Apparatus and Method for Filtering Biological Material

摘要

A method and apparatus for harvesting cells from a fluid so as to preserve the integrity of the cells when used in the diagnosis of cancer. The apparatus comprises a filter adapted to collect cells of a predetermined size, a fluid pathway arranged to transmit fluid to and from the filter, a pump which provide a positive pressure which urges the fluid to the filter along the fluid pathway and a negative pressure which draws the fluid from the filter along the fluid pathway and which operates to pass the sample through the filter in a first direction to collect cells on the filter. A second pump operates to pass a cell preservative fluid through the filter in a second direction to remove cells from the filter for collection. A controller is provided to regulate the flow of fluid along the fluid pathway. The method and apparatus provides a gentle pressure gradient which minimises damage to the cells during the process of filtration and collection.