초록 ▼

A separator has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable material fitted around at least a portion of the generally cylindrical body or on the surface of a passage through the body. Upon being exposed to water the water swellable material swells to form a seal in the passage or within the

A separator has a generally cylindrical body and a water swellable material fitted around at least a portion of the generally cylindrical body or on the surface of a passage through the body. Upon being exposed to water the water swellable material swells to form a seal in the passage or within the tube or other vessel containing the separator. The separator 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 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 material 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 ▼

[ We claim:] [25.] A fluid collection tube, comprising:a. a tubular body closed at both ends and having an inner wall which defines a cavity for containing fluid; andb. a separator comprised of:i. a body sized and shaped to fit within the cavity and comprised of at least one material which will not

[ We claim:] [25.] A fluid collection tube, comprising:a. a tubular body closed at both ends and having an inner wall which defines a cavity for containing fluid; andb. a separator comprised of:i. a body sized and shaped to fit within the cavity and comprised of at least one material which will not swell when in contact with water and wherein the body has a channel passing therethrough; andii. a water swellable material defining at least one wall of the channel and at least a portion of the water swellable material is within the channel, such that a water containing fluid passing through the channel will cause the water swellable material to swell sealing the channel.