Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
204 words
A method for differentiating white blood cells in an automated or semi-automated particle analyzer into at least three distinct subpopulations comprising the steps of: (A) supplying a whole blood sample, a volume of a blood diluent and a volume of a lytic reagent composition to an automated or semi-automated particle analyzing system; (B) admixing the whole blood sample, the blood diluent and the lytic reagent composition in a manner sufficient to enable the differentiation of at least three subpopulations of white blood cells; and (C) analyzing the resulting whole blood sample in the automated or semi-automated particle analyzing system to effect at least a three component differential separation of white blood cells; wherein the lytic reagent composition comprises: an aqueous solution of active lytic reagents consisting essentially of a heterocyclic quaternary ammonium compound which is represented by the general formula ##STR3## wherein R 1 is a long chain alkyl radical comprising from 8 to 20 carbon atoms and X is an ion selected from the group consisting of halide, sulfate, phosphate and nitrate ions; wherein the heterocyclic quaternary ammonium compound of said lytic reagent composition is present in a quantity sufficient to effect at least a three component differential separation of white blood cells.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
204 words
A method for differentiating white blood cells in an automated or semi-automated particle analyzer into at least three distinct subpopulations comprising the steps of: (A) supplying a whole blood sample, a volume of a blood diluent and a volume of a lytic reagent composition to an automated or semi-automated particle analyzing system; (B) admixing the whole blood sample, the blood diluent and the lytic reagent composition in a manner sufficient to enable the differentiation of at least three subpopulations of white blood cells; and (C) analyzing the resulting whole blood sample in the automated or semi-automated particle analyzing system to effect at least a three component differential separation of white blood cells; wherein the lytic reagent composition comprises: an aqueous solution of active lytic reagents consisting essentially of a heterocyclic quaternary ammonium compound which is represented by the general formula ##STR3## wherein R 1 is a long chain alkyl radical comprising from 8 to 20 carbon atoms and X is an ion selected from the group consisting of halide, sulfate, phosphate and nitrate ions; wherein the heterocyclic quaternary ammonium compound of said lytic reagent composition is present in a quantity sufficient to effect at least a three component differential separation of white blood cells.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the quantity of active lytic reagents in the volume of lytic reagent composition to the volume of whole blood sample ranges from about 0.15 mg active lytic reagents/μl whole blood to about 3.2 mg/μl whole blood.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method according to claim 2, wherein the blood diluent is an isotonic diluent having a predetermined pH and osmolality and comprises at least one organic buffer, a cell membrane stabilizing reagent and an antimicrobial agent comprising a monoaldehyde.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the buffer comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of ADA, MOPS, PIPES, HEPES, BES BIS-TRIS, TES, TAPSO, MES, DIPSO, MOPSO, TRIS and ACES .
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein the monoaldehyde is formaldehyde.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 3, wherein said active lytic reagents include at least one 1-dodecyl pyridinium halide.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the lytic reagent composition further comprises a chromagen forming reagent.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 7, wherein the chromagen forming reagent is potassium cyanide.