Importance

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Abstract

A method of separating red blood cells within a volume of blood provides rapid separation of the red blood cells to permit efficient analysis of the white blood cells. First, a container is filled with the volume of blood while the container is in a substantially vertical position. The container has an open top portion, a side wall, and a closed bottom portion. The volume of blood in the container defines a first surface region having a particular spatial relationship to the side wall. Then, the container is moved to a first position, away from the substantially vertical position. The container is maintained at the first position for at least a first predetermined time such that red blood cells within the volume of blood settle substantially to the side wall of the container. The cross sectional area of the container at the first surface region of the volume of blood is such that the particular spatial relationship is maintained between the first surface region and the side wall. Then, the container is moved to a second position substantially without agitating the volume of blood contained therein (the second position is closer to the substantially vertical position than is the first position) and the container is maintained at the second position for at least a second predetermined time so that the red blood cells settled substantially to the side wall of the container slide to the closed bottom portion of the container.

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First Claim