaces.

In some embodiments, the sample chamber10is further defined by lateral boundaries22that contain the lateral spread of the sample within the chamber10; e.g., a lateral boundary22may be formed by a hydrophobic coating applied to one or both interior surfaces16,18, or by a bead of adhesive (or other formable) material extending between the interior surfaces, or by a physical configuration that stops lateral flow of the sample.

Within the portion of the sample chamber10where sample is imaged, the interior surfaces16,18are typically, but not necessarily, substantially parallel to one another. The alignment between the base plate12and the upper panel14defines an area wherein light can be transmitted perpendicular to one panel and it will pass through that panel, the sample, and the other panel as well.

In sonic embodiments, at least three separators24(e.g., seeFIGS. 1 and 2) are disposed within the sample chamber10, in contact with both the base plate12and the upper panel14. The separators24may be structures independent of both the base plate12and the upper panel14. The separators24comprise an isotropic material. Examples of acceptable separators24include polystyrene spherical beads that are commercially available, for example, from Thermo Scientific of Fremont, Calif., U.S.A.; e.g., catalogue no, 4204A, in four micron (4 μm) diameter. Polystyrene separators formed to be essentially stress free provide desirable optical characteristics.

Some embodiments of the sample chamber10include one or both of a positive control area26(seeFIGS. 3 and 4) of anisotropic crystals (or other anisotropic substances) and a negative control area28(e.g., one containing isotropic crystals) may be included in the light path in the focal plane of the chamber10. Preferably, the positive and negative control structures (e.g., crystals) about the same size as the target crystals; i.e., about 0.5 microns to several microns in length. The positive control may include any type particulate or crystal that is anisotropic (i.e., birefringent), and optimally from 0.5 to two square microns in area or length. The positive control area26can be used to ascertain the correct functioning of the illumination, polars, focus, and visual or optical sensors. The negative control area28can be used to ensure that there are no anisotropic materials in the analysis area of the chamber such as anisotropic dust particles. The positive and negative control areas26,28provide references that facilitate the analysis of the sample disposed within the chamber10; e.g., the visualization of the positive control crystals or objects during cross polarization and the non-visualization of the negative control crystals or objects during cross polarization indicate proper function and use of the device. The sample chamber10according to these embodiments can be produced in a disposable cartridge form that includes one or both of the positive and negative anisotropic control areas26,28; i.e., a biologic fluid sample chamber that includes a base plate, an upper panel, at least three separators, and at least one of a positive control area and a negative control area.

The apparatus and method for screening a biologic fluid sample for anisotropic crystals can include a holding device30(seeFIG. 2) that includes structure to hold the sample chamber10, a polarizing filter32(sometimes referred to as a “polarizer”), an analyzing filter34(sometimes referred to as an “analyzer”), both of which filters are polarizing filters and may be referred to as “polars”, and magnifying optics35(e.g., seeFIG. 2). In some embodiments, an image detector36is included to capture an image of the light passing through the filters32,34and sample, if any. In some embodiments, the holding device30may include a light source38(e.g., an electrically powered light source), and in other embodiments, the holding device30may be configured to receive light from an external light source (e.g., ambient light if sufficiently bright, or an electrically powered light source). The holding device30is configured to create a light path that is impervious to external light (other than light from the light source38) and one that is internally non-reflective. Within the light path, light from the light source38passes through the polarizing filter32and becomes polarized light39. The polarized light39subsequently passes through the sample chamber10and sample disposed therein. The polarized light39subsequently impinges upon the analyzing filter34. In the screening device, the polar axis33of the polarizing filter32and the polar axis37analyzing filter34are not in agreement (sometimes referred to as “cross-polarization”; e.g., orthogonally oriented as shown inFIG. 3As a result, the polarized light emanating from the polarizing filter32will not pass through the analyzing filter34. As will be explained below, however, polarized light modified as it passes through an anisotropic crystal will pass through the analyzing filter34, appearing as a point of light50. An example of an acceptable magnifying optics35for the screening holding device is a magnifying ocular with a range of five to twenty (5-20) diopters. The chamber10would be placed in the focal plane of the magnifying optics.

The present invention method and apparatus for screening and analyzing a biologic fluid sample for the presence or absence of anisotropic crystals can be implemented using an analysis device40that includes structure for holding a sample chamber10(as described above) between a polarizing filter32and an analyzing filter34, structure44for changing the polar orientation of one or both of the polars32,34relative to the other, a light source38, and a light detector36(e.g., an image dissector).

