Cell harvester

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the simultaneous filtering of samples contained in a plurality of test tubes includes a test tube block, a vacuum manifold, base manifold and vacuum base. The vacuum manifold is provided with a plurality of recesses complementary with barrels in the block defining chambers to receive the test tubes. The base manifold and vacuum base are assembled as a unit including recesses to receive filter screens and passages leading from the recesses to a vacuum source. The vacuum manifold is positioned onto the block with a filter medium placed over the vacuum manifold and secured in place by attaching the base manifold/vacuum base unit to the block. When vacuum is applied to the vacuum base the entire assembly is inverted whereby the contents of the test tubes are drawn through passages in the vacuum base to the filter medium. Passages in the base provide a wash solution to the barrels which is drawn through the device by the vacuum. In the recesses of the vacuum manifold, a deflector is provided to direct a portion of the wash back up into the test tube to remove any residue and deposit it onto the filter medium. The recesses in the base manifold act as a die which cut circular filter elements from the filter medium when sufficient pressure is used to clamp the components to the block. Upon disassembly of the components the contents of each test tube are contained on the individually cut filter elements to allow easy separation and handling.