초록 ▼

A separator float has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable band having a selected outer diameter fitted circumferentially around a portion of the generally cylindrical body. The water swellable band is made of a water swellable material so that upon being exposed to water the water swe

A separator float has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable band having a selected outer diameter fitted circumferentially around a portion of the generally cylindrical body. The water swellable band is made of a water swellable material so that upon being exposed to water the water swellable band swells to a greater outside diameter. The separator float is preferably used in a blood collection tube and has a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood. After the blood has been collected and centrifuged the separator float moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable band is exposed to water in the blood causing the band to swell and create a seal. Thereafter, the serum or plasma as well as white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes and platelets can be removed from the blood collection tube.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of collecting blood comprising the steps of: a. providing a blood collection tube comprised of a tubular body closed at both ends having an inner wall and a separator float positioned within the tubular body, the separator float having a specific gravity between specific gravities of a ligh

A method of collecting blood comprising the steps of: a. providing a blood collection tube comprised of a tubular body closed at both ends having an inner wall and a separator float positioned within the tubular body, the separator float having a specific gravity between specific gravities of a light phase and a heavy phase of the blood and comprised of: i. a body, and ii. a water swellable material covering at least a portion of the body, the water swellable material being sized and positioned so that upon being exposed to a water containing fluid the water swellable material will swell forming a seal within the collection tube; b. drawing blood into the collection tube; and c. centrifuging the blood collection tube thereby separating the blood into a light phase and a heavy phase during which centrifugation the separator float moves to a position between the light phase and the heavy phase and the water swellable material is exposed to water in the blood causing the water swellable material to swell and create a seal within the collection tube adjacent the separator float body. The method of claim 9 wherein the body of the separator float contains a metal and also comprising the step of placing a magnet near the blood collection tube to hold the separator float adjacent the magnet. The method of claim 12 also comprising the step of moving one of the magnet and the blood collection tube relative to one another thereby causing the separator float to move within the tubular body.