Abstract: An apparatus for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood. The apparatus includes a wearable device that receives fluid from vasculature of a subject through an input channel. A pump is coupled to the input channel the pump configured to receive blood at a first flow rate and to convert the flow of the blood to a second flow rate. The device further includes a replaceable candidate cell capture module having a microfluidic capture stage with herringbone channel structures configured to capture the candidate cells by antibodies. The device is further configured to provide the blood back to the vasculature of the subject.

Abstract: Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis.

Abstract: Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis.

Abstract: Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis.

Abstract: A cancer test having prognostic utility in predicting time to disease progression, overall survival, and response to therapy in patients with MBC based upon the presence and number of CTC's. The Cell Spotter® System is used to enumerate CTC's in blood. The system immunomagnetically concentrates epithelial cells, fluorescently labels the cells and identifies and quantifies CTC's. The absolute number of CTC's detected in the peripheral blood tumor load is, in part, a factor in prediction of survival, time to progression, and response to therapy. The mean time to survival of patients depended upon a threshold number of 5 CTC's per 7.5 ml of blood. Detection of CTC's in metastatic cancer represents a novel prognostic factor in patients with metastatic cancers, suggests a biological role for the presence of tumor cells in the blood, and indicates that the detection of CTC's could be considered an appropriate surrogate marker for prospective therapeutic clinical trials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water includes a pump and purification cell, the cell having two electrodes, at least one of which electrodes is approximately 92 percent copper, 3 percent silver and 5 percent nickel, by weight. An electrical potential is developed between the electrodes and caused to alternate in polarity to prevent plating. Copper and silver ions are released into the water at adjustable rate, where they cooperatively destroy bacteria, algae, and the like.