Device and Method for Separating and Discharging Plasma
AssigneeRoche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
InventorsGuenter Frey, Norbert Ladiges, Siegfried Noetzel, Bernd Roesicke
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Abstract
The invention concerns plasma separation on a microliter scale. The method/system according to the invention is able to provide plasma in the range of several microliters within a very short time as it is required, for example, in modern analyses by carrier-bound test elements. Plasma separation and plasma release is carried out in two separate consecutive steps of the method using the device according to the invention such that hemolysis during plasma separation can be avoided despite an accelerated procedure. The device comprises a disposable unit in which the device is characterized by an economical and simple method of production.
Claims17
A device for separating and discharging plasma comprising:
- a hollow body;
- a separation element comprising a separation fleece as a first zone and a transport fleece as a second zone, wherein
- the separation element is configured such that the first zone is accessible for blood application by a user, and
- when blood is applied to the first zone, plasma is passed into the second zone, and the remaining blood components are substantially completely retained in the first zone, and
- a discharge unit configured to be actuated within the hollow body, wherein upon actuation the discharge unit is configured to press the second zone against a wall of the hollow body to discharge the separated plasma through an outlet of the device following a detachment of the second zone from the first zone.
A system for detecting analytes in blood comprising:
- a hollow body;
- a separation element comprising a separation fleece as a first zone and a transport fleece as a second zone, wherein
- the separation element is configured such that the first zone is accessible for blood application by a user, and
- when blood is applied to the first zone, plasma is passed into the second zone, and the remaining blood components are substantially completely retained in the first zone;
- a discharge unit configured to be actuated within the hollow body, wherein upon actuation the discharge unit is configured to press the second zone against a wall of the hollow body to discharge the separated plasma through an outlet of the device following a detachment of the second zone from the first zone;
- and
- a test element that enables detection of an analyte in plasma when the separated plasma is applied.
A method for plasma separation and discharge comprising:
- providing a device comprising:
- a hollow body,
- a separation element comprising a separation fleece as a first zone and a transport fleece as a second zone, and
- a discharge unit configured to be actuated within the hollow body;
- applying blood to the first zone of the separation element;
- separating plasma from other blood components by means of the separation element, the blood components being substantially retained in the first zone and the plasma being passed into the second zone of the separation element;
- detaching the second zone from the first zone;
- actuating the discharge unit to press the second zone against a wall of the hollow body;
- and
- discharging the separated plasma through an outlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.