JPH06506869A - Vacuum clamp multiple sample filtration apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Vacuum Clamp Multiple Sample Filtration Apparatus and Methods Technical Field The present invention generally relates to biochemical testing and screening devices and methods. do. More specifically, the present invention provides biochemical testing and screening of multiple samples. The present invention relates to a multi-sample filtration device and method for filtering multiple samples.

The description in this specification is based on the U.S. patent application filed on 07/68, which is the basis of the priority of this application. It is based on the description of No. 0.544 (filed on April 4, 1991). , the specification of the U.S. patent application by reference to the U.S. patent application number. The contents herein constitute a part of this specification.

Background technology Multi-sample filtration devices are commonly used to sample all types of media. For example, in molecular biology applications blood extracts, cell extracts or species Purification of nucleic acids from various sources is a common application of this device. In the area of immunity, blood Examination of extracts, whole cells or purified materials are common applications.

Conventional devices typically allow the sample to come into contact with the filter membrane. The test is then carried out on the membrane and various determinations regarding the sample medium are made. A decision will be made. Traditional filtration devices also allow testing of large numbers of samples and or more types of media or multiple samples of the same test media can be tested. I try to do that.

U.S. Patent No. 4,493,815 (Fernwood at al.) One of the multiple sample filtration devices described in the "Fernwood Patent" below) The type uses a vacuum member to pull the media into contact with the filter membrane. this vacuum The purpose of the member is to bring the media into contact with the filter membrane. fernwood patent may also refer to the above-mentioned assembly as "sandwiching" (cl. disclosed a plurality of mechanical screws for attaching (amping).

Clasping of the assembly prevents sample movement on the membrane and vacuum leaks. This is necessary to prevent this.

However, devices such as the one described in the Fernwood patent have some drawbacks. be. One drawback concerns sealing. If a good seal is obtained, If not, the sample moves through the filter membrane and the laboratory technician attempts to analyze the membrane. This causes serious problems when viewing. Some samples are damaged and others are The patient will be placed in a state that does not facilitate analysis by the surgeon.

Another drawback concerns the operation of the device. Traditional method of manually creating stickers is troublesome. screws and clamps must be tightened and loosened; It is inefficient to use screws and clamps that require parts to be taken apart. resulting in significant losses in production.

Disclosure of invention The present invention aims to overcome one or more of the problems mentioned above. one In embodiments, the present invention provides a method for testing sample media using filter membranes. It is a device for This device first uses a standard 96-hole microtiter-shaped well. It has a board. Each well is adapted to contain sample medium.

The apparatus further includes vacuum clamping the filter membrane in sealing contact with the well plate. The first means is provided. This vacuum clamping means is in contact with the filter membrane. Seal each well of the well plate.

The device also draws the sample medium contained in each well of the well plate into the filter. and a second means for contacting the router membrane.

The vacuum clamping means includes a vacuum clamping valve and a first vacuum inlet mounted on the substrate. It is growing. The vacuum inlet is adapted to connect with an external vacuum source. vacuum crank The right and left valves are in the first position, with the opposite valve in the “on” position, and the right and opposite valves in the “off” position. The second position is rotatable to the first position. Vacuum clamp valve in “on” position as described above , the first vacuum inlet communicates with the second channel to transfer the vacuum to the vacuum of the device. feed into the clamp area.

The vacuum clamping means may further include a gasket. The gasket is the first and second substantially parallel elastic surfaces aligned with the wells of the well plate; It has multiple wells.

The substrate has a vacuum chamber surrounded by a plurality of islands. gasket are placed around the island of the substrate, forming a vacuum clamp area. .

The vacuum clamping device of the present invention is something that could not be achieved with conventional media inspection devices. It has several advantages.

One such advantage relates to the availability of sample media on the filter membrane. Special , vacuum clamping equipment is more efficient than the screws and clamps used in traditional equipment. Provides a more balanced clamping force. Matched clamping force is applied to each sample medium. ensure that the filter is properly placed on the filter membrane. The second advantage is related to operation. Ru. More specifically, the vacuum clamping device makes the operation of the present invention more pronounced than conventional devices. to facilitate. Ease of operation increases production and efficiency.

