Sample collection and processing device

A method for separating and concentrating target particles or molecules from a fibrinogen-containing sample, comprising using a device for separating and concentrating the target particles or molecules from the fibrinogen-containing liquid sample that is capable, when introduced into a container of the device, of forming a polymerized fibrin pellet in which the target particles or molecules are trapped, the device comprising:

• i) a container for collecting the sample, the container comprising a top end, a bottom end and at least one interior wall defining a reservoir portion for receiving the sample, wherein the top end is an open end;
• and
• ii) a removable closure cap for closing the top end, the closure cap comprising an elongated pin element which extends into the reservoir portion upon closing the closure cap, the pin element comprising at least one anchor element located at or toward the end of the pin element, the anchor element being configured to locally hook the polymerized fibrin pellet comprising the target particles or molecules therein and comprising a local hydrophobic surface coating around which the polymerized fibrin pellet is attached during operation, the method comprising the steps of:
• (a) adding the sample to the device container, (b) converting fibrinogen within the sample at least partially into fibrin, thereby forming a fibrin network that will trap the target molecules or particles, (c) retracting the formed fibrin network of step (b) into a small pellet hooked around the device's anchor element, and (d) separating the polymerized fibrin pellet of step (b) from the surrounding sample medium.