DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of medical diagnosis. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a microscopic analysis of biological samples. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for smearing the biological sample.

BACKGROUND

Microscopic analysis of biological samples is one of the most common tests performed to diagnose one or more medical conditions of the subject. One such example is urine microscopy analysis. Here, the number of Red Blood Cells (RBCs), puss cells, White Blood Cells (WBCs), epithelial cells, microscopic organisms, casts, crystals, yeasts in urine samples are obtained from the analysis which may help the medical practitioners to diagnose medical conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney disorders and the like.

In the conventional microscopy analysis of biological samples such as urine or any such low viscous fluids, sediments are prepared from milliliters of sample by centrifuge method and a few microliters of sediments are collected in a test tube. By gently shaking the test tube, the sediments are re-suspended for a complete mix. Further, a wet mount is prepared by placing a drop of the low viscous biological sediment sample on the transparent glass slide and placing a thin transparent cover slip over the sample. The sample would spread across the cover slip area by leaving a gap on all sides. Finally, the wet mount would be placed under the microscope for further analysis. The conventional analysis method suffers from several disadvantages, including the wet mount not creating a complete enclosure, which would dry-up the sample at a faster rate by evaporation and create air-bubbles at random locations. The above problems would hinder the clear visualization of the particles present in the sample and may lead to wrong diagnosis. Also, the conventional analysis method would create drifting of the sample at a significant rate which may lead the medical practioner for an incorrect particle count at multiple field of views (FoV’s). Also, the wet mount would not create a clear monolayer of the biological sample sediment and the particles would overlap which makes it difficult for the pathologist to identify the particles and microorganisms.

Moreover, for realizing an automated biological sample sedimentation analysis system with the help of an automated microscope and the associated image processing algorithms which enable generating the report (enumeration and classification of different types of cells/particles from images), the presence of multi-layer fluid in the conventional wet-mount poses several challenges. This often demands recording a video/focus-stack at every field-of-view at full-resolution and a complex processing algorithms capable of dealing with cells drifting not only in lateral direction (motion-blur) but also in the axial direction (focus-issues). Inconsistencies in the spread, distribution, depth of the sample (urine-sediment) and the confinement of the cells therein, throws several challenges in the development of an automated urine microscopic analysis systems while using existing wet-mounts.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or similar limitations associated with the conventional arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the conventional mechanisms are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of mechanism as disclosed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a system for smearing a biological sample is disclosed. The system includes a micro-fluidic slide defined with a chamber to accommodate the biological sample. The system includes a coverslip configured to enclose the chamber. A mechanism to position the cover slip on the chamber. The mechanism is configured to receive the cover slip at a pre-determined acute angle with respect to the micro-fluidic slide such that at least one side of the coverslip makes a wedge contact with the micro-fluidic slide and a free end of the cover slip is progressively lowered towards the chamber. The progressive lowering of the free end of the coverslip towards the chamber evenly smears the biological sample forming a monolayer in the chamber.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the biological sample is a low viscous fluid, such as urine.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism includes a slab pivotally connected to a plurality of support structures. The slab is defined with a provision to receive the cover slip.

In an embodiment of disclosure, the mechanism includes a base plate configured to accommodate the microfluidic slide and a mechanical arm configured to hold the cover slip. The mechanical arm is slidably connectable to a portion of the base plate. The mechanical arm is actuated by at least one of manual methods and automated methods to progressively lower the coverslip.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanical arm is automatically actuated by an electromechanical actuator.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism comprises a base plate configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide and a top plate configured to accommodate the cover slip. The top plate is pivotally connectable to an end portion of the base plate. The top plate is defined with a provision at a pre-determined portion to accommodate the cover slips.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism includes a spring-loaded mechanical arm. The spring-loaded mechanical arm includes a top plate hinged to a bottom plate, the bottom plate is connected to the top plate by a resilient member. The bottom plate of the spring-loaded mechanical arm is positionable on the micro-fluidic slide and the top plate is configured to accommodate the cover slip.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a vacuum cup is provisioned on the top plate. The vacuum cup is configured to hold the cover slip abutting the top plate.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mechanism includes a paperboard configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide and the cover slip. The paperboard is defined with a plurality of peel tabs. The microfluidic slide and the coverslip is joined to the paperboard through bonding process.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, an adhesive layer provisioned on a periphery of the chamber of the micro-fluidic slide. The adhesive layer is configured to secure the cover slip positioned over the chamber of the micro-fluidic slide.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG.1 illustrates a top view of a system including a microfluidic slide with a chamber defined therein in and a cover slip, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.2 illustrates a top view of the microfluidic slide with the biological sample introduced at one end of the chamber, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.3a illustrates a perspective view of a microfluidic slide with the cover slip positioned at acute angle at one end of the chamber, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.3b illustrates a top view of the microfluidic slide when the cover slip is completely positioned on the chamber, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.4 illustrates a perspective view of a mechanism for smearing a biological sample on the microfluidic chamber slide, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.5 illustrates a perspective view of a mechanism for smearing a biological sample on the microfluidic chamber slide using a mechanical arm, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.6 illustrates a perspective view of mechanism for smearing a biological sample on the microfluidic chamber slide, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.7 illustrates a perspective view of mechanism of FIG.5 employed with an actuator, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.8 illustrates a perspective view of mechanism for smearing a biological sample on the microfluidic chamber slide, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS.9a to 9g illustrate exemplary schematic views of mechanism for smearing a biological sample on the microfluidic chamber slide using a paperboard, in accordance with still another embodiment of the disclosure

