Patent ID: 6516953
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: A61B,B01D,B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A tube device for separating a blood sample into first and second phases of different respective densities, said device comprising:a substantially rigid tube having an open top and a closed bottom and an inner circumferential surface; an elastomeric liner having an open top and a closed bottom and positioned in said tube such that at least portions of said liner are spaced inwardly from said tube, said liner being resiliently expandable such that at least portions of said liner are engageable with said tube in response to loads imposed on said liner; a tube closure in said open top of said tube; and a seal plug sealingly engaged by said elastomeric liner in an unexpanded condition of said liner, and having a density between the respective densities of the phases of a liquid sample; whereby when said device is subjected to centrifugal forces, said elastomeric liner deforms causing said seal plug to separate from said liner and moving freely to a position to separate said blood sample into higher and lower density components, and wherein a portion of said tube closure is sealingly engaged in said open top of said liner and urges said open top of said liner into sealing engagement with said inner circumferential surface of said tube.