Brief description of the drawing The following detailed description of the invention will be more fully understood upon reference to the accompanying drawings. cormorant. In the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the substrate.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the substrate.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the valve.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the gasket.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the gasket.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of the well plate.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the well plate.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the invention provides a device in the form of a sample medium. One feature of the invention is that the first vacuum is adapted to bring the media into contact with the filter membrane. It is a member. A second feature of the invention provides the necessary lamp power to seal the device. so that the first vacuum member can properly bring the media into contact with the filter membrane. A second vacuum member is applied.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the vacuum clamping device of the present invention can be used with conventional media inspection devices. Gives you some benefits you didn't have before. One such advantage is that the fill The sample medium is obtained on the membrane. In particular, vacuum clamping equipment Provides a more consistent clamping force than the screw and clamp used in most equipment. I can do it. Coordinated clamping force ensures that each of the sample media is properly positioned on the filter membrane. guarantee that it will be placed. The second advantage relates to operation. For more information, see The lamp device makes the operation of the invention significantly easier than conventional devices. Easy to operate This increases productivity and efficiency.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exploded view of the apparatus of the present invention. Book The device is identified by reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 generally includes a filter membrane 110, Substrate II2, first vacuum valve 114, second vacuum valve 116, gasket 118, It includes a well plate 120 and a cover plate 122.

A filter membrane 110 is provided to receive and capture sample media. Fi Luther membrane 110 is well known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, filter membrane 110 is Made of nylon or nitrocellulose. However, potentially any type of filter membrane can be used in the present invention. Select such other Filter membranes are polyvinylidene fluoride membranes, cellulose acetate membranes, and and modified nylon membranes.

Substrate 112 generally provides two independent vacuum devices.

The first vacuum device transfers the sample medium contained in the well plate 120 to the filter membrane 11. It is operated to bring it into contact with 0. The second vacuum device includes a filter membrane 110, a base Tighten the plate 112, gasket 118, and well plate 120 to complete the assembly. shall be. The second vacuum device replaces the screw clamp found in conventional devices. be.

A first vacuum valve 114 is generally provided to control a first vacuum device.

As will be more fully described herein, the first vacuum valve 114 is activated when the media sample is pulled. such that the user can control the speed at which it contacts the filter membrane 110. It has a shape. a first vacuum valve, as shown by cover plate 122; 114 is in a first position where the vacuum valve 114 is in the "on" position 134, and The valve opening is rotatable to a second position in the "off" position 136. Vacuum valve 114 When is in the "on" position 134 described above, a vacuum is created on the substrate l12 and the The sample media in well plate 120 is drawn into contact with filter membrane 110 .

A second vacuum valve 116 is typically provided to control a second vacuum device.

As will be more fully described herein, the second vacuum valve 116 is connected to the filter membrane 11 0, tighten the assembly of substrate 112, gasket 118, and well plate 120. The user can control the clamping force. clamp Application of force quickly assembles device I00. In addition, the cover plate 12 2, the second vacuum valve 116 is activated when the second vacuum valve 116 is "on". a first position in position 130 and a second position in position 132 with the valve opening "open". It can be rotated to the following position. The second vacuum valve 116 is in the "on position 135" described above. At one time, a vacuum is created on the substrate 112 and the substrate 112/gasket 118/ The filter membrane 110/well plate 120 assembly is firmly coupled.

A gasket 118 typically seals the device so that the first vacuum device and the second vacuum device are It is provided to enable operation at a suitable performance level. Here are ten more The gasket 118 is required to maintain the lamp power, as shown in the first It is ensured that no vacuum leaks from the vacuum device of the cylinder 2 during operation of the vacuum device. 1st Prevention of vacuum leakage from the second vacuum device during operation of the second vacuum device is Essential to ensure proper placement on filter membrane 110. second Failure to prevent vacuum leakage from the vacuum device may result in sample media passing through the filter membrane 110. It is possible to move through the area.

