Portable concentrator

A method for concentration of target particles from a fluid sample, the method comprising:

• placing a tip of a hand-held concentrator in the fluid sample;
• opening the tip;
• drawing the fluid sample into the tip, through a filter, and into an internal chamber of the hand-held concentrator;
• capturing target particles from the fluid sample on the filter, wherein the fluid sample is drawn via a vacuum in the internal chamber, and
• eluting the target particles from the filter by manipulating a valve to release an elution solution from an elution cartridge.

A system for concentrating target particles from a fluid sample, the system comprising:

• a hand-held concentrator, the hand-held concentrator including an internal chamber, a filter within the internal chamber creating a retentate portion of the internal chamber and a permeate portion of the internal chamber, a tip in fluid communication with the retentate portion of the internal chamber, and a drawing source within the internal chamber;
• and
• an elution cartridge coupled to the hand-held concentrator,
• wherein the hand-held concentrator draws the fluid sample into the tip, through the retentate portion, and through the filter, capturing the target particles on the filter, and
• wherein the elution cartridge includes a valve which opens when manipulated and releases an elution fluid to elute the target particles from the filter.