Method and apparatus for cell differentiation by measuring apparent cell size, membrane integrity and intracellular complexity
US5907240A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 12, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 25, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N15/13
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for differentiating cells in an automated particle analyzer, such as for use in hematological analysis, by measuring apparent cell size (or volume), membrane integrity and intracellular complexity ("voltaic fragility"). The cells are suspended in a selected reagent mixture including an electrolytic fluid, such as diluent, and if necessary, one or more membrane-modifying agents are selected and mixed in relative quantities in order to selectively alter the membrane structure (i.e., the membrane integrity) of certain cells and thereby enhance cell discrimination. A predetermined dc voltage is applied across a sensing orifice to thereby create a dc electric field within and around the orifice, and the reagent mixture is passed through the center of the orifice. The magnitude of the change in current flowing through dc electric field is measured in response to the passage of each of a plurality of cells therethrough, and based on the measured change, a signal is generated for each cell which is indicative of the apparent size (or volume), membrane integrity and intracellular complexity of that cell. A visual display, such as an alphanumeric and/or gr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.