Semi-automated device for single parameter and multi-parameter phenotyping of cells

Abstract

A single-use device that produces a readily interpretable, visual presentation of biomaterial, enabling single parameter and multi-parameter characterizing of said biomaterial by means of visual inspection, particularly for immunophenotyping. In one embodiment, the device uses antibody coated microspheres which are adapted to bind to specific types of cells. An arrangement of uniquely molded components, which may be plastic or other suitable material, are assembled so as to provide a sequential procedure capable of incubating a suspension comprised of antibody coated microspheres, biomaterial, and liquid suspension agents. Following incubation, the invention further removes liquids from said suspension, and provides for rinsing the incubated retentate and for removing said rinsing liquids from the incubated retentate. The invention further provides for affixing the incubated retentate onto a standard glass microscope slide to enable phenotyping of incubated biomaterial (e.g., cells) by means of visual inspection or other analyses that can be performed from a glass slide.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.