Patent GB-1451859-A (GB)
Title: Multiple-sample rotor assembly for blood fraction preparation
IPC: A61B5/145
Filed: 1974-12-09
Abstract: 1451859 Centrifugal separator UNITED STATES ENERGY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION 9 Dec 1974 [10 Dec 1973] 53174/74 Heading B2P A multi-sample centrifuge rotor for blood fraction preparation comprises: (a) an inner disc-shaped rotor portion 3, Fig. 1, having a top end surface and defining: (i) a plurality of radially oriented sample-receiving chambers 4 disposed in a circular array; (ii) a plurality of static sample-loading ports 5 each communicating between the top end surface of the rotor portion 3 and a respective samplereceiving chamber 4 for loading a blood sample into this chamber when the rotor is at rest; (iii) a centrally located dynamic distribution port 6 open to said top end surface; (iv) a plurality of distribution passageways 7 each communicating between the port 6 and the centrifugal end of a respective sample-receiving chamber 4 for supplying washing or haemolising liquid from the dynamic distribution port 6 to this chamber during rotation of the rotor; and (v) a plurality of transfer passageways 8 each communicating between a respective sample-receiving chamber 4, at a point intermediate its centrifugal and centripetal ends, and the radially outer periphery of the inner rotor portion 3, and each passageway extending radially inward from its point of communication with the respective chamber 4 and then generally radially outward to the radially outer periphery of the inner rotor portion; and (b) removable outer rotor portion, e.g. 9, nested concentrically about the inner rotor portion and defining at least one collection chamber 10 in fluid communication with a respective one, or all of, the transfer passageways 8 for receiving material discharged from the latter. The rotor is nested within a motor driven turntable 1 provided with passageways 2 communicating with a vacuum source (not shown). The rotor portion 9 has a plurality of collection chambers 10. Vents 11 extend from each collection chamber 10 to the top surface of rotor portion 9 and is then in communication with a respective vacuum passageway 2 via an annulus 12. The inner rotor portion is fabricated by machining cavities and channels into a plastics disc 17 which is sandwiched between and cemented to cover discs 18 and 19; all or part of the discs may be made of transparent plastics. Rotor portion 9 may be constructed in like manner.  In operation, whole blood samples are first loaded through the ports 5 into the chambers 4 with the rotor at rest. The turntable and rotor are rotated at about 2,500 r.p.m. to separate the cells and plasma. The rotor is slowed down to about 1,000 r.p.m. and vacuum applied to passageways 8 to transfer plasma from the chambers 4 to the chambers 10 via the passageways 8. The rotor is stopped and its outer portion 9 is removed for recovery and testing of the plasma fractions. The portion 9 is replaced by an outer portion 9', Fig. 3, which has a single annular collection chamber 10' having an annular opening 21 in its inner peripheral wall. The reassembled rotor is rotated at about 2,000 r.p.m. and saline wash liquid is injected into port 6 and passes through the passageways 7 to the chambers 4 to wash the blood cells therein. Washing is enhanced by rapid braking and acceleration of the rotor. The wash liquid is then drawn off into the collection chamber 10' by application of vacuum through passageways 2 and vents 11' in the upper surface of the chamber. Washing may be repeated as desired. The rotor is again stopped and the outer portion 9' is then replaced by an outer portion identical to portion 9. The rotor is accelerated and haemolizing liquid, e.g. distilled water, is distributed into the chambers 4 via port 6 and passageways 7. Haemolysate is then displaced from the chambers 4 to the collection chambers 10 by injecting carbon tetrachloride into port 6 and applying vacuum through the passageways 2. Alternatively the blood cells can be centrifuged against the radially outer ends of the chambers 4, the rotor stopped and vacuum applied to the passageways 2 to effect displacement into the chambers 10. When it is desired to photometrically analyze the plasma fractions, an outer rotor portion 9", Fig. 4, having cuvettes 10" and transparent top and bottom plates 18", 19" can be used to collect those fractions.