Methods, compositions, and automated systems for separating rare cells from fluid samples
US7166443B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2015/0681
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells from a complex fluid sample. In particular, the enrichment of fetal cells from maternal samples, such as maternal blood samples, can greatly aid in the detection of fetal abnormalities or a variety of genetic conditions. In addition, the present invention recognizes that the enrichment of rare malignant cells from patient samples, can aid in diagnosis, prognosis, and development of therapeutic modalities for patients. The invention includes microfabricated filters for filtering fluid samples and methods of enriching rare cells of fluid samples using microfabricated filters of the present invention. The invention also includes solutions for the selective sedimentation of red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample and methods of using selective RBC sedimentation solutions for enriching rare cells of a fluid sample. Yet another aspect of the invention is an automated system for processing a fluid sample that includes: at least one filtration chamber that includes a microfabricated filter; automated means for directing fluid flow through at least one filtration ch…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.