Cells are removed from the body, then stained and examined under a microscopy.  The trained physician or cytotechnologist is able to detect the presence of malignancy.

Use of either the 5.0 um or 8.0 um polycarbonate membrane.

• Pore Structure and Porosity

Minimum clogging by red blood cells and protein.  Well preserved cellular morphology.  High recovery rate.  Rapid filtration with low pressure.  Surface capture.  No cover slip edge sealing.

• Smooth, Flat Surface

High cell visibility.  Improved morphologic resolution.  Surface capture.

• "Thinness"

Easy mounting.  Immediate microscopic examination.

• Low absorption and adsorption

Improved contrast.  Greater cell isolation.  Easy mounting.

• Non-staining

Improved contrast.  Simpler microscopic analysis routine.

• Transparency

Simpler microscopic analysis routine.

• Chemical Resistance

Unaffected by conventional cytologic fixatives and stains.

• Strength

Less critical handling techniques needed.

Equipment needed
25mm or 47mm filter holder
Stainless steel forceps
5.0um - 25mm or 47mm PCTE membranes
General Procedure - procedure may vary

Most body fluids contain blood in various amounts.
Collect them in a container with an anticoagulant.
One recommended using polycarbonate membranes is EDTA (0.1 molar)
For each 5-ml specimen generally 1 ml of EDTA solution is sufficient; for specimens of higher blood content, 1 ml of EDTA for each 20-ml specimen is recommended.
Fixatives or preservatives recommended are:
30 to 50% alchol
10% buffered formalin
IMucolexx

Diagnostic procedures

For optimum results employ a limited amount of fluid when preparing specimens that exhibit high cell concentrations.  If too much fluid is used with cellular specimens, such as endometrial washing, ascites, gastrics, pleurals, sputums, and urines, the cells crowd and clog the filter.  A 5-ml specimen or smaller volume provides a good sample if it is properly mixed before filtration.

The 8um pore size is recommended for filtering most body fluids. 

For samples of higher probability of small cancer cells or fewer cancer cells, such as CSF or baby urine, the 5um pore size is recommended.

um = micrometer = micron