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Abstract

A read/write storage device is attached to a cytological filter used to collect cells from a container having a solution carrying a cytological specimen in the solution. Data including a flow rate of a first fluid (e.g., air) through the filter is stored in the data storage device, and may be retrieved as needed to determine a corresponding baseline rate at which a vacuum level decays as a cell-free solution is sampled. Once a baseline flow rate of a solution through the filter is established, cells of the specimen can be collected by the filter. As cells are collected, filter coverage determinations can be made by comparing the measured rate of vacuum decay as cells are collected relative to the baseline rate of vacuum decay determined from the data read from the filter storage device.

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First Claim