Patent ID: 7803279

Claim:
A method of obtaining a filtrate blood component, comprising: inserting blood into an apparatus comprising: a main housing defining a chamber, the chamber holding the blood, wherein the chamber includes a longitudinal axis and is configured for application of a separation force such that the fluid separates into component layers along said longitudinal axis upon application of the separation force; a filter housing connected to the main housing, the filter housing comprising a filter; and a flow passage from a first port of the chamber to an inlet of the filter housing, the flow passage comprising a length, wherein the first port is adjustably positionable along the longitudinal axis and the length of the flow passage from the first port to the inlet changes relative to the position of the first port along the longitudinal axis; applying a separation force to the apparatus holding the blood such that the fluid separates into fractions along said longitudinal axis of the chamber holding the blood; drawing a fraction from the chamber into the filter housing; and filtering the fraction through the filter to remove water and low molecular weight components from the fraction and retain high molecular weight components of the fraction at a higher concentration.