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other systems for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent processes do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a system for smearing biological sample. The system aids in smearing the biological sample of such that a monolayer of various particle sizes inside a chamber defined on a micro-fluidic slide is formed. This facilitates, an accurate classification and counting of microscopic organisms as well as particles in the sample can be obtained during the diagnosis of any disease. The present disclosure significantly reduces the complexity involved in scanning and classification algorithms used in performing automated analysis of the sample. The system employed in the present disclosure for smearing of samples creates a monolayer of the sample and is uniformly distributed the sample across the chamber. As the chamber is completely enclosed on all sides with a controlled depth and specific angle of positioning the cover slip leads to spread the sample across the chamber without causing any air bubbles. Also, the drifting of the sample may be prevented, thus providing a proper imaging without blur.

The system as iterated above includes the micro-fluidic slide defined with the chamber. In an embodiment, the chamber may be configured to accommodate the biological sample. The chamber may be defined at a substantially central portion of the micro-fluidic slide. The system may include a coverslip that may be accommodated on the chamber. The coverslip may be configured to enclose the chamber after the biological sample is disposed in the chamber. In an embodiment, the biological sample may be a low viscous fluid such as but not limiting to urine.

Further, the system includes a mechanism that may be configured to position the cover slip on the chamber. The mechanism may be configured to receive the coverslip at a pre-determined acute angle with respect to the micro-fluidic such that at least one side of the coverslip makes a wedge contact with the microfluidic slide. A free end of the cover slip may be progressively lowered towards the chamber by the aid of mechanism. Lowering of the free end of the cover slip towards the chamber evenly smears the biological sample forming the monolayer of the sample in the chamber. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mechanism may include a slab pivotally connected to a plurality of support structures. The slab may be defined with a provision to receive the cover slip. The slab is then actuated to progressively lower the cover slip onto the chamber defined in the micro-fluidic slide.

Yet another mechanism according to the present disclosure includes a base plate configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide and a mechanical arm configured to hold the cover slip. In an embodiment, the mechanical arm may be slidably connectable to a portion of the base plate. In some embodiments, the mechanical arm may be actuated by at least one of manual methods and automated methods to progressively lower the coverslip. The mechanical arm may be actuated automatically by actuators such as but not limiting to electro-mechanical actuators. Another mechanism of the present disclosure includes a base plate configured to accommodate the microfluidic slide and a top plate configured to accommodate the cover slip. The top plate is pivotally connectable to an end portion of the base plate. In an embodiment, the top plate is defined with a provision at a pre-determined portion to accommodate the coverslips. Yet another mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a spring-loaded mechanical arm. The spring-loaded mechanical arm includes a top plate hinged to a bottom plate. The bottom plate may be connected to the top plate by a resilient member. In an embodiment, the bottom plate of the spring-loaded.

