Methods and devices are provided for pretreatment of a sample containing microbial cells. In some embodiments, the pretreatment of the sample is performed via the initial selective lysis, within a sample pretreatment vessel, of non-microbial cells (such as blood cells) and the subsequent centrifugal separation of the sample to remove the resulting debris and concentrate the microbial cells. An immiscible and dense cushioning liquid may be included for collecting the microbial cells adjacent to the liquid interface formed by the cushioning liquid upon centrifugation of the pretreatment vessel. After removal of a substantial quantity of the supernatant, resuspension of the collected microbial cells, and re-establishment of the cushioning liquid interface, at least a portion of the remaining suspension may be removed without substantially removing the cushioning liquid. One or more intermediate wash cycles may be performed prior to extraction of the remaining suspension, which provides a “pretreated” sample.

Filtration apparatuses, kits, and methods for rapid isolation of intact, viable mitochondria from tissues are described with mitochondria isolated by differential filtration through nylon mesh filters. Mitochondria can be isolated in less than 30 minutes using the filtration apparatuses, kits, and methods described.

Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for adaptive specimen collection order processing. An embodiment operates by retrieving a specimen order for processing a specimen collection. The specimen order comprises a test code. The embodiment determines that the specimen order is an eligible specimen order by determining that the test code matches at least one of a plurality of qualifying test codes. The embodiment transmits, to an electronic patient system, a request to provide resource allocation information for processing the specimen collection associated with the eligible specimen order. The embodiment generates an event for performing the specimen collection that satisfies the resource allocation information. The embodiment retrieves digital evidence that the event was completed. The embodiment validates that the event was completed based on the retrieved digital evidence. The embodiment then updates the eligible specimen order with a completion test code indicating the specimen collection was completed.

A closed system centrifuge tube is described and discussed herein that enables removal of waste and transfer and removal of samples via one or more ports of the centrifuge tube within the closed system, without exposing the sample to the outer environment. This may enable greater sample retention during sample processing and centrifugation of the sample.

The present invention relates to a target material extraction kit for a centrifugal separator and a method for extracting a target material by using the target material extraction kit for a centrifugal separator, and more specifically, to a target material extraction kit for a centrifugal separator and a method for extracting a target material by using the target material extraction kit for a centrifugal separator by which the target material can be more easily extracted from a source material that is separated into layers by the centrifugal separator, and thus simplification of the extraction operation of the target material results in improvement in easiness and efficiency of the extraction operation.

A device and associated method for centrifuging a physiological fluid includes a container including a tip, a base, and a barrel extending between the tip and the base to hold a physiological fluid. The container includes a plunger positioned within the barrel of the container. The plunger includes a concave collection surface that faces the tip of the container. A plunger gasket seal is in sealing engagement with an inside wall of the barrel of the container. A bottom support is provided to support the base of the container at least partially within the bottom support for use in a centrifuge. The container is coupled to the bottom support using an interference fit. The collection surface of the plunger and at least the barrel can be made of the same material. Advantageously, the device can be used to process blood without the need for any added anticoagulant in the blood.

Apparatus and methods for processing blood are disclosed in which one variation generally comprises a tube defining a channel and an access tube extending into the channel. An open cell matrix configured to entrap red blood cells may be positioned within at least a portion of the channel. Another variation generally comprises a cylindrical tube and a plunger slidably positioned within the channel. The plunger also has a funnel positioned upon the plunger and is movable therewith. Both the plunger and funnel define a fluid channel through and in communication with the cylindrical tube.

A blood collection tube for physically separating the plasma and red blood cell fractions of a centrifuged sample is described. The blood collection tube has an elastomeric sleeve with rigid tube segments at both ends. Following blood collection and centrifugation, the elastomeric sleeve may be twisted to constrict its inner diameter and physically separate the two fractions. The blood collection tube may be secured in this position with a pin and a clamp, and further with an adhesive tape with pH paper. This enables blood samples to be transferred over long distances to a central lab facility without spoiling.

A device (100) having a proximal end (20) and end a distal end (40) for withdrawal of a liquid sample, fractionation, and separation of one or more fractions comprising: a piston assembly (300) comprising a piston (302) dismountably attached at its proximal end (20) to an actuating rod (350); a container (200) having a body (202) disposed with a cylindrical chamber (204) for slidable movement of the piston (302) therein; wherein the cylindrical chamber (204) is provided at the distal end (40) with a resealable septum (410) for co-operation with a puncture needle assembly (600) for withdrawal of the liquid sample, an at the proximal end (20) with a stop member (206), which stop member (206) limits movement of the piston (300) in a proximal direction, wherein the container body (202) is dimensioned to fit inside a centrifuge rotor, and is configured for breakability into two parts at a temperature of 0 deg C. or lower at a breakable zone (210).

A method includes: depositing whole blood into at least one separator tube; subjecting the at least one separator tube to a first centrifugal force to cause a combination of the first centrifugal force and separator gel within each separator tube of the at least one separator tube to separate plasma of the whole blood from red and white blood cells of the whole blood within the at least one separator tube, wherein the plasma includes α2M molecules; transferring one or more portions of the plasma from within the at least one separator tube and into at least one isolator; and subjecting the at least one isolator to a second centrifugal force to cause a combination of the second centrifugal force and a filter within each isolator of the at least one isolator to isolate the α2M molecules from other components of the plasma within the at least one isolator.