Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Luc Van Hove

Vernon L Chupp

James E Gill

Paul N Marshall

John G Glazier

Anne M Embleton

Robert M Studholme

Provided are automated methods for distinguishing and differentiating cells in a whole blood sample. In one of the methods, a whole blood sample is provided. One or more tests to be performed on the whole blood sample is selected. The tests to be performed on the whole blood sample are correlated. A volume of the whole blood sample is aspirated into an automated instrument system which automatically performs conventional hematology analysis and fluorescent cytometry analysis on the whole blood sample. A first aliquot of the whole blood sample is dispensed into at least one sample receiving vessel. The first aliquot of the whole blood sample is mixed with a fluorescent reagent. The first aliquot of the whole blood sample mixed with fluorescent reagent is diluted and transported through a flow transducer system. The flow transducer system detects multi-angle light scatter and fluorescence from the first aliquot of the whole blood sample mixed with fluorescent reagent and counts and differentiates platelets or platelet clumps or both in the sample. Detecting and differentiation data for the one or more tests performed on the whole blood sample are stored. Results of the one or more tests performed on the whole blood sample are reported in a quantitative manner if so requested. The instrument system automatically performs all method steps without physically separating cells from the whole blood sample or an aliquot of the sample and results of a conventional hematology analysis may be utilized in at least reporting of results of the fluorescent cytometry testing.

Method for performing automated analysis

Whole blood is mixed with a reticulocyte reagent system that has a reticulocyte staining reagent and a diluent reagent, used in combination. This mixture is incubated at room temperature for between about 15 minutes to about 4 hours. The incubated mixture is then analyzed and the light scattering properties of the cells are detected, collected, differentiated and quantitized. Data gathering includes, at least, 10 and 90 degree light scatter detection.

Reagent system and method for the differentiation and identification of

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Luc Van Hove