Well plate 120 is generally designed to hold sample media to be tested by the device. I'm being kicked. As will be more fully described herein, the well plate 120 is a conventional 9 6-hole microtiter shape allows multiple sample media to be tested You can also do this.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, substrate 11 is illustrated in further detail. . Substrate 112 includes a first vacuum inlet 206 and a second vacuum inlet 208.

The first vacuum inlet 206 and the second vacuum inlet 208 are equipped with an external vacuum source (not shown). 100. The first vacuum inlet 206 is a first vacuum Corresponds to the device. Second vacuum population 208 corresponds to a second vacuum device. first truth The air inlet 206 and the second vacuum inlet 208 are connected to the substrate 112 through the hole by conventional mounting means. It is placed by.

In a preferred embodiment, the first vacuum inlet 206 and the second vacuum inlet 208 are quick disconnect hose barb fittings). The only important criterion is the vacuum inlet 206 , 208 each of the quick disconnect hose barb fittings typically connect to an external vacuum source. It is compatible with conventional pipes that are connected to the pipe.

Although the present invention embodies two independent vacuum devices, one external vacuum source is required. It is only required.

Both the first vacuum inlet 206 and the second vacuum inlet 208 are connected to the same vacuum source. It's okay. A wide variety of vacuum sources can be used with apparatus 100.

Substrate 112 further includes a first opening 210 and a first channel 212 .

A first opening 210 communicates between the first vacuum inlet 206 and the first channel 212. are doing.

First opening 210 is configured to receive first vacuum valve 114 . Here , as more fully shown, when the first vacuum valve 114 rotates the first vacuum inlet 206 is aligned with and/or from alignment with first channel 212 escape. Also, as more fully shown herein, the first channel 212 is Reservoir region 250 (extending into the reservoir region described below).

Substrate 112 further includes a second opening 214 and a second channel 216. Ru. The second opening 214 has a second vacuum inlet 208 and a second channel 216. I'm in touch. Second opening 214 is shaped to receive second vacuum valve 116. ing. As shown more fully herein, when the second vacuum valve 116 rotates, Second vacuum inlet 208 is aligned with second channel 216 and/or Get out of alignment. Also, as more fully shown herein, the second The vacuum clamp area 255 (shown in FIG. 4A and described below in connection therewith) (explain).

Vacuum reservoir area 250 is a cutout in substrate 112.

Vacuum reservoir region 250 is where a vacuum is created to draw sample media from well plate 120. It serves as a receptacle for contacting filter membrane 110. Storage area 250 is appropriate dimensions for providing a vacuum area and evacuation of the sample medium passing through the filter membrane 110. have However, vacuum reservoir region 250 may have a variety of shapes.

Vacuum reservoir region 250 is formed with a plurality of equidistantly spaced channels.

A single channel 254 interconnects multiple channels 252. single channel Channels 254 are provided to connect channels 252 together. Here, yo As fully shown, the plurality of channels 252 formed in the reservoir region 250 are Openings in gasket 118 (described below) and wells in well plate 120 ( (described below).

A plurality of islands 275 are further formed on the substrate 112. discussed below As shown, the island 275 is used in combination with the gasket 11g to open the vacuum clamp area. Area 255 is formed. The vacuum clamping area 255 is thereby provided with a vacuum clamping means. is defined as the area to be manipulated on the well plate 120.

Island 275 is sized to closely receive gasket 11g. Ga A socket cutout 270 is located within the substrate 112 at the top of the gasket II8 (hereinafter referred to as ) is approximately the same height as the islands 275 of the substrate 112. has been done.

Substrate 112 further includes an opening 280 located on top of island 275. Ru. Opening 280 communicates with second channel 216. The opening 280 is A pumping vacuum is introduced to the top of island 275. I'll show you more fully here. Similarly, the well plate 120 allows the vacuum present at the opening 280 to drain the remaining islands. uniformly through the portion of gasket 118 between the top of 275 and island 275. This makes it possible to distribute the data to

Substrate 112 further includes a pair of positioning bins 290. Positioning bin 29 0 indicates that the well plate 120 is in contact with the substrate 112 when the device 100 is assembled. This allows accurate placement on the top of the bracket 11g.

