Methods and devices for cell detection

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cartridge, detection module, system, and kit for cell and particle detection and analysis. Devices disclosed herein may include at least an optical source, a fluidic chip, and a detection module, wherein the sample flows within the fluidic chip past a detection window, where the cells or particles are imaged by an image acquisition and analysis module that may include an optical detector. The image acquisition and analysis module may count the cells or particles of interest in real-time, or near real-time, or the module may capture images of the cells in order to analyze the sample from combined images at a later time.

1 . A method of cell or particle detection and analysis, comprising:
 a. introducing a sample of one or more cells or particles to a cartridge containing a fluidic chip;   b. flowing the sample through at least one microfluidic channel within the fluidic chip; and   c. operating a detection module to analyze the sample flowing within the fluidic chip.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a. the detection module operating a detector to capture one or more images of the sample flowing past a detection window section of the fluidic chip;   b. the detection module operating an image analysis program to analyze the one or more images; and   c. the image analysis program generating cell analysis results relating to the sample.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the image analysis program generating diagnostic results relating to the sample. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the detection module applying one or more calculations and one or more algorithms to analyze the sample. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a. creating a portable cartridge that incorporates the fluidic chip and optical imaging module; and   b. a user carrying the portable cartridge to various locations to perform cell or particle detection and analysis.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising carrying the portable cartridge to perform cell or particle detection and analysis in one or more of the following: one or more remote locations; one or more developing locations; one or more developed locations. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising storing the analysis results of the sample. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a metering system to calculate a volume processed by the detection module. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the metering system comprises at least two detectors placed downstream of the detection module. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the detection module comprises: an optical imaging system, a cartridge loading mechanism, a bellow actuator and an interconnection board. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the sample flows over the detection module. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the detection module is capable of continuous image capturing capabilities. 
     
     
         13 . A method of cell or particle detection and analysis, comprising:
 a. introducing a sample of one or more cells or particles to a cartridge containing a fluidic chip;   b. flowing the sample through at least one microfluidic channel within the fluidic chip; and   c. operating a detection module to analyze the sample flowing within the fluidic chip, wherein the sample flows over the detection module.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising
 a. the detection module operating a detector to capture one or more images of the sample flowing past a detection window section of the fluidic chip;   b. the detection module operating an image analysis program to analyze the one or more images; and   c. the image analysis program generating cell analysis results relating to the sample.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the image analysis program generating diagnostic results relating to the sample. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the detection module applying one or more calculations and one or more algorithms to analyze the sample. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising storing the analysis results of the sample. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising a metering system to calculate a volume processed by the detection module. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the metering system comprises at least two detectors placed downstream of the detection module. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the detection module is capable of continuous image capturing capabilities.