Abstract: An additive formulation comprising heparinase and trehalose, a method for using the formulation and a device containing the formulation. The additive formulation is useful in substantially neutralizing residual heparin from a blood sample when used in a blood collection tube without interfering with the clinical analysis of the blood sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for preparing an autologous solid-fibrin web suitable for regenerating tissue in a living organism. The system includes a sealed primary container containing a separation medium and a low-density high-viscosity liquid. The separation medium is capable of separating red blood cells from plasma when the container contains blood and is centrifuged, and the primary container has a first pressure. The system further includes a sealed secondary container containing a calcium-coagulation activator. The secondary container has a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The system also comprises a transfer device including a cannula having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends are capable of puncturing the sealed primary and secondary containers in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second containers. The low-density high-viscosity liquid of the primary container is capable of blocking flow through the cannula upon entering therein.

Abstract: A sample collection assembly provides for the simultaneous collection of a bulk sample and a drop sample. The assembly includes a specimen collection container for collection of the bulk sample from an insertable probe. A drop sample substrate is positioned across an open end of the container or the closure that is in the open end of the container. The drop sample substrate is puncturable by the probe upon probe insertion. The drop sample substrate includes a drop sample retaining surface for retaining the drop sample upon withdrawal of the probe from the container.

Abstract: An additive formulation comprising heparinase and trehalose, a method for using the formulation and a device containing the formulation. The additive formulation is useful in substantially neutralizing residual heparin from a blood sample when used in a blood collection tube without interfering with the clinical analysis of the blood sample.

Abstract: An additive formulation comprising heparinase and trehalose, a method for using the formulation and a device containing the formulation. The additive formulation is useful in substantially neutralizing residual heparin from a blood sample when used in a blood collection tube without interfering with the clinical analysis of the blood sample.

Abstract: A laser lancet tip and method for controlling laser incisions for the purpose of taking blood samples from patients in a variety of body locations and age groups. A removable tip on a laser is used to mask a laser pulse and modify the length and width of an incision made by the laser by only allowing a portion of the laser beam to contact the target surface. The depth of the incision may be controlled by either a lens or filter which is optically aligned with the laser beam.

Abstract: A blood collection assembly includes an evacuated container having an open end with a puncturable stopper therein. A liquid impermeable receptacle in the container contains an additive and is removably immobilized in the stopper. In a method for preparing a blood sample for analysis, the stopper is punctured by a cannula connected to a blood supply. The cannula is then advanced until it contacts and dislodges the receptacle from the stopper causing the additive to be released directly into the container where it mixes with incoming blood.

Abstract: A blood collection assembly includes a tube, preferably plastic, an elastomeric stopper and a siliceous insert immobilized in the tube under the stopper. In a method for taking a blood sample using the assembly, the stopper is punctured and the sample is discharged onto the insert to initiate clotting.

Abstract: A blood collection assembly includes a tube, which may be glass or plastic, and a plastic insert therein. The insert has been plasma-treated to change the surface chemistry and render it clot activating.

Abstract: A device for the separation of a separable component from a liquid sample for use with an evacuated receptable includes a housing having an interior cavity and a separator membrane dividing the cavity into a first portion and a second portion. The separator membrane has a porosity selected for the desired separation thereacros. An inlet structure is provided for fluid communication between the first portion of the interior cavity and the source of the liquid sample. Communication structure is provided for allowing fluid communication between one of the portions of the cavity and the evacuated receptacle. A rigid receptacle is in fluid communication with the other of the portions of the cavity.

Abstract: A stopper is provided, particularly for evacuated blood sample tubes, comprised of a combination of thermoplastic and rubber, which combination utilizes a plurality of circumferentially spaced joints containing an adhesive. The joints serve to mechanically hold the composite body of rubber and plastic together. The arrangement reduces the quantity of rubber used while retaining its desirable sealing properties, and reducing the quantity of relatively inexpensive thermoplastic and its desirable strength properties. The invention takes advantage of the relatively good joining properties of a rubber-adhesive combination, and avoids the relatively poor joining properties of a thermoplastic adhesive combination.