Patent ID: 8110101
Filing Date: 2012-02-07
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting and enumerating a target cell population within a biological specimen said method comprising: a. obtaining said biological specimen from a subject; b. labeling said target population with colloidal magnetic nanoparticles coupled to a ligand specific for said cell population within said biological specimen wherein said nanoparticles are BSA coated and approximately 0.2 microns in diameter; c. isolating said labeled target population wherein said isolating includes art addition of a small PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane)-coated permanent magnet directly in said specimen; d. removing said magnet from said specimen; e. acquiring an image of said labeled target population wherein said target population is attached to said magnet along a single focal plane, and f. analyzing said image to detect and enumerate said labeled target population.