Referring to FIG. 3, first vacuum valve 114 is shown in more detail. in general, The first vacuum valve 114 operates as a switch to turn on and off the sampling vacuum. Special When the first vacuum valve 114 rotates, the first vacuum inlet 206 opens into the first channel. 212 and out of alignment.

First vacuum valve 114 has an upper portion 302 and a lower portion 304. The lower part 304 is the substrate 1 12 fits closely within the opening 210. Closely sealed to minimize vacuum leakage. Close adaptation is required. However, the lower portion 304 rotates within the opening 210. must be able to do so.

A first channel 306 and a second channel 308 are formed in the lower portion 304. . Channel 306 has a first opening 318 at a first end and a second opening 318 at a second end. 316. Channel 308 extends completely through the center of lower portion 304. There is. Channel 308 has an opening 310 at a first end and a second opening 310 at a second end. 312.

a second opening 316 of the first channel 306 intersects the second channel 308; There is communication between a first channel 306 and a second channel 308.

The lower portion further includes openings 310 and 312 that connect the first vacuum port 206 and the first portion of the substrate 112. external vacuum R (not shown). (not connected) communicates with the vacuum reservoir region 250 and is therefore designed to be turned on. Ru. Openings 310 and 312 connect first vacuum population 206 and first channel of substrate 112. When not aligned with channel 212, the sampling vacuum is “off”. Become.

The lower portion further includes an opening 318 aligned with the third channel 235 of the substrate 112. When the opening 310 is aligned with the first channel 212 and its Therefore, it is designed to provide communication between the ambient atmosphere and the vacuum chamber region 250.

This communication allows the user to pressurize the vacuum reservoir region 250.

The first vacuum valve 114 is further formed with a ridge 320 . Ridge 320 is It is configured to rest on the surface of the bar plate 122. Ridge 320 is an opening portions 310 and 312 are aligned with vacuum inlet 206 and first channel 212 and that the openings 316 and 31g are connected to the third channel 235 and the first channel. 212.

The second vacuum valve 116 is designed similarly to the first vacuum valve 114 described above. No. The second vacuum valve 116 is in the first (i.e., "on") position of the second vacuum valve 116. As a result of the rotation between the second vacuum population 208 and the second channel 216 of the substrate 112 is designed to communicate and thereby provide a vacuum to the vacuum clamping area 255. It is. When the second vacuum valve 116 rotates to the second position, the fourth chamber of the substrate 112 Communication occurs between channel 237 and second channel 216 , with vacuum clamping region 255 Allows pressurization.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, gasket 118 is shown in greater detail.

In a preferred embodiment, gasket 118 is made of a flexible material such as silicone or the like. It is made with. In order to perform repeated filtration with the same gasket, the material The composition needs to be elastic. However, gasket 118 can be It can be made of flexible and/or elastic materials.

Gasket 118 initially includes an interior section 402 . internal section A well 402 has a plurality of wells 404 formed therein. The fruit shown in Figure 4 In the embodiment, a standard 968 microtiter configuration is described. However, the billing The scope of the invention contemplates the use of any number of wells of various shapes and sizes. . Gasket 118 further includes a circular ridge 420 ( (not shown in FIG. 4). Each circular ridge 420 is located at the front of each well 404. It rises approximately 0.002 inches from the surface. Each circular ridge 420 0. When assembling, the corresponding wells (described later) of the well plate 120 and airtight We guarantee that a seal will be created.

Gasket 11g further includes a web section 406. web sex The section 406 includes a plurality of webs 414 and a bridge 416. web 414 and bridge 416 mate with islands 275 formed in substrate 112 configuration, which securely secures the gasket therein.

Gasket 118 further includes first boundary ridge 410 second boundary ridge 412 It is equipped with A first boundary ridge 410 surrounds the interior region 402. Ru. A second border ridge 412 surrounds the periphery of web section 406.

The first and second bounding ridges 410 and 412 are approximately 0.002 inches in height. Yes, and define a closed vacuum clamp area 255 that does not leak vacuum during assembly. It has the function of

Gasket 118 further includes an oil portion 41g. The oil part 418 is the substrate 11 2, a gasket 118 is provided for easy removal.

