Fluid delivery system for a flow cytometer

Abstract

Systems for sheath fluid and sample fluid transport from containers to an analytic device, such as a flow (cell) cytometer, are disclosed. These systems are sterile and remain so, as they are closed to the ambient environment. As a result, fluids of high purity reach the analytic device, and in the case of a flow cytometer, the desired cells are sorted in sort of high purity.

1 . A molded tubing set for coupling a source of sheath fluid and a flow nozzle, the tubing set comprising: 
 (a) at least one flexible tube member, which can transport fluid at pressures of approximately 120 psi, the tube member configured for providing a sterile environment for fluid transport from the sheath fluid source to the flow nozzle; and    (b) a connection to the source of sheath fluid, whereby the connection forms a sealed attachment that prevents exposure to ambient environment.    
   
   
       2 . The tubing set of  claim 1 , the connection between the tube member and the source is fitted and removable.  
   
   
       3 . The tubing set of  claim 1  comprising plurality of flexible tube members, at least one Y-connector, and a waste system.  
   
   
       4 . The tubing set of  claim 1 , comprising: a first flexible tube member in communication with a first Y-connector, at least two second flexible tube members in communication with the first Y-connector and each of the at least two second flexible tube members in communication with respective second Y-connectors, and at least two third flexible tube members in communication with each of the second Y-connectors.  
   
   
       5 . The tubing set of  claim 1  comprising at least one connector fittings for attachment to the flow nozzle.  
   
   
       6 . The tubing set of  claim 3  comprising: compression fittings for connecting the tubing set to the waste system.  
   
   
       7 . A method for transporting sheath fluid to a flow nozzle of a flow cytometer comprising: 
 (a) affixing a sterile bag of sheath fluid to a tubing set, whereby a sterile fitted connection is formed, the tubing set comprising at least one flexible tube member;    (b) attaching at least one flexible tube member to the flow nozzle;    (c) applying pressure to the bag of sheath fluid to cause the sheath to flow from the bag to the tube member.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7 , comprising applying pressure to the bag by placing the bag in a tank, with the tank in communication with a source of pressurized gas, the tank includes a port where the closed container is coupled with at least one flexible tube member, and provides a longitudinal axis extending lengthwise through the tank.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the tank is such that its longitudinal axis is at least substantially parallel to the horizontal.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the tank is oriented such that the second port is below the first port.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  comprising attaching flexible tube members to a waste system, whereby compression fittings are used to facilitate attachment.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the waste system includes a waste tank.  
   
   
       13 . A system for transporting sheath fluid to a flow nozzle of a flow cytometer, comprising: 
 (a) a flexible container of sheath fluid;    (b) a tubing set for coupling with the container of sheath fluid, a waste system, and the flow nozzle, the tubing set comprising: a plurality of flexible tube members which can transport fluid at pressures of approximately 120 psi and provides a sterile environment for sheath fluid transport from the container to the flow nozzle;    (c) a pressurizable tank for holding the container of sheath fluid, the tank including at least a first port for receiving pressurized gas for driving the fluid in the container through the tubing set, and, a second port where at least one of the plurality of flexible tube members of the tubing set is in communication with the container; and,    (d) a waste system in communication with at least one flexible tube member of the tubing set.    
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the tubing set, in communication with the container and the flow nozzle, defines a pathway for sheath fluid that is closed to the ambient environment.  
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , comprising a first flexible tube member in communication with a first Y-connector, at least two second flexible tube members in communication with the first Y-connector and each of the at least two second flexible tube members in communication with respective second Y-connectors, and at least two third flexible tube members in communication with each of the second Y-connectors.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 13 , comprising a source of pressurized gas in communication with the tank.  
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the waste system defines a non-sterile side of the system.  
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the waste system includes at least one waste line for coupling with at least one flexible tube member of the tubing set, the at least one waste line in communication with a source of suction.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the waste system includes a waste tank.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , comprising: at least one one-way valve in communication with the waste tank for receiving the at least one flexible tube member of the tubing set, the at least one way valve biased to prevent fluid backflow into the at least one flexible tube member.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 13  comprising a plurality of Y-connectors attached to the tubing set.  
   
