Filter member and a method of obtaining cells using the same

A filter member comprising:

• a filter for discriminating epithelial cells in a sample from components smaller than the epithelial cells;
• a first filter holding member which comprises a first through hole and has a plate-like shape;
• and
• a second filter holding member which comprises a second through hole and is fitted into the first filter holding member,
• wherein when the first and second filter holding members are integrated by fitting the second filter holding member into the first filter holding member, the filter is sandwiched between the first filter holding member and the second filter holding member and the first through hole is opposed to the second through hole through the filter,
• a first elastic body is formed on a surface of the first filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter, and
• a second elastic body is formed on a surface of the second filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter.

A method of obtaining cells using a filter member, comprising steps of:

• discriminating cells to be analyzed in a sample from other components by passing the sample through the filter member;
• and
• collecting the cells to be analyzed remaining on the filter member, wherein the filter member includes
• a filter for discriminating cells to be analyzed in a sample from other components;
• a first filter holding member which comprises a first through hole and has a plate-like shape;
• and
• a second filter holding member which comprises a second through hole and is fitted into the first filter holding member,
• wherein when the first and second filter holding members are integrated by fitting the second filter holding member into the first filter holding member, the filter is sandwiched between the first filter holding member and the second filter holding member and the first through hole is opposed to the second through hole through the filter,
• a first elastic body is formed on a surface of the first filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter, and
• a second elastic body is formed on a surface of the second filter holding member, the surface being in contact with the filter.