The oil portion 418 is configured to mate with the recess 272 of the substrate 112.

Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, well plate I20 is shown in detail. . The well plate 120 first includes a plurality of wells 502. 5th A In the embodiment shown, wells 502 are configured in a standard 96-well microtiter oval. It is. However, the well plate 120 is The wells may have various configurations depending on the conditions.

The well plate 120 further extends around the periphery of the well 502 pattern. A notched vacuum channel 504 is provided. During assembly, vacuum channel 5 The area of the outer peripheral surface of 04 can be sealed with the ridges 410 and 412 of gasket 118 will come into contact with. As such, vacuum channel 504 provides a ceiling for the pump area 255 and closes the area.

The well plate 120 further includes a pair of insertion bins 506, 508 to accommodate the well plate. This facilitates placing the plate 120 on the substrate 112. When assembling, Substrate 112 positioning bins 290 mate with insertion bins 506 and 508, respectively. Ru.

Next, the present invention will be explained in detail.

Initially, the first vacuum valve 114 is set to the "released" position and the second vacuum valve 116 is set to the "off" position. Set to "F" position. Now you can start the operation of [Installation] 1 (10). It is assumed that the partial vacuum source is on.

Gasket 118 is first placed on substrate 112. Multiple webs 414 and bridges 416 mates with a corresponding island 275 on the substrate.

After that, the well plate 120 is passed through the mating bottle 290 and the insertion bottle 506. Place it on the inner section 402 of the sket 118. Well plate 120 as a substrate 112, the wells 502 of the well plate 120 are placed on the gaskets 1-11. 8 wells 404 . Furthermore, the chamfer of the substrate 112 The channel 252 is located directly below the gasket 118 well 404.

At this point, the device 100 is ready to be clamped in place. second Rotate vacuum valve 116 to the "on" position. As a result, the well plate 120 Top surface of island 275 and ridges 410 and 412 of gasket 11g forced into contact with. Gasket 118 labeled on the top surface of well plate 120 It adapts to any unevenness. Surrounding well 502 of gasket 118 The circular ridge is also compressed, and the well plate 120 on the filter membrane 110 is The individual wells 502 are completely separated from each other. A well 501 is formed on the membrane 110. If completely isolated, the sample medium will wet or move through the filter membrane 110. It is possible to eliminate the possibility of

After a short period of time, the vacuum clamping force reaches its maximum and the device 100 is fully clamped. Ru. In this position, the ridges 410 and 412 of the gasket 118 and the well plate 120 , vacuum clamp region 255 is in sealing contact with well plate 120 . Island 275, ridges 410 and 412 and vacuum channel 504 be well surrounded.

Thereafter, the filtration process can begin. Sample medium is well plate 12 0 well 502, then turn the first vacuum valve 114 “on”. Begin the filtration process by rotating into position. Turn the first vacuum valve 114 “on” ” position, a vacuum appears within the vacuum reservoir region 250. As a result, The sample medium contained within the wells 502 of the plate 120 is filtered through a filter membrane. Contact with 110. The sample medium passing through the filter membrane 110 is vacuum evacuated. Filter membrane 110 passes through vacuum reservoir region 250 and through channel 212 and 1 vacuum inlet 206.

Once the filtration process is complete, the user rotates the first vacuum valve 114 to the "off" position. Ru. In the "off" position, the external vacuum source is evacuated from the vacuum reservoir region 250 and further Vacuum reservoir region 250 is in communication with the surrounding environment. This allows the vacuum Reservoir region 250 is pressurized, thereby removing water from well 502 of well plate 120. Stop draining sample media.

The user then has two choices. First, the user can 120 can be reloaded with additional and/or different sample media. Wear. The second vacuum valve 116 is still in the "on" position, so the user can well plate 120 cannot be removed and therefore no part of the sample media can be removed. Any such reloading must be done with the well plate 120 still in place. I had to.