The structure44for changing the polar orientation of one or both of the polars32,34relative to the other can be manually operated, or automated. For example, the structure44could allow the user to manually move the analyzing filter34relative to the polarizing filter32(i.e., shift the polar axis of the analyzing filter 90° relative to the polar axis of the polarizing filter) between a cross-polar orientation (e.g., seeFIG. 3) and an open orientation (e.g., seeFIG. 4). If the polar orientation of the polarizing filter32and the analyzing filter34are in agreement (sometimes referred to as an “open” orientation, or “non cross-polar” orientation—seeFIG. 4), the polarized light will pass through the analyzing filter34. If the polar orientation of the polarizing filter32and the analyzing filter34are not in agreement (sometimes referred to as a “closed” or “cross-polar” orientation), the polarized light will not pass through the analyzing filter34(seeFIG. 3). As will be discussed below, in the open configuration, elements within the sample (e.g., anisotropic crystals, red blood cells, white blood cells, parasites, etc.) can be analyzed to provide useful clinical information. In an automated embodiment, the structure44for changing the polar orientation clone or both of the polars32,34relative to the other could be automated using hardware, for example, operable to rotate one or both filters32,34between a cross-polar orientation and a non cross-polar orientation.FIG. 2schematically illustrates the polars32,34in close proximity to the sample chamber. The polars32,34can be alternatively placed elsewhere within the light path. The polars may be either linear or circularly polarizing filters, but polars of the linear type are preferred because they are less expensive and more efficient. The “points of light” are best visualized when the contrast is greatest, that is when the light excluded by the presence of crossed polars in the absence of anisotropic substances in its path is close to or greater than 99% of the incident light. Optimal choice of the incident light's wavelength should be chosen so that for the filters being used the greatest contrast is achieved. The efficiency of polarization of light is lower in the blue end of the visual spectrum and it is preferable to minimize blue light from the incident illumination to achieve the greatest contrast. LED's producing amber colored light (e.g., in the range of 550-575 nm) work well. A blocking filter that excludes blue light may also be employed to increase contrast. In addition, a light source38that provides intermittent light through the polars32,34and sample chamber10can be used. The intermittent light (e.g., cycled at a frequency of 0.5 to 5.0 Hertz) facilitates the detection of the points of light during screening.

According to some aspects of the present invention, an automated analysis device such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,869,570; 6,866,823; or 6,929,953, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, could be modified pursuant to the present invention to provide an automated method and apparatus for screening and analyzing a biologic fluid sample for the presence of anisotropic crystals.FIG. 5schematically illustrates such an analysis device40, one that includes a cartridge holding and positioning device42, an objective lens46, one or more light sources38, one or more light detectors36(e.g., image dissectors), and a programmable analyzer48. One or both of the objective lens46and cartridge holding device42are movable toward and away from each other to change a relative focal position. Light transmitted through the sample, and/or fluorescing from the sample, is captured using an image dissector36, and a signal representative of the captured light is sent to the programmable analyzer48, where it is processed into an image and analyzed. The programmable analyzer48includes a central processing unit (CPU) and is in communication with the cartridge holding and manipulating device42, the light sources38, and the image dissectors36. The programmable analyzer is adapted (e.g., programmed) to receive the signals and selectively perform the functions necessary to operate the cartridge holding and manipulating device42, the light sources38, the light detectors36, and the structure44for changing the polar orientation acme or both of the polars32,34. The programmable analyzer48is further adapted to process the image signals to identify the points of light50present, if any, when the sample is interrogated with the polars32,34disposed in a cross-polarization configuration. If points of light50are identified, the programmable analyzer48is adapted to cause the polar orientation of the filters32,34to change into an “open” configuration (or to remove the polars32,34from the light path entirely) to allow the sample to be analyzed via light transmitted through the sample and/or fluorescent light emanating from the sample. The illumination and examination utilizing fluorescence may also, if performed with an epi-illuminating source, be performed with the polars closed, but it is more efficiently performed with the polars open or absent from the light path so that simultaneous analysis of transmitted light may be accomplished.

In the operation of the invention, a biological fluid sample (e.g., undiluted whole blood) is disposed within the sample chamber10. The sample chamber height (e.g., typically between 4 and fifteen microns—4-15μ) is such that the sample contacts the interior surfaces16,18of both the upper panel14and the base plate12, and is thin enough so that constituents (e.g., red blood cells) within the sample other than anisotropic crystals do not substantially obscure the transmission of light through anisotropic crystals that may be present within the sample chamber10.

