Apparatus and method for platelet monitoring and for assessing the quality of platelets

摘要

Apparatus and methods for monitoring platelet quality are disclosed. A bag of platelet concentrate is oriented in a desired manner on a transparent surface that is illuminated from one side with a light source. A clamp applies pressure to a desired portion of the bag to temporarily manipulate a predetermined portion of the bag and therefore the fluid in the bag in a known and repeatable manner. A flow inducing member applies pressure to the bag to thereby cause a turbulent flow of the fluid from the bag through a flow path. A detector records optical characteristics of light diffracted by the flowing particles, which is analyzed by software to derive a score correlating to the quality of the platelets. Platelet swirl is scored as a measure of platelet quality where more resting, discoid platelets result in a higher score.

主权项

1. Apparatus for assessing the quality of platelets in a transparent container containing the platelets in a volume of fluid, comprising,
a light source oriented relative to a transparent support such that light emitted from the light source is directed through the transparent support, said transparent support being adapted for supporting said container; a clamp adapted for applying pressure to a container on said transparent support, said clamp having a retaining position in which said clamp restricts a volume of fluid in said container in a partially bounded volume that has a flow path in and out of said partially bounded volume, and said clamp comprising first and second arms, each movable between a first position in which a bag may be placed on said transparent support in a desired position and the retaining position in which the first and second clamp arms pinch said bag between said clamp arms and said transparent support to thereby define the partially bounded volume; an optical detector positioned relative to the transparent support such that light emitted from the light source is directed to said optical detector; a flow inducer to apply pressure to said container in said partially bounded volume to thereby cause a turbulent flow of fluid in said partially bounded volume to flow through said flow path; and wherein said optical detector detects fluid flow patterns in said fluid as said fluid flows in a predictable manner through said flow path and within the partially bounded volume.