FLOW CONTROL METERING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FILTRATION OF LIQUID-BASED SPECIMENS

摘要

A method and apparatus for collecting a cell sample of desired concentration on a filter collection site from a biological liquid specimen in a container. Specimen liquid is moved through a filter while the volume rate of liquid flow through the filter is monitored. The monitored liquid flow rate is compared to a reference value, and liquid flow through the filter is terminated when the ratio value. The predetermined ratio value preferably is a function of the protocol for processing the specimen. An alternative method and apparatus relies on the rate of change of the measured weight of the container. This rate is compared to a reference value, and liquid flow through the filter is terminated when the rate of change diminishes to or below a predetermined value.