Patent ID: 7364562
Filing Date: 2008-04-29
Classification: A61B,A61M,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for maintaining clear passageways in a blood flow system comprising: providing a first passageway for a blood flow in the blood flow system, the blood flow having a return portion which is returned to the patient through the first passageway; providing at least one valve in operative association with the first passageway; operating the valve to cause at least a portion of the blood flow to change a direction of blood flow in the first passageway; separating from the blood flow at least one portion to provide a sample fluid flow, the sample fluid flow comprising a nonreturn portion; providing a second passageway for the sample fluid flow; providing one or more anti-clotting agents to only the sample fluid flow in the second passageway of the blood flow system; treating the sample fluid flow; analyzing the sample fluid flow for at least one analyte; and collecting the nonreturn portion such that it is not returned to the patient.