Method and device for collecting and preserving cells for analysis

Abstract

The claimed subject matter comprises a device to collect and preserve cells comprising of: (1) a collection container comprised of a tube having an open end and a closed end, a closure in the open end of the tube, a vacuum drawn to a predetermined level inside the container; and (2) compounds including an anticoagulant agent and a fixative agent, wherein the compounds are in a sufficient amount to preserve said cells” original morphology and antigenic sites without significant dilution of said cells, and thereby allowing said cells to be directly analyzed by a flow cytometer without further treatment. The claimed subject matter further comprises of a method of making a collection device for cells comprising of: (1) providing a tube having an open end and a closed end; (2) preloading compounds including: an anticoagulant agent, and a fixative agent into the tube, wherein the compounds are in a sufficient amount to preserve the cells” original morphology and antigenic sites without significant dilution of the cells, and thereby allowing the cells to be directly analyzed by a flow cytometer without further treatment; (3) inserting a closure into the open end of the tube; and (4) drawing a vacuum inside the tube to a predetermined level to form the collection device.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A method of inhibiting cellular aggregation in a biologically active sample comprising mixing an effective amount of diazolidinyl urea with a sample of viable cells, wherein the effective amount of diazolidinyl urea is in a concentration that is less than about 2:100 upon mixing with the sample of viable cells. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising mixing an effective amount of diazolidinyl urea in combination with a non-chelating agent based anti-coagulating agent selected from hirudin, heparin, citric acid, salts of citric acid, oxalic acid, salts of oxalic acid, acid citrate dextrose, or mixtures thereof may be used, with the sample. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising mixing an effective amount of diazolidinyl urea in combination with acid citrate dextrose with the biological sample. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the diazolidinyl urea is mixed with the sample before a biological sample processing or testing. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the diazolidinyl urea is in a solid or liquid form in a container and wherein the biological sample is added to the container. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the biological sample is selected from the group consisting of whole blood, blood and bone marrow. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein upon mixing with the effective amount of diazolidinyl urea the biological sample is suitable for use in a microchannel for cell capturing. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the effective amount of diazolidinyl urea in the biological sample provides for improved cell capture in a microchannel as compared to that in the absence of diazolidinyl urea in the biological sample. 
     
     
         36 . A method of inhibiting cellular aggregation in a biological sample comprising mixing an effective amount of diazolidinyl urea with the sample, wherein cellular aggregation is reduced in the presence of diazolidinyl urea compared to the absence of diazolidinyl urea in the sample, wherein the effective amount of diazolidinyl urea is in a concentration that is less than about 2:100 upon mixing with the biological sample, and wherein upon mixing with the effective amount of diazolidinyl urea the biological sample is suitable for use in a microchannel for cell capturing.