Real-Time Image Processor For Detection Of Rare Cells And Particles In Flow At 37 Mhz Line Scans Per Second

We describe a real-time image processor that has enabled a new automated flow through microscope to screen cells in flow at 100,000 cells/s and a record false positive rate of one in a million. This unit is integrated with an ultrafast optical imaging modality known as serial time-encoded amplified microscopy (STEAM) for blur-free imaging of particles in high-speed flow. We show real-time image-based identification and screening of budding yeast cells and rare breast cancer cells in blood. The system generates E-slides (an electronic version of glass slides) on which particles of interest are digitally analyzed.