Patent ID: 6444436
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for detecting the presence or absence of circulating target nucleated cancer and/or hematologic progenitor cells in an anticoagulated whole blood sample, said method comprising the steps of:a) providing a transparent flattened rectilinear container which is approximately the same size in plan view as a microscope slide, said container having an interior cavity containing a flattened rectilinear insert, said container and insert combining to form a well-defined zone in the container, said container having opposed planar surfaces through which the blood sample can be examined; b) combining the blood sample with a target nucleated cell epitope-specific labeling agent so as to differentially distinguish any target nucleated cells which are present in the blood sample from other nucleated cells present in the blood sample; c) combining the blood sample with a colorant which is operable to clarify cell morphology in all nucleated cells present in the blood sample; d) placing the blood sample in the container and centrifuging the blood sample in the container so as to cause any target nucleated cells present in the blood sample to situate in said well-defined zone in the container; e) enumerating any differentially distinguished target nucleated cells found in the well-defined zone in the container; f) examining cell morphology of any differentially distinguished target nucleated cells situated in the well-defined zone in the container; g) said combining steps being performed either before or after the blood sample is placed in the container; and h) said enumerating and examining steps being performed in no particular order.