Another mechanism according to the present disclosure includes a paper board configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide and the cover slip. The paperboard may be defined with a plurality of peel tabs. In an embodiment, the paperboard may be provided with a provision to accommodate the coverslip. The microfluidic slide and the coverslip may be joined to the paperboard through bonding process. The mechanisms illustrated hereinabove will in detail be explained with the aid of figures hereinafter.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the specification, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or method. In other words, one or more elements in an assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of one or more figures of exemplary embodiments. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitation of the present disclosure. In the figures the complete system for smearing biological sample is not depicted for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system may be employed in the smearing process of various biological samples including the samples of low viscosity and the like.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGS.1 to 9g. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

FIG.1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure depicting a micro-fluidic slide (1), a chamber (2) defined in the micro-fluidic slide (1) and a cover slip (3), which may be used for preparing a test slide for examination or inspection of a biological sample (4). The biological sample (4) that may be inspected or examined may be any low viscous bodily fluids such as but not limiting to urine. In an embodiment, the micro-fluidic slide (1) may be made of materials such as but not limiting to glass or polymer. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the micro-fluidic slide (1) may be standard dimensions used in the medical field for preparing slides i.e., 75 mm in length (L), 25 mm in width (W) and 1.5 mm in thickness (T). Herein above and below, micro-fluidic slide (1) and bottom slide (1) may be interchangeably used.

The chamber (2) defined in the micro-fluidic slide (1) may be at a substantially central portion of the bottom slide (1). Further, the bottom slide (1) is configured to accommodate the biological sample (4) [best shown in FIG.2]. In an embodiment, the chamber (2) may be made of a thin film having a layer of adhesive (5) on either sides of the film. The chamber (2) may be a transparent or opaque or a translucent layer that is provided on the bottom slide (1). In an embodiment, the chamber (2) may be spin coated with a photoresist layer. In an embodiment, the chamber (2) may be directly milled on the bottom slide (1). Further, the thickness of the chamber (2) provided on the bottom slide (1) may be ranging from 5 microns to 50 microns. The thickness of the chamber (2) may define the depth of the chamber (2) on the bottom slide (1), wherein the depth defines the quantity of sample (4) that may be accommodated in the chamber (2). In an embodiment, the cross section of the chamber (2) may be any one of but not limiting to a square, a trapezoidal or a rhombus or the like. Further, the cover slip (3) may be configured to enclose the chamber (2) after the sample (4) is introduced into the chamber (2). In an embodiment, the cross-section of the cover slip (3) may be similar to that of the chamber (2). The cover slip (3) may be made of materials such as but not limiting to polymer or glass. In an embodiment, the cover slip (3) may also be made of standard dimensions i.e., 22 mm (L), 22 mm (W) and .16 mm (T).

In operation, the chamber (2) of the microfluidic slide assembly (10) may be loaded with the biological sample (4) [best shown in FIG.2]. As shown in FIG.2, the sample (4) may be loaded at one of the edges of the chamber (2). Further, an edge of the cover slip (3) may be positioned at the edge of chamber (2) where the sample is loaded as shown in FIG.3a. In an embodiment, the cover slip (3) may be positioned over one edge of the chamber (2) at a predetermined acute angle, wherein the predetermined acute angle may be ranging from 20° to 70°. In an embodiment, the cover slip (3) may be configured to make wedge contact with one edge of the chamber (2). Once the edge of the cover slip (3) is placed at one edge of the chamber (2), the biological sample (4) makes a contact with the cover slip (3). The contact of the edge of the cover slip (3) with the sample (4) creates a capillary action at the gap between the edge of the cover slip (3) and the edge of the chamber (2) on the bottom slide (1). Further, the capillary action may wick the sample (4) and the sample (4) spreads along the remaining edges of the chamber (2). Furthermore, a free end of the cover slip (3) may be gradually and progressively lowered on to the remaining edges of the chamber (2). When the free end of the cover slip (3) is lowered onto remaining edges of the chamber (2), the chamber (2) containing the sample (4) may completely be enclosed as shown in FIG.3b. In the process of gradually/progressively lowering the cover slip (3) on the remaining edges, the sample (4) may be smeared uniformly across the chamber (2). In an embodiment, the cover slip (3) may maintain a continuous contact with the sample (4). The formation of air bubbles may be eliminated as the sample (4) is being uniformly smeared across the chamber (2). In an embodiment, the sample (4) may be confined to the depth defined by the thickness of the chamber (2), thereby forming a monolayer of smeared sample. In an embodiment, the positioning and lowering of the cover slip (3) on to the chamber (2) may be performed either manually or automated processes.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG.4, a mechanism (100) for smearing the biological sample (4) may be used. The mechanism (100) includes a slab (101) and a support structure (102), wherein the slab (101) is pivotally connected to the support structure (102). Further, the slab (101) may consist of a handle (101a). In an embodiment, the slab (101) may act as a mechanical arm for positioning the cover slip (2). A provision may be made in the slab (101) to house or accommodate the cover slip (3). Furthermore, the bottom slide (1) may be positioned between the support structures (101) with the chamber (2) defined in the bottom slide (1) [as shown in FIG.4] such that one edge of the chamber (3) coincides or makes a wedge contact with an edge of the cover slip (3) housed in the slab (100). The sample (4) may be loaded into the chamber (2) and then the slab (101) may be progressively lowered by pushing the handle (101a). Further, lowering of the slab (101) simultaneously lowers the free end of the cover slip (3) on to the remaining edges of the chamber (2). As the slab (101) is pivoted, lowering of the slab (101) ensures that the cover slip (3) makes contact with the chamber at predefined angles, thereby spreading the sample across the edges of the chamber (2). Further lowering of the slab (101) lowers the contact angle between the cover slip (3) and the chamber (2). Subsequently, the sample (4) may be smeared uniformly across the chamber (2). In an embodiment, the support structure (102) includes a pair of blocks, positioned on either sides of the bottom slide (1). The slab (100) may be pivot about the pair of blocks through a pin, such that the slab (101) moves between a raised and lowered position.

