| 摘要 |
A tube and float system (100) for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube (130) and a rigid separator float (110) having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float (110) includes a main body portion (112) of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap (150) between the inner wall of the sample tube (130) and the float (110). One or more protrusions (114) on the main body portion (112) serve to support the flexible tube (130). During centrifugation, the centrifugal force enlarges the diameter of the tube (130) to permit density-based axial movement of the float (110) in the tube (130). The float (110) further includes a pressure relief system (152) to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float (110), thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap (150) containing the buffy coat layers. |
