Examining the Use of Techion Digital Microscope, the Nano-I for Counting Blood Cells in Urine Samples

Techion in partnership with Awanui Laboratories, Otago University, The Aware Group and Microsoft Healthcare supported University of Otago Masters student Joshua Donn’s research examining the use of Techion digital microscope, the Nano-I for counting blood cells in urine samples. 

 

The project used Techion’s Nano-I digital microscope to take high resolution digital images of urine specimens from human patients and harness the power of analysis using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide instant results at the point of care.  

 

The 2023 study successfully modified the Nano-I to take high-quality images of urine specimens. Through the project, working from one of Awanui’s laboratories in Dunedin, New Zealand Joshua Donn collected 117 urine samples, which were then imaged on the Nano-I. Each of these images contained hundreds of WBCs (white blood cells), RBCs (red blood cells) and epithelial cells. The Nano-I’s Rata software uploaded these images to Microsoft’s Custom Vision to train an AI model to accurately detect the three cell types.  

 

Joshua Donn’s research concluded the Nano-I and associated software shows great promise in differentiating between WBCs, RBCs, and epithelial cells. Furthermore, the study demonstrated how the Nano-I digital microscope can be further developed for cell counting in other body fluids. Information from this project has been used to inform development of a new Nanon-I prototype device. This new prototype microscope has built in LED arrays for improved lighting, a higher resolution camera for a broader range of microscopy applications.  

 

Looking to the future; the Nano-I and its Rata software has the power to revolutionise digital diagnostics at the point of care and reduce health inequity often faced by those living in rural or remote regions. Join us on this journey to:  

  • High-Resolution Imaging A lightweight, portable digital microscope capable of imaging particles sized 5-30µm at approximately 650x magnification  

  • Harness the Power of AI-Driven Analysis Leveraging AI for efficient result analysis, allowing doctors and specialists to work from anywhere 

  • Enhanced Pixel Resolution Superior image quality thanks to post-production technology like deep zoom  

  • Wide Deployment Ideal for regional labs, hospitals, aged care facilities, clinics and even shopping malls 
  • Address Inequity Using the Nano-I will provide instant test results for patients in regional areas, eliminating the cost and time to travel to cities for diagnosis from costly machines
  • Secure Reliability Our Nano-I includes software for training, certification and audit with secure image storage and analysis tracking
  • Versatile Applications Suitable for human health diagnostics, water testing, food and drink testing, animal testing and much more! 
  • Portable Power We call it the ‘GoPro’ of microscopes, enabling on-the-go diagnostics with real-time image sharing  
  • E-Training Facilitating e-training with libraries of rare disease images for technician education  
  • Continuous Monitoring Allowing clinicians to collect and analyse data over time for better patient care 
  • Transforming Diagnostics Replace traditional microscopes and support skilled technicians with advanced digital technology, which digitally stores and categories all test results

  • Real-Time Results Enabling rapid turnaround of test results from any location 

Read the complete research here