   
       22 . A system for providing sterile sheath fluid and sample fluid to an analytic device, comprising: 
 a sheath fluid delivery system including: 
 at least one flexible tube member, configured for coupling with a closed container of sheath fluid and the analytic to define a pathway for sheath fluid from the closed container to the analytic device, the pathway being closed to the ambient environment; and,  
   a sample fluid delivery system including: 
 a fluid transport line in communication with the container defining a pathway for sample fluid from the closed container to the analytic device that is closed to the ambient environment.  
   
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the sheath fluid delivery system includes a first tank configured for being pressurized and holding a closed container of sheath fluid.  
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 23 , wherein the first tank includes at least one port configured for communication with a corresponding portion of the tubing system for facilitating sheath fluid transport through the tubing system.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the sheath fluid delivery system includes a waste system for receiving waste, the second tank configured for coupling with a flexible tube member, and a one-way valve system.  
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the closed container of sample is placed in a pressurizable chamber that includes an inlet for pressurized gas and an outlet for sample fluid.  
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the sample fluid delivery system includes a rocking mechanism in communication with the pressurizable chamber.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the pressurizable chamber includes a floor configured for accommodating coolant circulation therethrough.  
   
   
       29 . A system for providing sterile sheath fluid to an analytic device comprising: 
 (a) a closed container of sheath fluid;    (b) a tubing system comprising a plurality of flexible tube members, the tubing system configured for coupling with the container, the analytic device, and a waste system, to define a pathway for sheath fluid from the closed container to the analytic device, the pathway being closed to the ambient environment; and,    (c) a driver configured for placing pressure on the closed container of sheath fluid to move the sheath fluid through the tubing system.    
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 29 , comprising: a first tank configured for being pressurized and holding the closed container of sheath fluid.  
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the sheath fluid delivery system includes a second tank for receiving waste, the second tank configured for coupling with a portion of the tubing system.  
   
   
       32 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the sheath fluid delivery system includes a waste system configured for coupling with the tubing system.  
   
   
       33 . An apparatus for sample fluid maintenance and transport comprising: 
 (a) a removable bag which contains sample fluid;    (b) a pressurizable chamber for receiving the bag of sample fluid;    (c) an outlet for sample fluid to exit the chamber; and,    (d) an inlet, for receiving pressurized gas into the pressurizable chamber.    
   
   
       34 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the chamber is inclined.  
   
   
       35 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the sample fluid is sterile.  
   
   
       36 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , comprising a source of pressurized gas in communication with the inlet of the chamber.  
   
   
       37 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , comprising an angled support member for supporting the chamber on an incline.  
   
   
       38 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , comprising a rocking mechanism in communication with the chamber.  
   
   
       39 . The apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the angled support member is positioned intermediate the chamber and the rocking mechanism.  
   
   
       40 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the chamber includes a floor, the floor including a coolant circulation system therein.  
   
   
       41 . The apparatus of  claim 33 , wherein the chamber includes a removable cover, for providing access to the interior of the chamber.  
   
   
       42 . A method for transporting sample fluid to an analytic device comprising: 
 placing a sealed bag of sample in a pressurizable chamber;    connecting the sealed bag of sample to at least one conduit for carrying the sample fluid into communication with the analytic device to create a pathway for the sample fluid to the analytic device, that is closed to the ambient environment; and    pressurizing the chamber to drive the sample fluid.    
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 42 , comprising: rocking the chamber to inhibit settlement of the sample fluid.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the pressurizing the chamber includes activating a gas source for supplying pressurized gas to the chamber.  
   
   
       45 . A system for providing sterile sheath and sample fluid to an analytic device, comprising: 
 (a) a closed container of sheath fluid;    (b) a closed container of sample fluid;    (c) a plurality of flexible tube members and Y-connectors configured for coupling with the closed container of sheath fluid, the analytic device and a waste system;    (d) a driver configured for placing pressure on the closed container of sheath fluid;    (e) at least one, one-way valve for connecting the tube member to the waste system;    (f) a pressurizable chamber for holding the closed container of sample fluid; and    (g) a fluid transport line in communication with the sample fluid and the analytic device that is closed to the ambient environment.