In the case of a method and apparatus for screening a biological fluid sample for the presence of anisotropic crystals, the sample chamber10containing a biologic fluid sample may be inserted into the holder30between the polarizing filter32and the analyzing filter34(also a polarizing filter). The polars32,34are oriented in a cross-polar configuration such that light emanating from the light source38, and becoming polarized through the polarizing filter32, will pass through the sample chamber10but will be blocked by the analyzing, filter34, and therefore will not pass through the analyzing filter34. In the event anisotropic crystals are present within the biological fluid sample (e.g., hemozoin crystals present within a blood sample as a result of malarial parasites), polarized light passing through the anisotropic crystals will change polarization into a form that at least a portion of which will be able to pass through the analyzing filter34. As a result, an image is produced that includes a dark background (created by the blocked polarized light) with some number of points of light50created by the light altered during passage through the anisotropic crystals. The image shown inFIG. 6illustrates a number of points of light50present within the image, indicating the presence of anisotropic crystals within the sample. The points of light50establish the presence of anisotropic crystals within the sample. As indicated above, the sample chamber10may include one or both of a positive control area26of anisotropic crystals and a negative control area28without anisotropic crystals, which control areas are disposed within the sample chamber so they are in (or can be moved in) the light path in the focal plane of the chamber10. The positive and negative control areas26,28can be evaluated to determine the screening device is working accurately, and the identified points of light50within the sample can be compared against the positive and negative control areas26,28to facilitate the analysis of the sample disposed within the chamber10.

In the case of a device method and apparatus for screening and analyzing a biologic fluid sample for the presence or absence of anisotropic crystals, the sample chamber10containing a biologic fluid sample is inserted between the polarizing filter32and the analyzing filter34. As will be explained below, it is useful to mix one or more non-anisotropic colorants (e.g., acridine orange) with the sample disposed within the chamber10. To screen the sample for the presence of anisotropic crystals, the polar filters32,34are oriented in a cross-polar configuration such that polarized light emanating from the polarizing filter32will pass through the sample chamber10but will be blocked by the analyzing filter34, and therefore will not pass through the analyzing filter34. Polarized light modified as it passes through anisotropic crystals within the sample will change polarization an amount that allows at least a portion of the modified light to pass through the analyzing filter34and appear as a point of light50in the “screening” image (e.g., seeFIG. 6). The screening image will include a dark background (created by the blocked polarized light), and if there is “n” number of anisotropic crystals present, will also include “n” points of light created by the light altered during passage through the anisotropic crystals, where “n” in an integer equal to or greater than one (seeFIG. 6). Here again, the sample chamber10may include a positive and/or a negative control area26,28to facilitate the analysis. The examination of the image to detect points of light50indicative of an anisotropic crystal can be done at a first magnification (e.g., 20×) to facilitate the examination of areas of the relatively thin sample layer,

In the event the screening reveals the presence of one or more anisotropic crystals, the relative orientation of the filters32,34can be changed to a non cross-polar configuration that allows the transmission of light through both the filters32,34; e.g., transmission from the light source and/or fluorescent light emanating from the sample passing through the analyzing filter34. The detected points of light can then be analyzed for additional information; e.g., size and shape of associated crystals. The analysis can be done in real time or can be based on an image created with the filters32,34in a non cross-polar orientation. When a point of light50is detected the technician may switch to a higher magnification (e.g., a 50× or 100× oil immersion) and examine the source of the light with the specimen centered on that source. The points of light50may be associated with crystals associated with malarial parasites located within a red blood cell, or may be crystals independent of a cellular host. Colorants may be used to determine the presence of a cell; e.g., red blood cells, granulocytes, monocytes, etc. For example, acridine orange added to a blood sample can be used to confirm the presence of the malarial parasite within a red blood cell (as can be seen inFIG. 7via fluorescence), and the morphology of the parasite can be used to speciate the malarial parasite. For example, acridine orange will interact with RNA or DNA within a malarial parasite and will fluoresce when exposed to excitation light (seeFIG. 7). Good results have been achieved by including an amount of acridine orange in the sample chamber that is sufficient to yield a final concentration of from 50 to 150 nanograms per micro liter of blood. The volume of the chamber will depend upon the height and area, and will, assuming a four micron (4μ) chamber height and a filled area of one square cm, be about 0.4 microliters (0.4 μl). Once a parasite is located, it can be further inspected to determine the specific type of parasite via its morphology preferably by fluorescent imaging utilizing the morphology of the parasite accentuated by the acridine orange staining of the parasite in the non-fluorescent red blood cell as shown inFIG. 7.FIG. 8is a transmittance image of the sample shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, now imaged in a manner than permits the morphology of the parasites to be determined and the parasites speciated. As a result, treatment can be focused on that particular species of parasite. The analysis of the sample is not limited to the above example, but in fact can be used with any analysis that is useful once the presence of anisotropic crystals is determined within the sample.

