We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Computer-Aided Cell Analysis Enables Faster Diagnosis of Blood Diseases

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 11 Aug 2023
Print article
Image: An AI algorithm can help physicians diagnose blood disorders (Photo courtesy of Freepik)
Image: An AI algorithm can help physicians diagnose blood disorders (Photo courtesy of Freepik)

Blood disorders are frequently characterized by alterations in the quantities and shapes of red and white blood cells. Traditional methods for diagnosing the disease involves examining blood smears on a slide under a microscope, although evaluating these changes can be challenging even for experienced professionals, as subtle alterations can affect only a small fraction of the tens of thousands of visible cells. Consequently, distinguishing between diseases is not always simple. For instance, the visible changes in the blood of individuals with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), an early form of leukemia, often resemble those seen in less harmful types of anemia. The definitive diagnosis of MDS requires more invasive procedures such as bone marrow biopsies and molecular genetic testing.

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany) and the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute (Cambridge, UK) have now developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of identifying and characterizing white and red blood cells in microscopic images of blood samples. This algorithm, named Haemorasis, aids physicians in diagnosing blood disorders and is publicly accessible as an open-source tool for research purposes. Initially, the scientists trained Haemorasis to recognize cell morphology using over half a million white blood cells and millions of red blood cells from more than 300 individuals with various blood disorders (including different forms of anemia and MDS).

Leveraging this acquired knowledge, Haemorasis can now propose diagnoses for blood disorders and even differentiate genetic subtypes of these conditions. Additionally, the algorithm uncovers significant associations between specific cell shapes and diseases, a task complicated by the sheer volume of cells involved. Haemorasis underwent testing on three distinct patient groups to confirm its efficacy across diverse test centers and blood count scanner systems. Tailored for hematology diagnostics, Haemorasis aids in providing a more accurate initial diagnosis of blood disorders, which is an essential step in identifying patients who may require more invasive procedures like bone marrow tests or genetic analysis. Ongoing studies will explore the potential limitations of the method.

"Automated cell analysis with Haemorasis could complement routine diagnosis of blood disorders in the future. So far, the algorithm has only been trained on specific diseases - but we still see great potential in this approach," said Moritz Gerstung of DKFZ.

Related Links:
German Cancer Research Center
Cambridge Stem Cell Institute

Gold Member
Antipsychotic TDM Assays
Saladax Antipsychotic Assays
Automated Blood Typing System
IH-500 NEXT
New
Cortisol Rapid Test
Finecare Cortisol Rapid Quantitative Test
New
Gold Member
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Detection Kit
Pneumocystis Jirovecii Real Time RT-PCR Kit

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: An immune response is initiated when an antigen-presenting cell (pink) presents foreign material to a T-cell (blue) (Photo courtesy of JAX)

Advanced Imaging Method Maps Immune Cell Connections to Predict Cancer Patients Survival

A growing tumor is influenced not only by the tumor cells themselves but also by the surrounding tissue, which alters its biology. Immune cells communicate by transferring vital signaling proteins to their... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: HNL Dimer can be a novel and potentially useful clinical tool in antibiotic stewardship in sepsis (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

Unique Blood Biomarker Shown to Effectively Monitor Sepsis Treatment

Sepsis remains a growing problem across the world, linked to high rates of mortality and morbidity. Timely and accurate diagnosis, along with effective supportive therapy, is essential in reducing sepsis-related... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: Schematic diagram of nanomaterial-based anti-epileptic drug concentration diagnostic technology (Photo courtesy of KRISS)

Nanomaterial-Based Diagnostic Technology Accurately Monitors Drug Therapy in Epilepsy Patients

Many patients with epilepsy take anti-epileptic drugs to control frequent seizures in their daily lives. To optimize treatment and avoid side effects from overdosing, it is crucial for patients to regularly... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.