Cell analysis by mass cytometry

Abstract

A combination of mutually exclusive cell-based analytical techniques can be applied to the same group of cells for analysis. The same group of cells can be prepared for analysis by each technique resulting with candidate cells targeted for mass cytometry analysis. This configuration allows for the correlation of the information between each technique to produce a matrix of multi dimension of cellular information with the same group of cells.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A sample for elemental analysis of a plurality of elemental tags, the sample comprising:
 a group of cells mounted on a base;   wherein the group of cells is labeled with more than one type of elemental conjugated antibody;   wherein each of the more than one type of elemental conjugated antibody is tagged with a distinct elemental tag, wherein the distinct elemental tag conjugated to each type of antibody is a metal isotope; and   wherein each type of elemental conjugated antibody is uniquely distinguishable by its distinct elemental tag.   
     
     
         22 . The sample of  claim 21 , wherein the distinct elemental tag conjugated to each type of antibody is a metal isotope of any one or a combination of Gd, Nd, Tb, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Sm, Er, and Yb. 
     
     
         23 . The sample of  claim 21 , wherein each distinct elemental tag is a transition metal. 
     
     
         24 . The sample of  claim 21 , wherein the group is cells is a biological tissue sample. 
     
     
         25 . The sample of  claim 21 , wherein the base is a microscope slide. 
     
     
         26 . A method of preparing a sample for elemental analysis of a plurality of elemental tags, the method comprising:
 mounting a group of cells on a base;   labeling the group of cells with more than one type of elemental conjugated antibody, wherein each type of antibody is tagged with a distinct elemental tag, wherein the distinct elemental tag conjugated to each type of antibody is a metal isotope, and wherein each type of elemental conjugated antibody is uniquely distinguishable by its distinct elemental tag.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the distinct elemental tag conjugated to each type of antibody is a metal isotope. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the distinct elemental tag conjugated to each type of antibody is a metal isotope of any one or a combination of Gd, Nd, Tb, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Sm, Er, and Yb. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein each distinct elemental tag is a transition metal. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the group is cells is a biological tissue sample. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the base is a microscope slide.