[An automated scintillation counter for poorly contrasting microparticles]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Context:

• Analysis of biological objects in liquid media is crucial for diagnostics.
• Poor contrast of biological samples presents a significant analytical challenge.
• Accurate cell counting and sizing are essential for biological research.

Purpose:

• To design and develop a novel cell scintillator for analyzing biological particle disperse composition and concentration.
• To overcome limitations in analyzing poor-contrast biologic objects suspended in transparent liquids.
• To provide an automated system for precise cell measurements.

Summary:

• A cell scintillator utilizing light blocking and hydro-focussing principles has been developed.
• The apparatus features an automated calibration system for particle size analysis (3-150 microns) with 10% accuracy.
• It achieves a mean error of 3% for cell concentration estimation (10,000-150,000 cells/ml).

Impact:

• Enhances the capability for detailed analysis of biological samples in cytology and related fields.
• Offers improved accuracy and automation in cell counting and sizing, reducing manual error.
• Facilitates more precise biological research and diagnostic applications through advanced cell analysis technology.