Patent ID: 6238578
Filing Date: 2001-05-29
Classification: B01D,B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A method of dispensing thixotropic gel in a tube having opposed open and closed ends, a central body portion between opposed open and closed ends, such that a lumen is defined, and an interior surface formed by said central body portion and said closed end, comprising the steps of:a) providing said tube for centrifuging a blood sample;b) providing a gel dispensing apparatus for dispensing the thixotropic gel into the tube, wherein said apparatus includes a plurality of openings through which gel is dispensed;c) placing a portion of said apparatus inside the tube;d) dispensing the thixotropic gel through said apparatus onto an interior wall surface formed by said central body portion, wherein said gel is dispensed in a plurality of discrete stripes;e) terminating dispensation of the gel;f) introducing a blood sample into said lumen; andg) centrifuging said tube containing said sample.