Problem Statement
Cell counting is conventionally manual. In particular, a counting-chamber device known as the hemocytometer is used. The hemocytometer has two chambers, each divided into 1mm2 squares with a volume of 0.1mm3. The chambers are filled with cell suspension. The operator first obtains the cell density or concentration by viewing the device under the microscope and counting the number of cells in corner squares and dividing this value by the volume of the squares. The total number of cells is finally calculated by multiplying the total fluid volume with the calculated cell density [1].
This process is repeated for multiple samples and is hence laborious. Prolonged microscope use results in stiff muscles and affects the neck and upper back most [2]. There is opportunity for automation as doing so frees up precious time and prevents medical issues sustained from repetitive motion.
Furthermore, manual cell counting is only possible if the cells are homogeneous and well diluted. Otherwise, it is easy for the operator to get confused while counting. This is particularly the case for sample slides with high cell density and the time to count increases exponentially for such instances.
Solution
Our solution aims to solve these issues:
- Outsource tedious and time-consuming task of manual cell counting to cell counting model
- Enable counting of samples with high cell density or clustered cells with cell counting model, which usually confuse humans and makes them count longer
- Improve ergonomics by utilising a remote-controlled microscope for axis control instead of making the operator bend over the microscope for long hours
- Improve precision of control via motor control instead of manually turning of adjustment knobs of biological microscope
- Reduce adjustment time by implementing an autofocus algorithm so operators need not spend so much time getting cell samples in focus
Working Principles
Watch the video below and read on to find out more!
People
From left to right: Choong Zheng Yang (PHY/1), Koh Yu Zhen (CS/1), Liang Yingyue (CBE/1), Fang Rouli (EEE/1)
Source Code
Our code is available on GitHub and our Google CoLab notebook.
Check out our branches for cell-counting and for our Flask interface!
References
[1] “Cell counting using a hemocytometer,” Sigmaaldrich.com. [Online]. Available: https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/SG/en/technical-documents/technical-article/cell-culture-and-cell-culture-analysis/mammalian-cell-culture/cell-quantification. [Accessed: 15-June-2021].
[2] A. A. Gupta, S. A. Mhaske, M. A. Ahmad, M. B. Yuwanati, S. Prabhu, and N. Pardhe, “Ergonomic microscope: Need of the hour,” J. Clin. Diagn. Res., vol. 9, no. 5, pp. ZC62-5, 2015.