Patent ID: 7358095
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for separation and analysis of a target analyte in an expanded buffy coat layer of a sample of anticoagulated whole blood, comprising: a transparent or semi-transparent, self supporting, flexible tube for holding the sample, the sample tube having an elongate side wall with an inner surface; an elongate, rigid, volume-occupying float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma, said float comprising: a main body portion spacedly surrounded by said inner surface of the side wall to form an annular volume therebetween; one or more support members protruding from the main body portion, traversing the annular volume and engaging said inner surface of said side wall to produce one or more analysis areas; and relief means for inhibiting excessive fluid flow through the expanded buffy coat layer during centrifugation deceleration; wherein said side wall being resiliently radially expandable in response to centrifugal force to permit axial movement of the float in the tube and fluid flow therearound during centrifugation, and upon deceleration, capturing the float and trapping the analyte of the expanded buffy coat layet in the analysis area; and, an optical analysis means for analyzing the target analyte in the analysis area.