Referring now to FIG.5, which depicts another embodiment of the mechanism for smearing the biological sample (4). The mechanism (200) of this embodiment may include a base plate (203) and a mechanical arm (201). The base plate (203) may be defined with a space to accommodate the bottom slide (1) and a clamping device (204) that is configured to securely hold the bottom slide (1). The sample (4) may be loaded into the chamber (2) once the slide (1) is secured to the base plate (203). Further, the mechanical arm (201) is configured to slidably move in a path defined in the base plate (203) [as shown in FIG.5]. A provision may be made in one of the ends of the mechanical arm (201) to hold the cover slip (3). Further, the cover slip (3) may be loaded in the arm (201) such that at least one end of the cover slip (3) may come in contact with the on edge of the chamber (2). Furthermore, a pivot member (202) may be positioned on the base plate (203). The pivot member (202) may be aligned laterally to define the location at which the cover slip (3) may be positioned at its bottom edge (aligned with respect to the position of chamber (2)). When the mechanical arm (201) holding the top edge or the free end of the cover slip (3) is made to slide along the path defined in the base plate (203), the bottom edge of the cover slip (3) may be gently pressed on the edges of the chamber (2). The cover slip (3) may be completely released on to the chamber (2), thereby enclosing the chamber (2) completely. The sample (4) may wick and uniformly spread across the chamber (2) during the process of progressively lowering the cover slip (3) onto the chamber (2) of the bottom slide (1). In an embodiment, the sliding operation of the mechanical arm (201) may be either manually performed as shown in FIG.5 or the sliding may be automated as shown in FIG.7. The sliding of the base plate may be automated with the aid of actuators (400). In an embodiment, the actuator used may be any one of but not limiting to an electromechanical actuator. The slidable motion may be achieved either with a motor and a sliding mechanism actuated by a microcontroller [not shown] which may be powered by any external power sources.

Moving on to FIG.6, which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates yet another mechanism (300) for smearing the biological sample (4). The mechanism (300) comprises a base plate (301) which may be configured to firmly hold the bottom slide (1) with the aid of a clamping device (304). The bottom slide (1) may be loaded with the sample (4) once secured to the base plate (301). Further, a top plate (302) is pivotally connected to the base plate (301) such that a free angular movement may be facilitated between the two plates (301 and 302). A provision (303) may be made in the top plate (302), wherein the provision (303) facilitates loading a stack of cover slips (3) from the surface that is facing away from the bottom slide (101). Further, the provision (303) comprises a wedge-shaped compressible tray that may be configured to hold stack of cover slips (3) loaded into the provision (303) of the top plate (302). Also, a lever mechanism [not shown] may be inbuilt in the top plate (302) to sequentially hold one cover slip of the stack of cover slips (3). Once the sample (4) is loaded in the chamber (2), the top plate (302) may be pressed against the base plate (301). Pressing the top plate (302) against the base plate (301) automates the process of gradually enclosing the chamber (2) with the cover slip (3). During the progressive lowering of the top plate (302) on to the base pate (301), the bottom edge of the coverslip (3) may make wedge contact with one end of the chamber (2). The top plate (302) may be further lowered ensuring that the cover slip (3) may be completely positioned over the chamber (2). In the process of enclosing the chamber (2) with the cover slip (3), the sample (4) is smeared completely across the chamber (2) without air bubble formation.

