A plasma treatment device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of plasma processing apparatus, including separation tube, collection tube, first puncture piece and air pressure adjusting structure, the pipe mouth of separation tube is equipped with first sealing cover, separation tube inside is preset with separation glue;The pipe mouth of collection tube is equipped with second sealing cover;First puncture piece penetrates and enters first sealing cover and second sealing cover, first puncture piece inside is formed with the first channel of the intercommunication separation tube and collection tube;And air pressure adjusting structure, for adjusting the air pressure difference of inside and outside environment of collection tube, to drive plasma to flow into collection tube, to solve the technical problem that plasma transfer link cannot avoid exposure and pollution in prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical testing technology, specifically to a plasma processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Plasma samples are widely used in clinical testing, biochemical analysis, immunodiagnostics, and molecular biology testing. The accuracy and stability of their test results directly affect the reliability of disease diagnosis and the formulation of subsequent treatment plans. Typically, plasma is obtained by centrifuging whole blood samples. However, existing plasma separation and transfer technologies still have a series of problems, particularly regarding cross-contamination and sample purity control during plasma transfer, where technical deficiencies are particularly prominent.

[0003] In existing technologies, plasma separation typically relies on centrifuge tubes or vacuum blood collection tubes with separating gel. After centrifugation, the blood is separated into an upper plasma layer, an intermediate separating gel layer, and a lower blood cell layer. The operator then needs to open the tube cap and use a pipette or tip to transfer the upper plasma layer to a new collection tube for testing or storage. This process is a typical open-loop operation, and plasma exposed to the air is highly susceptible to external contaminants such as airborne microorganisms, dust, and aerosols. Furthermore, if the operator does not change the pipette tip or tools during the transfer process, cross-contamination between samples can occur, leading to distorted or significantly inconsistent test results.

[0004] Therefore, existing technologies generally suffer from unavoidable exposure and contamination during plasma transfer, making it difficult to meet the requirements for preparing high-purity, highly consistent plasma samples. Thus, there is an urgent need for a safe and stable plasma processing device to effectively avoid cross-contamination and improve the purity and accuracy of plasma samples. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a plasma processing device to solve the technical problem that exposure and contamination cannot be avoided in the plasma transfer process in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This utility model provides a plasma processing device, comprising: a separation tube with a first sealing cap at the tube opening and a separation adhesive pre-placed inside the separation tube; a collection tube with a second sealing cap at the tube opening; a first puncture member that penetrates and inserts into the first and second sealing caps, and a first channel connecting the separation tube and the collection tube is formed inside the first puncture member; and a pressure regulating structure for regulating the pressure difference between the inside and outside environment of the collection tube to drive plasma into the collection tube.

[0007] In some embodiments, the pressure regulating structure includes a second puncture member that penetrates the second sealing cap and has a second channel inside that connects the collection tube to the atmosphere.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pressure regulating structure is used to bring the collection tube into a vacuum state before plasma transfer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first puncture member is provided with a depth limiting mechanism near the outer wall of the separation tube to limit the depth of insertion into the separation tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the depth limiting mechanism is a radial protrusion, the distance from the protrusion to the puncture tip being equal to or exceeding the thickness of the first sealing cap by 1 to 5 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the protrusion is integrally formed with the first puncture member.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plasma processing device further includes a fixing frame with an adjustable clamping part for fixing the collection tube and the inverted separation tube, and is adaptable to different tube diameters.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fixing frame is provided with a sliding structure connected to the adjustable clamping part, and the adjustable clamping part can slide to adjust its position along the extension direction of the fixing frame.

[0014] In some embodiments, both the first sealing cap and the second sealing cap are elastic structures, and the sealing cap can self-seal after being punctured and pulled out by the first puncture member and / or the second puncture member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the exposed end of the second puncture member is provided with an air filter membrane.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the plasma processing device provided by this utility model achieves a completely closed transfer of plasma from the separation tube to the collection tube through a closed transfer structure consisting of a first puncture element, a pressure regulating structure, and a sealing cap. The separating gel forms a stable layered interface to prevent blood cells from re-entering, the first puncture element establishes a plasma flow channel, and the pressure regulating structure provides pressure balance to avoid negative pressure blockage, allowing plasma to flow smoothly into the collection tube under natural pressure. This application eliminates the need for opening the cap or pipetting operations, significantly reducing the risk of human contamination and error. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a plasma processing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the separation tube section provided in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the collection tube structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Separation tube; 11. First sealing cap; 20. Collection tube; 21. Second sealing cap; 30. First puncture component; 31. First channel; 32. Depth limiting mechanism; 40. Air pressure regulating structure; 41. Second puncture component; 42. Second channel; 43. Air filter membrane; 50. Fixing frame; 51. Adjustable clamping part; 52. Sliding structure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0020] To address the technical problem of unavoidable exposure and contamination in the plasma transfer process in existing technologies, this invention provides a plasma processing device that can effectively avoid cross-contamination and improve the purity and detection accuracy of plasma samples.

