(19)

(11)

EP 1 255 997 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 07.02.2002 (43) Date of publication: 13.11.2002 Bulletin 2002/46 (21) Application number: 01910790.3 (22) Date of filing: 16.02.2001

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G01N 33/544, C12Q 1/68 (86) International application number: PCT/US0104/974 (87) International publication number: WO 0106/1042 (23.08.2001 Gazette 2001/34)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 18.02.2000 US 183327 P 26.07.2000 US 220825 P (71) Applicant: Pall Corporation East Hills, NY 11548-1209 (US)	(72) Inventors: SALINARO, Richard, F. Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706 (US) ROTHMAN, Isaac Brooklyn, NY 11210 (US) GSELL, Thomas, C. Glen Head, NY 11545 (US) (74) Representative: Hoeger, Stellrecht & Partner  Uhlandstrasse 14 c 70182 Stuttgart 70182 Stuttgart (DE)