In an alternative embodiment, the presence of hemozoin crystals inside red blood cells may be determined by evaluating the sample image for red blood cells having small, concentrated areas of low transmission surrounded by areas of higher transmission and/or a fluorescent signature associated with a hemozoin producing parasite. The concentrated areas of low transmission result from localization of hemozoin byproduct from hemoglobin digestion caused by the parasite; e.g., a malarial parasite. The term “areas of low transmission” is used to describe a relative difference within the sample image when the sample image is subjected to transmission light at a wavelength of about 410-420 nm (preferably 413 nm). InFIG. 8, for example, unaffected red blood cells53appear as relatively dark, uniformally-colored circles, and affected red blood cells appear as having areas of low and high transmission (e.g., localized dark regions surrounded by light colored areas). The darkness is a function of the hemozoin within each cell absorbing light transmitted through the sample at the aforesaid wavelength(s). The cells appear substantially uniformly circular inFIG. 8because they have been subjected to an isovolumetric sphering agent. Hence, the presence of hemozoin crystals within red blood cells within a sample can be determined by quantitatively evaluating the red blood cells within the sample and determining the presence of red blood cells with localized areas of low transmission surrounded by areas of higher transmission. The evaluation may take the form of comparing the hemoglobin content (or concentration) of red blood cells identified as having hemozoin crystals versus the hemoglobin content of red blood cells within the sample that do not have crystals. The determination of the hemoglobin content and/or concentration within a red blood cell is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/051,705, “Method and Apparatus for Determining at Least One Hemoglobin Related Parameter of a Whole Blood Sample”, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In this embodiment, a sample chamber made of an isotropic material can be used, but is not required, in addition, in this embodiment the presence of hemozoin crystals can be determined without the use of polarized filters (e.g., polarizing filter32, analyzing filter34). Hemozoin crystals inside a red blood cell are produced by a parasite (e,g., a malarial parasite) as a waste product. The parasites contain RNA and DNA that, when stained with a fluorescent stain such as acridine orange, can produce a fluorescent “signature” that is distinguishably associated with that particular type of parasite. The image analysis of this embodiment can be performed by an automated analysis device such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,869,570; 6,866,823; or 6,929,953, modified pursuant to the present invention. The combination of the present method using polar filters to identify hemozoin crystals and the alternative embodiments that identifies red blood cells containing hemozoin (via low transmission and/or fluorescent signature) can be an effective tool for verifying the presence of hemozoin crystals, and thereby increasing the accuracy of the determination. For example, dust particles or other debris on or in a sample chamber10may on occasion appear within an image as a point of light50. The alternative embodiment identifying red blood cells containing hemozoin crystals via low transmission areas can be used to confirm the presence of the crystals (or vice versa) since a red blood cell that happens to align with the aforesaid dust particle will not also have a depleted amount of hemoglobin.

In some embodiments, the entire sample layer disposed within the sample chamber10may be electronically imaged at a lower magnification, and portions of the image of the entire sample where points of light50are identified can he mapped and imaged at a higher level of magnification. The image portions associated with the points of light can be examined in detail via the device used to image the sample, or the electronic image (or image portions) can be transferred telemetrically to a remote site where expertise is present. The size of the crystal(s) and the percentage of cells having detectable crystals within the sample may be determined.

The benefits of the invention include: a) lower cost/test for screening; b) greatly lower capital cost for screening; c) immediate availability of result at point of care; d) ease of use by untrained observer; e) quality control can performed at the point of use; f) immediate epidemiological information immediately available so that control measures may be employed (i.e., mosquito or vector control); g) immediate medical treatment may be given; and h) market expansion for the manufacturer due to lower regulatory burden for the physicians.