초록 ▼

A method is provided for separating components of a fluid or particles. In one disclosed method, a substance, such as whole blood, is initially separated in a separation vessel provided on a rotating centrifuge rotor. Liquid (i.e., plasma) and at least first and second particles (i.e., white blood c

A method is provided for separating components of a fluid or particles. In one disclosed method, a substance, such as whole blood, is initially separated in a separation vessel provided on a rotating centrifuge rotor. Liquid (i.e., plasma) and at least first and second particles (i.e., white blood cells and platelets) are conveyed from the separation vessel to fluid chamber also provided on the rotating centrifuge rotor. At least some of the first particles are retained in the fluid chamber and at least some of the second particles flow from an outlet of the fluid chamber along with the liquid. After a period of time, the direction of flow in the fluid chamber is reversed to pass the retained first particles back into the separation vessel where the first particles are removed. This reversal of flow direction ensures that the number of first particles in the fluid chamber does not exceed the fluid chamber's capacity to retain these particles.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of separating particles, the method comprising:rotating about an axis of rotation a fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet; flowing at least liquid, first particles, and second particles into the fluid chamber via the inlet; retaining at least some of the first particles in the flui

1. A method of separating particles, the method comprising:rotating about an axis of rotation a fluid chamber having an inlet and an outlet; flowing at least liquid, first particles, and second particles into the fluid chamber via the inlet; retaining at least some of the first particles in the fluid chamber; permitting the liquid and at least some of the second particles to flow from the fluid chamber via the outlet; and reversing direction of flow in the fluid chamber such that liquid and at least some of the retained first particles pass from the fluid chamber via the inlet, wherein the reversing direction of flow occurs during rotation of the fluid chamber about the axis of rotation.