The process of a cell penetration through a pore of a microfiltration (MF) membrane is analyzed theoretically. The computational model is based on assumption of the idealized pore and cell geometry. Cell deformation during passage through the pore is possible by way of releasing the intracellular matter into the environment. Calculated results suggest that the penetration of a cell to the other side of the membrane via a pore of a significantly smaller diameter can be completed in the time period in order of minutes. The simulations presented should be regarded as the preliminary approach to the quantitative analysis of cell penetration to the other side of an MF membrane by squeezing mechanism. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.