Referring to FIG.8 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates yet another embodiment of the mechanism (500) for smearing the biological sample (4). The mechanism (500) may include a mechanical arm (501) loaded with a resilient member (502) and a provision made in the mechanical arm (501) to accommodate a vacuum cup (501a). In an embodiment, the resilient member (502) may be a spring but not limiting to the same as any other member resilient member suitable for the purpose may be used. The mechanical arm (501) further includes a top plate (501b) hinged to the bottom plate (501c). The bottom plate (501c) of the mechanical arm (501) is positioned on the bottom slide (1), and the resilient member (502) is positioned between the protrusions extending from bottom plate (501c) and top plate (501b). Further, the provision for accommodating a vacuum cup is made on the top plate (501b). A cover slip (3) is positioned on to the top plate (501b) may be held against the top plate (501b) due to vacuum that may be developed by the vacuum cup (501a). Once the sample (4) is loaded into the chamber (2) at one of the edges, the top plate (501b) is actuated to gradually lower the cover slip (3). The resilient member (502) may be designed to generate the amount of force required for pressing the top plate (501b) against the slide (1). Pressing the top plate (501b) simultaneously presses the cover slip (3) against the chamber (2), thereby ensuring the wicking and uniform smearing of the sample (4) across the chamber (2). Once, the process of smearing is complete, the top plate (501b) is released. The top plate (501b) may return to its original position due to the action of the resilient member (502).

Referring now to FIG(s) 9a to 9f, which illustrate another mechanism (900) for smearing biological sample (4) in the chamber (2) defined in the micro-fluidic slide (1). FIG(s) 9a to 9f, indicates various steps that may be followed for smearing biological sample (4) in the chamber (2) in the micro-fluidic slide (1). As shown in FIG.9a, the mechanism (900) may include a paperboard (901). The paper board (901) may be defined with one or more portions (901b and 901c). The one or more portions (901b and 901c) may be connected to each other by an adhesive means (902). In an embodiment, the adhesive means (902) may be an adhesive tape. The adhesive means (902) connecting the one or more portions (901b and 901c) may be configured to enable hinge movement [pivot point 901a] of the one or more portions (901b and 901c) of the paperboard (901) with respect to each other. The portion (901c) may be defined with a provision to accommodate the cover slip (3). Once the cover slip (3) is joined to the portion (901c) of the paperboard (901), the micro-fluidic slide (1) may be positioned over the paper board (901). The micro-fluidic slide (1) is joined to the paperboard (901) by bonding process such as but not limiting to adhesive bonding. In some embodiments, the paperboard (901) may be defined with a plurality of peel tabs (903 and 904) [as shown in FIG.9b]. The plurality of peel tabs (903 and 904) may be configured to hold the paperboard (901) to the micro-fluidic slide (1).

As shown in FIG. 9b, the peel tab (903) of the plurality of peel tabs (903 and 904) may be peeled out [as indicated by arrow], thereby releasing the micro-fluidic slide (1). As shown in FIG.9c, the portion (901c) of the paperboard (901c) may be displaced from initial position to a second position uncovering the chamber (2) defined on the micro-fluidic slide (1). The sticker may be peeled from the adhesive layer that may be provided on the periphery of the chamber (2). The chamber (2) defined in the bottom slide (1) may be loaded with the biological sample (4). Further as shown in FIG.9d and 9e, once the sample (4) is loaded into the chamber (2), the portion (901c) of the paperboard (901) is lowered on to the micro-fluidic slide (1) at a pre-determined angle. Upon progressively lowering the portion (901c) of the paperboard (901), the bottom edge of the cover slip (3) may make wedge contact with the edge of the chamber (2) and further lowering of the coverslip (3) completely encloses the chamber (2). In the process of enclosing the chamber (2) with the cover slip (3), the sample (4) is smeared completely across the chamber (2) without air bubble formation. As shown if FIG.9f, pressure [as indicated by arrow a] is applied around the chamber (2) over the cover slip (3). Once the pressure is applied across the coverslip (3), the paperboard (901) may be peeled of using peel tab (904) [as indicated by arrow b]. Peeling of the paperboard (901) uncovers the micro-fluidic slide (1) along with the biological sample (4) smeared by the coverslip (3) [as shown in FIG.9g]. In an embodiment, the paperboard (901) may be made of wood pulp, straw, wastepaper, or a combination of these materials but not limiting to the same.

