Fluid sample for analysis controlled by total fluid volume and by total

Abstract

A fluid sample contains a plurality of different types of particles of interest. The method sets a limit for the maximum volume of the fluid sample to be analyzed, a limit for each of the different plurality of particle types, and a limit for the maximum number of particles to be analyzed with the maximum number being less than the sum of the limits for each of the different types. In the method, an aliquot of the fluid sample including the particles therein are analyzed to determine the type of the particles. The total volume of aliquots analyzed is counted. The method is stopped in the event the total of aliquots counted equals or exceeds the limit for the maximum value. For each type of particle in the fluid sample determined, a test is made if the total number of particles determined equals or exceeds the limit for each particle type. If the number does not exceed the individual type, the number of particles for that type is added and is counted. The total number of particles for all the types is counted. The method is also stopped in the event the total number of particles counted equals or exceeds the limit set. The process continues by taking another aliquot of volume. In this manner, selected emphasis of particles of interest from a fluid sample can be made.