Abstract: Devices, methods, and kits directed towards collecting and preparing cells using a separable sample collection layer may be configured to collect or treat cells from a liquid sample with mechanisms for easy transfer of the cells prior to analysis or imaging. The separable sample collection layer may comprise a porous membrane that cells may be collected on, and one or more support layers comprising tape with one or more adhesive coatings and release liner. The devices, methods and kits may be configured with support layers comprising cutouts that form vertically or horizontally oriented microchannels for efficiently removing undesirable liquid. Following collection and/or treatment, cells collected onto the porous membrane may be adhered to another surface for further processing or analysis.

Abstract: A method for identifying and enumerating candidate target cells within a biological fluid specimen is described. The method includes obtaining a biological fluid specimen, preparing the biological fluid specimen by staining cell features in the biological fluid specimen, capturing a digital image having a plurality of color channels of the biological fluid specimen, and applying image analysis to the digital image. A computer program product for identifying candidate target cells within a biological fluid specimen is also described. The computer program comprises instructions to cause a processor to carry out the image analysis.

Abstract: A method for identifying and enumerating candidate target cells within a biological fluid specimen is described. The method includes obtaining a biological fluid specimen, preparing the biological fluid specimen by staining cell features in the biological fluid specimen, capturing a digital image having a plurality of color channels of the biological fluid specimen, and applying image analysis to the digital image. A computer program product for identifying candidate target cells within a biological fluid specimen is also described. The computer program comprises instructions to cause a processor to carry out the image analysis.