APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR BIOLOGICAL SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS

摘要

A method for utilizing a filtration device (24) for removing interferants from a sample containing cells (20) in an automated apparatus (10) is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane (60) having a plurality of pores (65) sized to retain cells while allowing smaller diameter interferants (72) to pass through the membrane. The apparatus also includes a means of moving the sample from a sample container (16) to and from the filtration device. The disclosed method utilizes a vacuum source (30) to aspirate the sample into a lumen (66) of the hollow fiber membrane so that the sample is retained in the lumen space until expelled into an analysis container or transported to an analyzer.