Blood cell size determination by scattering analysis

Modern non-invasive medical sensors can continuously provide vital information such as blood oxygenation, hemoglobin and glucose, based on substance-specific spectral or electrochemical properties. Cells and other geometrical formations are difficult to be observed non-invasively, due to the absence of a distinctive substantial signature. We have previously presented a light scattering - based portable sensing platform, toward noninvasive blood cell counting. Our method is based on Mie scattering, a directional light source and a linear photodiode array. A prototype device, based on a laser diode and a photodiode array, has been fabricated and evaluated in a previous work of us. In this paper the prototype system, has been used for measurements using real blood samples. Distinct Mie scattering signatures are demonstrated for three different samples, containing different concentration of blood cells. Also, different dilution rates were tested to study the high concentration effect. This device concept is proposed as a method for non-invasive, continuous blood cell counting.