Method for collecting purified cells

Abstract

The present invention provides improved methods for collecting cells for subsequent analysis. More specifically, the invention provides methods for collecting purified cell samples from a flow cytometer onto a solid support on which cell lysis occurs and genetic material is immobilized.

1 . A method for collecting purified cells for genetic analysis, comprising: 
 sorting a population of cells using a flow cytometer and collecting a purified cell in a drop of collection fluid;    depositing the drop of collection fluid onto a solid support at a discrete location, the solid support comprising a cell lysing agent and a genetic material preservative;    wherein the purified cell within the drop of collection fluid is absorbed by the solid support and lysed by the lysing agent to yield genetic material;    and wherein the genetic material is sorbed by the solid support and protected from degradation by the genetic material preservative.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the solid support is comprised of a cellulose-based substance.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2  wherein the substance is selected from the group consisting of cellulose, nitrocellulose and carboxymethylcellulose.  
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein the solid support is comprised of hydrophilic polymers.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the hydrophilic polymers are selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide, and carbohydrate polymers.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the solid support is comprised of a substance selected from the group consisting of glass, silica and quartz fibers.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the discrete location is identifiable by a color indicator.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein two or more drops of collection fluid are deposited onto the same solid support.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the two or more drops of collection fluid are deposited at the same discrete location.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein at least a first and a second population of cells are sorted and wherein a drop of collection fluid containing a cell from the first population and a drop of collection fluid containing a cell from the second population are deposited each onto a separate solid support.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the drop of collection fluid containing a cell from the first population and the drop of collection fluid containing a cell from the second population are deposited each at a distinct location onto the same solid support.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising releasing the genetic material sorbed onto the solid support by heat elution.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising analyzing the genetic material using a polymerase chain reaction.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising analyzing the genetic material using short tandem repeats.