Apparatus and method for biological sample preparation and analysis

Abstract

A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a sample containing cells in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain cells while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane. The apparatus also includes a means for of moving the sample from a sample container to and from the filtration device. The disclosed method utilizes a vacuum source to aspirate the sample into a lumen 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.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An automated method of preparing blood cells for analysis comprising: 
 a) adding at least one reagent that reacts with blood cells of a blood cell sample to form a test sample mixture;    b) automatically removing interferants from the test sample mixture to yield a washed blood cell sample; and    c) analyzing the washed blood cell sample to determine characteristics of the blood cells.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent comprises at least one antibody that specifically binds to at least one target antigen on the surface of the blood cells within the blood cell sample.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the antibody contains a fluorescent test label.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein analyzing the washed blood cell sample is by electrical or optical measurements.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the reagent comprises a lytic reagent that lyses erythrocytes in the blood cell sample to be analyzed.