Patent ID: 6849424

Claim:
A method for detecting cell proliferation, the method comprising: providing a device comprising (a) a test chamber, (b) a first delivery chamber arranged to contact the test chamber, the first delivery chamber comprising a wall with an opening to enable fluid communication between the first delivery chamber and the test chamber, and (c) a hollow cylinder enclosing a lumen and arranged within the first delivery chamber, the cylinder comprising a wall with a hole that can be aligned with the opening in the first delivery chamber wall to enable fluid communication between the cylinder lumen and the test chamber; placing one or more cells in a matrix within the test chamber of the device; exposing the device to conditions that permit the growth of the cells contained therein; aligning the hole in the wall of the hollow cylinder and the opening in the wall of the first delivery chamber to enable liquid medium to flow into the test chamber; flowing liquid medium through the hollow cylinder within the delivery chamber of the device; and evaluating the proliferation of the cells within the test chamber.