Patent ID: 6156208
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method of subjecting a first sample fluid to a magnetic field having a gradient penetrating a flow chamber, the method comprising the steps of:a. providing a deposition cassette comprisingi. a substrate,ii. a gasket having at least one chamber hole therethrough, andiii. a platen having a respective inlet port and a respective outlet port, the gasket being interposed between and in contact with the substrate and the platen so as to form a liquid-tight seal around the at least one chamber hole, thereby forming a respective flow chamber in communication with the respective inlet and outlet ports;b. mounting the cassette in the gradient of the magnetic field so that the gradient penetrates the at least one flow chamber;c. providing a respective reservoir in fluid communication with the respective inlet port;d. advancing a priming fluid in a first direction through the respective outlet port into the at least one flow chamber and then out the respective inlet port into the respective reservoir so as to form a first meniscus in the respective reservoir;e. adding the first sample fluid to the respective reservoir in contact with the first meniscus so as to form an interface between the priming fluid and the first sample fluid; andf. while the cassette is mounted in the gradient, moving first sample fluid from the respective reservoir in a second direction through the at least one flow chamber and then out the respective outlet port so as to displace the priming fluid from the at least one flow chamber, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.