Abstract: A concentrated sample having enhanced concentration of the one or more different populations of target rare molecules is incubated with, for each different population of target rare molecules, a particulate or non-particulate affinity agent that comprises a specific binding partner that is specific for and binds to a target rare molecule. The affinity agent comprises a mass spectrometry (MS) label precursor or a first alteration agent, which either facilitates the formation of an MS label from the MS label precursor or releases an entity that comprises the MS label precursor from the affinity agent. The MS label corresponds to one of the populations of target rare molecules. A second alteration agent is employed if the first alteration agent does not facilitate the formation of an MS label from the MS label precursor. MS analysis is used to determine each different MS label.

Abstract: There is provided a system (10) and method (100) for improving ICC and/or ISH rare cell detection by lowering background noise and providing enhanced detection of rare cells (15). In an embodiment, background noise for an ICC and/or an ISH rare cell detection assay is reduced and rare cell signaling is enhanced via feedback control. To accomplish the feedback control, an electronic control circuit (24) can direct a fluid delivery apparatus (18) to add an adjustment amount to account for fluid loss in the system (10) when fluid loss is indicated.

Abstract: Nucleic acids in non-rare cells in a sample containing non-rare cells and rare cells are selectively released from the non-rare cells. The sample is combined with an aqueous medium, and the combination is held for a period of time and at a temperature for selectively releasing nucleic acids from the non-rare cells but not from the rare cells. The sample is subjected to filtration to separate rare cells from non-rare cells. Rare cells with intact nucleic acids are separated from non-rare cells and nucleic acids from the non-rare cells. Nucleic acids from the rare cells are subjected to one or more identification techniques either with or without extraction of nucleic acids from the rare cells.

Abstract: Nucleic acids in non-rare cells in a sample containing non-rare cells and rare cells are selectively released from the non-rare cells. The sample is combined with an aqueous medium, and the combination is held for a period of time and at a temperature for selectively releasing nucleic acids from the non-rare cells but not from the rare cells. The sample is subjected to filtration to separate rare cells from non-rare cells. Rare cells with intact nucleic acids are separated from non-rare cells and nucleic acids from the non-rare cells. Nucleic acids from the rare cells are subjected to one or more identification techniques either with or without extraction of nucleic acids from the rare cells.

Abstract: There is provided a system (10) and method (100) for improving ICC and/or ISH rare cell detection by lowering background noise and providing enhanced detection of rare cells (15). In an embodiment, background noise for an ICC and/or an ISH rare cell detection assay is reduced and rare cell signaling is enhanced via feedback control. To accomplish the feedback control, an electronic control circuit (24) can direct a fluid delivery apparatus (18) to add an adjustment amount to account for fluid loss in the system (10) when fluid loss is indicated.

Abstract: A concentrated sample having enhanced concentration of the one or more different populations of target rare molecules is incubated with, for each different population of target rare molecules, a particulate or non-particulate affinity agent that comprises a specific binding partner that is specific for and binds to a target rare molecule. The affinity agent comprises a mass spectrometry (MS) label precursor or a first alteration agent, which either facilitates the formation of an MS label from the MS label precursor or releases an entity that comprises the MS label precursor from the affinity agent. The MS label corresponds to one of the populations of target rare molecules. A second alteration agent is employed if the first alteration agent does not facilitate the formation of an MS label from the MS label precursor. MS analysis is used to determine each different MS label.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of screening a patient sample in a circulating tumor cell assay for false positives as well as methods of performing a circulating tumor cell detection assay. Also provided herein are methods of simultaneously identifying, and methods of distinguishing between, a circulating tumor cell and a circulating endothelial cell in a patient sample. Methods of treating a patient with cancer comprising screening for false positives in a circulating tumor cell assay and administering to the patient an anti-cancer therapy are further provided.