Beckman Coulter, Inc.

A computer-implemented method of determining, for a patient, a risk of developing sepsis is described. The method comprises obtaining, at a computing device, a set of patient data indicative of at least one of: a patient age value, a patient heart rate value, a patient respiratory rate value, a patient diastolic blood pressure value, a patient systolic blood pressure value, a patient temperature value, and a patient oxygen saturation value; and at least one value of a Monocyte Distribution Width (MDW) of the patient. Further, the method comprises determining, based on processing the obtained set of patient data with the computing device, at least one sepsis indicative of the risk for a sepsis event occurring at the patient.

Systems and methods for providing clinical decision support information including one or more clinical acuity recommendations to a clinician is provided. The systems and methods can include obtaining one or more parameters associated with a blood sample obtained from an individual, the one or more parameters can include a monocyte distribution width (MDW) value. The systems and methods can also include comparing the MDW value with one or more predetermined criteria; and providing a clinical acuity recommendation at least partly in response to the comparing the MDW value with the one or more predetermined criteria.

Systems and methods for fluorescence sensitivity monitoring in a flow cytometer include measuring fluorescence of a sheath fluid to determine a sheath noise and setting a threshold detection value using the sheath noise. Fluorescence of a plurality of samples having predetermined fluorescence intensities at different wavelengths is measured, using the threshold detection value. Each sample of the plurality of samples having predetermined fluorescence intensities at different wavelengths is gated and, using the gating, a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) is identified for each sample of the plurality of samples having predetermined fluorescence intensities at different wavelengths. One or more fluorescence channels of the flow cytometer are calibrated by calculating, for each sample of the plurality of samples having predetermined fluorescence intensities at different wavelengths, molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome (MESF) using the MFI and the sheath noise.

A focusing distance (e.g., a distance between a focal plane of a camera used when n image was captured and the actual focal plane for an in-focus image) in a visual analysis system may be determined by subjecting one or more images captured by such a system to a multi-layer analysis. In such an analysis, an input may be subjected to one or more convolution filters, and the ultimate result of such convolution may be provided to a dense layer which can provide the focusing distance. This focusing distance may then be used to (re) focus a camera or for other purposes (e.g., generating an alert).

Embodiments may include an automated method for evaluating an infection status associated with a blood sample obtained from an individual. Methods may include determining, using a first module, a white blood cell concentration associated with the blood sample. In addition, methods may include determining, using a second module, a monocyte volume measure associated with the blood sample. Methods may include evaluating, using a data processing module, the infection status associated with the blood sample. The data processing module may include a processor and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may be programmed with a computer application. This computer application, when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to calculate a parameter using a function comprising the white blood cell concentration and the monocyte volume measure. The computer application may also cause the processor to evaluate the infection status associated with the blood sample based on the parameter.

Methods and systems for detecting and reporting subpopulations of neutrophils may involve using a nonce parameter to elucidate one or more other cell population parameters. Methods and systems for detecting and reporting subpopulations of neutrophils may involve structuring reports to elucidate one or more cell population parameters, particularly, but not exclusively, where the report of a cell population parameter might otherwise be ambiguous or a higher than usual likelihood of confusion.

An ion selective electrode (“ISE”) assembly may be installed within a sample path of a biological testing system to measure ion concentration within sample fluid flowing through the sample path. A transducer membrane is placed within a housing and positioned to contact the sample path. A threaded portion is advanced into a socket of the housing and forces the membrane against a sealing portion of the sample path to prevent retention of sample fluid within the housing after testing. Sealing may be accomplished without adhesives or sealants and instead relies upon mechanical pressure of the threaded portion. Another implementation includes a reference measuring electrode and several ion measuring electrodes combined into a single housing. Another implementation includes a reference measuring electrode and several ion measuring electrodes combined into a cartridge that includes a sample well instead of a sample path.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may allow for an efficient and accurate way or system to assess whether an individual has sepsis, including an individual who may exhibit symptoms or clinical criteria similar to inflammation. Embodiments include using a laboratory test that may be routinely ordered. Embodiments of the present invention may allow for the diagnosis of sepsis even when some cells show an abnormal size. Often, when white blood cells show a likelihood of an abnormal size, a “blast flag” in a system is triggered to warn a user that the sample may warrant further analysis. Unexpectedly, the diagnosis of sepsis status using standard deviation of monocyte volume may be more accurate when considering whether a blast flag has been triggered. Based on the sepsis status, treatment may be started quickly, thereby preventing complications, including organ failure and death, of not treating sepsis fast enough.

Embodiments may include an automated method for evaluating an infection status associated with a blood sample obtained from an individual. Methods may include determining, using a first module, a white blood cell concentration associated with the blood sample. In addition, methods may include determining, using a second module, a monocyte volume measure associated with the blood sample. Methods may include evaluating, using a data processing module, the infection status associated with the blood sample. The data processing module may include a processor and a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may be programmed with a computer application. This computer application, when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to calculate a parameter using a function comprising the white blood cell concentration and the monocyte volume measure. The computer application may also cause the processor to evaluate the infection status associated with the blood sample based on the parameter.

This disclosure describes methods of and systems for screening for sepsis or septic shock in a patient and methods of ruling out sepsis or septic shock in a patient using white blood cell count (WBC), a monocyte cell population parameter, or neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), or a combination thereof, in the blood sample from the patient.