Figure 1From: A novel method for downstream characterization of breast cancer circulating tumor cells following CellSearch isolationOverview of the method. Enriched CTCs were collected after CellSearch analysis using the Profile or Epithelial cell kit. The solution containing CTCs and leukocytes was placed in a magnetic tray. Following incubation, the non-adherent solvent was removed and the ferrofluid-attached cells were re-suspended in a smaller volume of PBS, thus permitting further enrichment. This solution was dropped and fixed on a glass slide before subsequent staining according to protocols 1 or 2. Visualization is possible with a fluorescence or bright-field microscope, depending on the staining method applied. (Drawing of magnetic stand reprinted with permission from IFI CLAIMS Patent Services.)Back to article page