Apparatus for separating phases of blood

A separating apparatus positionable during a separation process within a liquid-carrying tube for partitioning phases of the liquid that are ordered about the longitudinal axis of the tube, the apparatus comprising:

• a substantially transparent portion slidable within a tube to divide the tube interior into a first chamber and a second chamber, the portion having a longitudinal axis that is substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis of the tube within which the apparatus is positioned;
• the portion having a passage formed therein to be in fluid communication with the first chamber, the passage having a central part through which the longitudinal axis of the apparatus extends;
• and
• means for constraining light that is directed radially toward the portion to pass radially through the central part of the passage.

A dispensing apparatus for dispensing fluid from a container that has a pierceable closure fitted within an opening in the container, the apparatus comprising:

• a plate having a first side and a second side, the first side of the plate having a tubular member attached thereto, the tubular member having one end configured for piercing through the closure;
• fastening means for securing the plate relative to the container with the tubular member pierced through the closure;
• a flexible receptacle attached to the plate to extend from the second side of the plate, the interior of the receptacle being in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular member so that fluid may flow between the container and the receptacle;
• and
• a normally closed orifice formed in the receptacle, the orifice being opened whenever the flexible receptacle is squeezed.