| abstract |
Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel ( 6 ) having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall ( 5 ). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall ( 5 ), magnets ( 3 ) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall ( 5 ). The magnetic capture structure comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members and has a uniform or non-uniform spacing between adjacent members. There may be electrical conductor means supported on the transparent collection wall ( 5 ) for enabling electrical manipulation of the biological substances. The chamber has one compartment or a plurality of compartments with differing heights. The chamber may include a porous wall. The invention is also useful in conducting quantitative analysis and sample preparation in conjunction with automated cell enumeration techniques. |