Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of identification of DNA sequences, genes or chromosomes. Methods and composition to obtain Unique Sequence DNA probes are provided. Composition comprises of any double stranded DNA containing Unique Sequences from which the repetitive sequences are eliminated according to the method described in this invention. The invention also relates to the preservation of cells that have been identified after immunuomagnetic selection and fluorescent labeling in order to further interrogate the cells of interest. Furthermore the invention relates to genetic analysis of cells that have been identified after immunomagnetic selection and fluorescent labeling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for imaging circulating tumor cells from blood after enrichment. The system is designed to provide optimum use in a clinical laboratory setting with minimum laboratory bench top space. Operator intervention is minimized compared to other analytical methodologies. The system is useful in the enumeration and identification of target cells in a sample specimen for screening and detection of early stage pre-metastatic cancer, monitoring for disease remission in response to therapy and selection of more effective dose regimens or alternative therapies for individual patients.

Abstract: The enumeration of cells in fluids by flow cytometry is widely used across many disciplines such as assessment of leukocyte subsets in different bodily fluids or of bacterial contamination in environmental samples, food products and bodily fluids. For many applications the cost, size and complexity of the instruments prevents wider use, for example, CD4 analysis in HIV monitoring in resource-poor countries. The novel device, methods and algorithms disclosed herein largely overcome these limitations. Briefly, all cells in a biological sample are fluorescently labeled, but only the target cells are also magnetically labeled. In addition, non-magnetically labeled cells are imaged for viability in a modified slide configuration. The labeled sample, in a chamber or cuvet, is placed between two wedge-shaped magnets to selectively move the magnetically labeled cells to the observation surface of the cuvet.