|
The buffy coat profile
offers visual results for a quick read
The Basic Principle
The technology of the IDEXX
VetAutoread™ Hematology Analyzer is based on the principle that
different blood cells have different densities. Therefore, when blood
is spun in a microhematocrit tube, the cells separate into three
distinct layers: the red blood cells (which have the greatest
density), the buffy coat
and the plasma.
A molded cylindrical float inserted into a precision-bore capillary
tube expands the buffy coat. The specific gravity of the float is
approximately midway between that of the plasma and the red cells,
causing the buffy coat to expand along the length of the float.
Expanded layers of packed white cells and platelets resolve
between the float and the inner wall of the tube.
How the IDEXX
VetAutoread™ Analyzer Uses Fluorescense
The interior of the IDEXX VetTube™
is coated with acridine orange, a fluorescent dye that stains a
variety of cellular components. These cellular components bind
the acridine orange and then fluoresce under blue-violet light.
Under this light, normal erythrocytes are unaffected by acridine
orange and exhibit a dark-red appearance. Granulocytic cells fluoresce
orange-yellow, lymphocytes and monocytes fluoresce a brillant green
and platelets fluoresce a pale yellow.
The analyzer's optics examine the tube and float, and measure
fluorescence emitted by the cells in the tube. Software
algorithms then derive the parameters.
|
This symbol indicates PDF-formatted materials. To view, you may need to 