Apparatus and method for isolating target cells from a fluid sample

An apparatus for isolating one or more target cells from a fluid sample, the apparatus comprising:

• a first chamber for receiving the fluid sample with a first opening at the top of the first chamber and a second opening at the bottom of the first chamber, the first opening configured to receive the fluid sample, the second opening configured to align with a removable filter, the removable filter having a first surface facing the interior of the first chamber and a second surface opposite the first surface, the removable filter defining a plurality of pores configured to retain the one or more target cells from the fluid sample on the first surface and/or in the plurality of pores and to pass any non-target cells and fluid from the fluid sample through the plurality of pores, each pore of the plurality of pores having a first diameter in the first surface, the first diameter being smaller than a diameter of the one or more target cells, and a second diameter in the second surface, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter;
• a second chamber in communication with the first chamber through the plurality of pores for receiving the any non-target cells and the fluid from the fluid sample, the second chamber comprising a hydrophilic microporous wick structure configured to contact the removable filter and draw the any non-target cells and the fluid from the fluid sample by capillary forces such that the any non-target cells and the fluid from the fluid sample are drawn into the second chamber and the one or more target cells are isolated on the first surface of the removable filter.