Alternatively, and perhaps more likely, the user removes the filter membrane 110. If you wish to perform the next test after and combine it with the existing sample media filtrate already on the filter membrane 110. Additional windows containing additional and/or different sample media to be tested together You may wish to replace it with well plate 120. In either case, The user must rotate the second vacuum valve] 16 to the "release" position; Rotate the vacuum valve 116 to the 3 position to release the external vacuum source to the vacuum clamp area 2. 55 and surrounding the vacuum clamp area 255. contact with the border. Therefore, the vacuum clamp area 255 is pressurized, thereby The clamping force connecting the housing 100 is released.

At this point, remove the well plate 120 and remove the filter membrane 110. (Can be replaced with other well plates. Alternatively, the user can The filter plate 120 and filter membrane 110 can be removed. Rather, fi The router membrane 110 can be further inspected if desired. Furthermore, gasket 1 18 can be removed by lifting the oil part 41g on the gasket 118. can. Next, the gasket 118 is cleaned and the substrate 11 is removed for use in the next inspection. Reposition on 2.

Alternatively, another gasket 118 can be placed over it.

In contrast to conventional devices, the present invention removes the filter membrane in a manner that does not draw and contaminate the sample medium. bring into contact with. The vacuum clamp structure of the present invention clamps each well pattern onto the filter membrane. separation, thereby eliminating sample media movement or can eliminate so-called wetting. Additionally, the device of the invention can be assembled quickly. can be assembled and disassembled, thus increasing inspection yield and efficiency. I can do that.

Many variations of the invention described above and/or other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Implementations are possible.

Such variations and/or other embodiments may include, but are not limited to, Welp. Each well of gasket 11g includes an additional channel formed at rate 120. The space surrounding the annular ridge 420 of 404 allows for communication with the surrounding environment. Make it. This means that once the vacuum clamp is applied and implemented, the first Protects against withdrawal of this area in case of imperfect performance of boundary ridge 410. child A vacuum in the area increases the probability of cross-well movement of the sample.

The above description is for the first explanation. This invention does not fall within the spirit or scope of the invention. may be embodied in other forms or carried out in other ways without deviation . Modifications and variations that still fall within the spirit or scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. It will cost you money.

Copy and translation of written amendment) Submission form (Article 184-8 of the Patent Act) October 4, 1993

