Field-Portable Leukocyte Classification Device Based on Lens-Free Shadow Imaging Technique

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Cellular Imaging

Background:

• Complete blood count (CBC) instruments are expensive and complex, limiting access in resource-limited settings.
• Existing on-chip blood cell tests lack innovation and rely on conventional methods.
• There is a need for accessible, portable, and accurate methods for leukocyte analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a portable method for selective isolation and classification of leukocytes.
• To utilize lens-free shadow imaging technique (LSIT) for differential leukocyte identification.
• To establish shadow image analysis parameters for accurate cell classification.

Main Methods:

• Combined magnetically activated cell sorting and differential density for leukocyte isolation.
• Employed lens-free shadow imaging technique (LSIT) for high-purity leukocyte samples.
• Developed and applied shadow parameters (e.g., "order ratio", "minimum ratio") for leukocyte classification.

Main Results:

• Achieved high purity and concentration of isolated leukocytes, confirmed by flow cytometry.
• Established a shadow image library for classifying three types of leukocytes.
• Demonstrated high correlation (0.98 index) with clinical data, with 6% average error and 95% confidence.

Conclusions:

• The developed LSIT-based method offers a promising, portable solution for leukocyte classification.
• This technique has significant potential for point-of-care diagnostics, especially for rare cell detection.
• The approach is suitable for diverse applications including biological, pharmaceutical, environmental, and clinical fields.