A chemotaxis assay procedure which is non-destructive of the cells being
studied, which permits the ready performance of kinetic or time-dependent
study of cell migration from the same sample, and which produces
objective measurements includes the steps of:(a)labeling cells with a
dye; (b) placing the labeled cells in a first chamber; (c) placing a
chemical agent in a second chamber adjacent to said first chamber; (d)
separating said first chamber from said second chamber with a radiation
opaque membrane, said radiation opaque membrane having a plurality of
substantially perpendicular transverse pores therein; (e) stimulating the
labeled cells on the side of the membrane closest to said second chamber
with electromagnetic radiation of a first wavelength whereby said labeled
cells will emit electromagnetic radiation of a second wavelength; and (f)
measuring the emitted electromagnetic radiation from the side of the
radiation opaque membrane closest to the second chamber; wherein said
radiation opaque membrane comprises a film which is not substantially
transmissive to at least one of said first and second wavelengths of
electromagnetic radiation. The radiation opaque membrane may comprise a
dyed film or a film which has at least one radiation blocking layer
applied thereto.