In an embodiment, the system (10) aids in smearing the sample (4) of various particle sizes inside the chamber of the bottom slide (1). Also, an accurate classification and counting of microscopic organisms as well as particles in the sample (4) can be obtained during the diagnosis of any disease. The system of the present disclosure significantly reduces the complexity involved in scanning and classification algorithms used in performing automated analysis of the sample (4). The system (10) employed in the present disclosure for smearing of samples creates a monolayer and uniformly distributes across the chamber (2). As the chamber (2) is completely enclosed on all sides with a controlled depth and specific angle of positioning the cover slip (3), it leads to spread of the sample across the chambers without causing any air bubbles. Also, the drifting of the sample is prevented, facilitating a proper imaging without blur.

Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding the description may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated in the description

Table of Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
10 System
1 Micro-fluidic slide
2 Chamber
3 Cover slip
4 Biological sample
100 Mechanism
101 Mechanical slab
101a Handle
102 Support structures
200 Mechanism
201 Mechanical arm
202 Pivot member
203 Base plate
204 Clamping device
300 Mechanism
301 Base plate
302 Top plate
303 Provision to accommodate cover slips
304 Clamping device
400 Actuator
500 Mechanism
501 Mechanical arm
501a Vacuum cup
501b Top plate of mechanical arm
501c Bottom plate of mechanical arm
502 Resilient member
900 Mechanism
901 Paper board
901a Pivot point
901b and 901c Portion of the paperboard
902 Adhesive means
903 and 904 Peel tab

,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A system (10) for smearing a biological sample, the system (10) comprising:
a micro-fluidic slide (1) defined with a chamber (2) to accommodate the biological sample (4);
a coverslip (3) configured to enclose the chamber (2); and
a mechanism (100, 200, 300, 500 and 900) to position the cover slip (3) on the chamber (2), wherein, the mechanism (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500) is configured to receive the coverslip (3) at a predetermined acute angle with respect to the micro-fluidic slide (1) such that at least one side of the coverslip (3) makes a wedge contact with the micro-fluidic slide (1) and a free end of the cover slip (3) is progressively lowered towards the chamber (2),
wherein, the progressive lowering of the free end of the cover slip (3) towards the chamber (2) evenly smears the biological sample forming a monolayer in the chamber (2).

2. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biological sample (4) is a low-viscous fluid.

3. The system (10) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the biological sample (4) is urine.

4. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (100) comprises a slab (101) pivotally connected to a plurality of support structures (102).

5. The system (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the slab (101) is defined with a provision to receive the cover slip (3).

6. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (200) comprises a base plate (203) configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide (1) and a mechanical arm (201) configured to hold the coverslip (3).

7. The system (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mechanical arm (201) is slidably connectable to a portion of the base plate (203).

8. The system (10) as claimed in claims 6 and 7, wherein the mechanical arm (201) is actuated by at least one of manual methods and automated methods to progressively lower the coverslip (3).

9. The system (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mechanical arm (201) is automatically actuated by an electro-mechanical actuator (400).

10. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (300) comprises a base plate (301) configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide (1) and a top plate (302) configured to accommodate the cover slip (3), wherein the top plate (302) is pivotally connectable to an end portion of the base plate (301).

11. The system (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the top plate (302) is defined with a provision (303) at a pre-determined portion to accommodate the cover slip (3).

12. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (500) comprises a spring-loaded mechanical arm (501).

13. The system (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the spring-loaded mechanical arm (501) includes a top plate (501b) hinged to a bottom plate (501c), the bottom plate (501c) is connected to the top plate (501b) by a resilient member (502).

14. The system (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bottom plate (501c) of the spring-loaded mechanical arm (501) is positionable on the micro-fluidic slide (1) and the top plate (501b) is configured to accommodate the cover slip (3).

15. The system (10) as claimed in claim 13 comprises a vacuum cup (501a) provisioned on the top plate (501b), wherein the vacuum cup (501a) is configured to hold the cover slip (3) abutting the top plate (501b).

16. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mechanism (900) includes a paperboard (901) configured to accommodate the micro-fluidic slide (1) and the cover slip (3), the paperboard (901) is defined with a plurality of peel tabs (903 and 904).

17. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microfluidic slide (1) and the coverslip (3) is joined to the paperboard (901) through bonding process.

18. The system (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprises an adhesive layer (5) provisioned on a periphery of the chamber (2) of the micro-fluidic slide (1), wherein the adhesive layer (5) is configured to secure the cover slip (3) positioned over the chamber (2) of the micro-fluidic slide (1).