| abstract |
Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the identification of various objects, particularly circulating tumor cells. In one aspect the system includes, but is not limited to, a scanning system, an image storage system, and an analysis system. The analysis system preferably identifies desired objects, such as complete cells, based on various criteria, which may include cell nuclear area or volume, CD-45 negative status, and cytokeratine positive status. Preferably included is a slide for containing the cells during the imaging step, the well including a planar bottom surface, a border at the periphery of the well defining sides for the well, the border being adjacent the bottom surface of the well and providing a fluidic seal there between. The invention herein provides for a single imaging well, providing for substantially a monolayer of objects, e.g., cells. |