Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described for use with a cell sample that includes a plurality of cells disposed in a monolayer. A series of images associated with a series of depth levels of the cell sample are acquired, by performing a depth scan of cell sample with a microscope. One of the depth levels is identified as being an optimum focal plane for imaging one or more entities within the cell sample using the microscope, by identifying that a drop in image contrast occurs at the identified depth level relative to the image contrast of images acquired at depth levels within a given range of distances from the identified depth level. The cell sample is imaged using the microscope, by focusing the microscope at an investigative depth level that is based on the identified depth level. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described including a microscope system configured to acquire first and second images of a blood sample at respective times. A computer processor determines whether, between acquisitions of the first and second images, there was motion of a given entity within the sample, by comparing the first and second images to one another. At least partially in response thereto, the computer processor distinguishes between the given entity being a non-parasitic entity and the given entity being a parasite, and generates an output on the output device, at least partially in response thereto. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described for use with a cell sample that includes a plurality of cells. A series of images associated with a series of depth levels of the cell sample are acquired, by performing a depth scan of cell sample with a microscope. One of the depth levels is identified as being an optimum focal plane for imaging one or more entities within the cell sample using the microscope, under a first illumination condition. The cell sample is imaged under a second illumination condition that is different from the first illumination condition, using the microscope, by focusing the microscope at an investigative depth level that is based on the identified depth level. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for use with a blood sample are described. The blood sample is stained with a first dye that predominantly stains DNA, and a second dye that stains at least one other cellular component being different from DNA. A plurality of images of the blood sample are acquired. A candidate object is identified as being a candidate of a given entity. A first stained area, which is stained by the first dye and which is disposed within the candidate object, is identified. A second stained area, which is stained by the second dye and which is disposed within the candidate object, is identified. The entity is detected by determining that features of the stained areas satisfy predetermined criteria associated with the entity. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Methods, systems and computer program products relating to digital microscopy are disclosed. A digital microscopy method may comprise capturing a plurality of overlapping images of a sample, wherein the capturing of at least one of the plurality of images is performed while the sample and a focal plane are in relative motion along an optical axis at a speed greater than zero; and processing the plurality of images using a reference criterion to determine a reference relative arrangement of the focal plane and the sample along the optical axis.