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an apparatus for testing a sample medium using a filter membrane, (8) a well plate having at least one well and for receiving sample medium; and ; (b) vacuum clamping the filter membrane to remove the at least one of the well plates; moving said sample medium along a filter membrane in sealable contact with one well; to provide an alternative to sealing with mechanical clamps. (c) applying the vacuum of said first vacuum means to said at least one vacuum means; said at least one well by an action directed toward said at least one well; drawing sample medium contained in at least one well through the filter membrane; and a second vacuum means. 2. that said second vacuum means is operable independently of said first vacuum means; An apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: 3. The first vacuum means and the second vacuum means include a substrate, and the substrate is It has an empty reservoir area and a vacuum clamp area, and the vacuum clamp area is located on the outer periphery of the substrate. and the well plate is placed on the substrate with the filter membrane in between. is operable to vacuum clamp the substrate, and the vacuum reservoir area is a middle flexible portion of the substrate. the filter membrane is located at a position where the filter membrane is and is operable to sealably join said at least one well. 3. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that: 4. The first vacuum means further includes a vacuum clamp valve disposed on the substrate. and the vacuum clamp valve selectively connects an external vacuum source to the vacuum clamp region. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that it is operable to do so. 5. The second vacuum means further includes a vacuum sampling device disposed on the substrate. a valve, the vacuum sampling valve selectively connecting an external vacuum source to the vacuum reservoir region; 5. A device as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that it is operable to continue. 6. The first vacuum means and the second vacuum means further include the filter membrane. a flexible, resilient gasket disposed between the substrate and the gasket; is configured to separate the vacuum clamping region from communication with the vacuum sampling region. operatively, the gasket further connects the well plate of the substrate and the vacuum clamp. the filter membrane to the well plate so as to maintain a seal between the filter membrane and the well plate. operative to maintain sealable contact with the at least one well of the 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that: 7. In an apparatus for testing a sample medium using a filter membrane, (a) a well plate having a plurality of wells for receiving sample medium; (b) vacuum clamping the filter membrane to remove the plurality of holes of the well plate; the sample medium in sealable contact with the filter membrane to substantially inhibit movement of the sample medium along the filter membrane. to provide an alternative to sealing with mechanical clamps. (c) applying the vacuum of the first vacuum means to the plurality of wells; is bonded to the plurality of wells by an action directed toward the plurality of wells, and a second vacuum hand for drawing the sample medium contained within each through the filter membrane; A device characterized by comprising steps. 8. The first vacuum means and the second vacuum means include a substrate, and the substrate is It has an empty reservoir area and a vacuum clamp area, and the vacuum clamp area is located on the outer periphery of the substrate. and the well plate is placed on the substrate with the filter membrane in between. is operable to vacuum clamp the substrate, and the vacuum region is operable to vacuum clamp the intermediate portion of the substrate. and through the filter membrane by the operation of the vacuum clamp region. characterized in that it is operable to sealably join the plurality of wells. An apparatus according to claim 7. 9. The first vacuum means and the second vacuum means further include the filter membrane. a flexible, resilient gasket disposed between the substrate and the gasket; is configured to separate the vacuum clamping region from communication with the vacuum sampling region. operatively, the gasket further connects the well plate of the substrate and the vacuum clamp. the filter membrane to the well plate so as to maintain a seal between the filter membrane and the well plate. operates to maintain sealable contact with each of the plurality of wells of the 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that: 10. The first vacuum means further includes a vacuum clamp valve disposed on the substrate. , the vacuum clamp valve selectively connects an external vacuum source to the vacuum clamp region. the second vacuum means is further operable to connect the substrate to the substrate; a vacuum sampling valve disposed above, said vacuum sampling valve is connected to an external vacuum; wherein the claim is operable to selectively connect a source to the vacuum reservoir region. The apparatus according to item 9. 11. In an apparatus for testing a sample medium using a filter membrane, (a) a substrate having a substantially planar first surface, the substrate being in a first vacuum; an inlet, a second vacuum inlet, a vacuum clamp valve, and a vacuum sampling valve; The substrate defines a vacuum clamp region and a vacuum reservoir region, and the first vacuum inlet is located at the front. A vacuum clamp valve is connected to the vacuum clamp area to supply a vacuum to the vacuum clamp. selectively supplying the lamp area, the vacuum inlet via the vacuum sampling valve joined to the vacuum reservoir region to connect to the vacuum reservoir region and apply a vacuum to the vacuum reservoir region; a substrate that selectively supplies; (b) a well plate removably placed on the substrate; and when the well plate is placed on the substrate, the well plate is placed on the substrate. a substantially planar second surface adapted to mate with the first surface; The well plate has a plurality of sample wells for receiving the sample medium. a well plate having; (c) disposed between the first and second surfaces and facing the vacuum reservoir region of the substrate; a filter membrane arranged accordingly; (d) a flexible, resilient gasket disposed between the filter membrane and the first surface; wherein the gasket connects the vacuum clamp area to the vacuum sampling. The gasket is further operative to isolate the area from contact with the area of the substrate. operative to maintain a seal between the well plate and the vacuum clamp area; to the vacuum clamp area via the first vacuum inlet and the vacuum clamp valve. When empty is supplied, the substrate of the well plate is placed in the well plate. vacuum clamping, the gasket further attaches the filter membrane to the wafer. maintain sealable contact with each of the plurality of sample wells of the plate. the sample medium is operatively operated to bring the sample medium into the second vacuum sampling region. By the action of the vacuum supplied through the vacuum inlet of and the vacuum sampling valve, The sample medium traverses the filter membrane as it is drawn through the filter membrane. and a gasket that substantially prohibits movement by cutting. Device. 12. The gasket has first and second substantially parallel elastomeric surfaces; a plurality of well openings corresponding to the plurality of sample wells of the well plate; 12. The device of claim 11, further comprising a mouth. 13. the vacuum clamping region of the substrate is outwardly from the first surface of the substrate; The gasket includes a plurality of raised islands extending from the center of the gasket. including a plurality of webs and a bridge adapted to mate with the island; 13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that: