Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid from a closed, liquid-containing blood collection tube is described. The apparatus includes a dual conduit providing a passageway for liquid to be dispensed from a closed blood collection tube and a gas conduit providing a passage way for gas to be introduced into the blood collection tube. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for inserting the dual conduit into the blood collection tube, turning the tube away from a vertical and upright orientation, connecting and disconnecting the gas supply to the gas passageway, and providing control over the operation of the mechanisms.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus to dispense an amount of liquid from a closed container such as a stoppered blood collection tube. The apparatus comprises a stopper piercing means to access the interior of a closed blood collection tube; a gas passage means to allow a metered amount of gas to be forced into the blood collection tube; and, a liquid passage means to allow fluid to be dispensed from the tube in proportion to the amount of gas forced into the tube. Also disclosed is a machine which uses a disposable apparatus to dispense liquid from a sequence of closed blood collection tubes in an automated manner. Liquid contained within a blood collection tube is dispensed from the tube by a control means according to signals indicative of the amount of liquid within the tube and the amount of liquid that is desired to be dispensed. A manually operated machine that uses the disposable apparatus to dispense a sample of liquid from a closed blood collection tube is also described.

Abstract: A pipetting apparatus for dispensing blood serum or blood plasma from a collection tube comprises a plate having a tubular spike protruding from one side and a spout protruding from the other side. The spike includes a dual conduit for providing a passageway for liquid to be dispensed from the tube and a passageway for gas to be introduced into the tube. The spike is pierced through a stopper of the collection tube and held in place with a holder that provides a leak-proof connection between the gas passageway and a supply of gas that is introduced into the passageway to force liquid out of the collection tube via the liquid passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting, containing and separating a sample of blood. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about a longitudinal axis of the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described.

Abstract: A disposable apparatus to dispense an amount of liquid from a closed container such as a stoppered blood collection tube is described. The apparatus comprises a stopper piercing element to access the interior of a closed blood collection tube; a gas passage to allow a metered amount of gas to be forced into the blood collection tube; and, a liquid passage to allow fluid to be dispensed from the tube in proportion to the amount of gas forced into the tube. Also described is a machine which uses a disposable apparatus to dispense liquid from a sequence of closed blood collection tubes in a automated manner. Liquid contained within a blood collection tube is dispensed from the tube by a control system according to signals indicative of the amount of liquid that is desired to be dispensed. A manually operated machine that uses the disposable apparatus to dispense a sample of liquid from a closed blood collection tube is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid from a closed, liquid-containing blood collection tube is described. The apparatus includes a dual conduit providing a passageway for liquid to be dispensed from a closed blood collection tube and a gas conduit providing a passageway for gas to be introduced into the blood collection tube. Included in the apparatus is insertion of the dual conduit into the blood collection tube, turning the tube away from a vertical, upright orientation, connecting and disconnecting the gas passageway from a gas supply, displacing a volume of gas through the gas passageway, and controlling the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for separating a pre-selected phase of a sample contained in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, separating means in which such an enclosed chamber is rotated about a longitudinal axis is described. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for collecting a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities. Disclosed is an apparatus for collecting a sample in an enclosed chamber, wherein said apparatus can be used with a separating means which rotates the chamber about either a longitudinal axis of the chamber, or about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber and not passing through the chamber. In addition, said apparatus facilitates automated manipulation of the sample by providing formed features for: decreasing the gas permeability of said apparatus; clot activation of a blood sample contained within said apparatus; interconnection of a multiplicity of said apparatus; automated manipulation of said apparatus; protecting markings upon said apparatus; layering the construction of said apparatus; and, encoding of information upon said apparatus in both a tactile and visual manner. Also disclosed is an apparatus for dispensing fluid from said enclosed chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities the method comprising the steps of introducing a sample into a chamber of constant cross-sectional shape and a volume greater than that of the sample, ordering the phases of the sample concentrically by rotating the chamber about its longitudinal axis, reducing the volume of the chamber in response to a separation control signal, removing a portion of the separated sample in order of phase, deriving information about the portion of the sample being removed from the chamber and modifying the separation control signal in response to the derived information.