[0021] It should be noted that the plasma processing device described in this utility model is used for, but not limited to, plasma transfer. For ease of explanation, this utility model only uses the application of the plasma processing device in plasma transfer as an example. The principle of the plasma processing device in other types of equipment is essentially the same as that in plasma transfer, and will not be described in detail here.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a plasma processing device provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The plasma processing device includes a separation tube 10, a collection tube 20, a first puncture element 30, and a pressure regulating structure 40. It is mainly used for the separation and transfer of plasma, aiming to achieve the transfer of plasma samples in a closed environment, effectively avoiding cross-contamination, thereby improving the purity and detection accuracy of plasma samples.

[0023] The separation tube 10 is a container used for the initial separation of plasma and blood cells. A first sealing cap 11 is provided at the tube opening. The sealing cap is preferably made of medical-grade rubber material to ensure the sealing of the separation tube 10 during centrifugation and inversion operations. A separating gel is pre-filled inside the separation tube 10. This separating gel is a polymer material with specific density and thixotropic properties, with a density between that of plasma and blood cells. After centrifuging the whole blood sample in the separation tube 10, the separating gel forms a stable layered structure under centrifugal force, causing the blood to sequentially form a plasma layer, a separating gel layer, and a blood cell layer from top to bottom, thereby achieving physical separation.

[0024] The collection tube 20 is used to receive the separated plasma. A second sealing cap 21 is provided at its opening, preferably made of rubber or silicone, to ensure a good airtight connection during puncture and prevent liquid leakage. The collection tube 20 is typically a hollow cylindrical structure, and different volumes or materials can be selected according to testing requirements, such as glass tubes or medical polypropylene tubes.

[0025] The first puncture element 30 penetrates the first sealing cap 11 and the second sealing cap 21, forming a first channel 31 inside that connects the separation tube 10 and the collection tube 20. In use, after the separation tube 10 has undergone centrifugal separation, it is inverted and mounted on the mounting bracket 50. One end of the first puncture element 30 penetrates the first sealing cap 11 and extends to the plasma layer, while the other end penetrates the second sealing cap 21 and connects to the inside of the collection tube 20. Through this channel, the plasma in the separation tube 10 can automatically flow into the collection tube 20 under the influence of gravity and air pressure difference, thus achieving contactless transfer of plasma.

[0026] The pressure regulating structure 40 is used to regulate the pressure difference between the inside and outside environment of the collection tube 20, so as to provide driving force for the plasma during the plasma transfer process, allowing the plasma to flow smoothly into the collection tube 20 without opening the cap or manual pipetting. The pressure regulating structure 40 can form a continuous and stable pressure difference compensation when the plasma is transferred from the separation tube 10 to the collection tube 20, avoiding flow obstruction or backflow caused by negative pressure inside, thereby ensuring continuous and stable automatic transfer of plasma in a closed state.

[0027] In this embodiment, the operator first fixes the centrifuged separation tube 10 and collection tube 20 to the device's mounting bracket 50, establishing a connection through the first puncture element 30, and then inverts the separation tube 10. At this time, the plasma layer is located below the separation tube 10 and connected to the first puncture element 30, allowing the plasma to automatically flow into the collection tube 20 along the first channel 31. The entire transfer process is completed in a closed state, eliminating the need for manual opening or pipetting, thus effectively avoiding cross-contamination between samples and the risk of environmental exposure. After the plasma is completely transferred, simply removing the puncture element and sealing the collection tube 20 yields a high-purity plasma sample, which can be directly used for subsequent testing, storage, or transportation. This method is not only simple to operate and has a low risk of contamination, but also significantly improves the consistency and safety of plasma separation and transfer.

[0028] In one embodiment, the air pressure regulating structure 40 includes a second puncture member 41. The second puncture member 41 penetrates the second sealing cap 21, and has a second channel 42 inside that connects the collection tube 20 to the atmosphere. The second puncture member 41 is preferably a hollow tubular metal piece with a sharp, angled tip that facilitates penetration of the sealing cap, enabling it to maintain a stable insertion force during puncture and reduce tearing damage to the sealing cap material.

[0029] During plasma transfer, after the separation tube 10 is inverted, the plasma flows naturally into the collection tube 20 along the first channel 31 established by the first puncture member 30, gradually filling the internal volume of the collection tube 20. At this time, the gas inside the collection tube 20 can be discharged through the second channel 42 inside the second puncture member 41, keeping its internal pressure balanced with the external atmosphere. This structure avoids interruption of plasma flow, unstable flow rate, or reverse backflow caused by negative pressure inside.

[0030] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the pressure regulating structure 40 is used to ensure that the collection tube 20 is in a vacuum state before plasma transfer. Before the plasma transfer operation begins, the air inside the collection tube 20 is evacuated to create a low-pressure environment or even a vacuum environment. When the separation tube 10 is inverted after centrifugation and layering, and fluid communication is established between it and the collection tube 20 through the first puncture element 30, a significant pressure difference is generated between the inside of the collection tube 20 and the inside of the separation tube 10. Driven by this pressure difference, the plasma can automatically flow into the collection tube 20 without the need for an additional venting structure.

[0031] In this embodiment, pressure regulation is achieved using a vacuum method, eliminating the need for an exhaust channel connected to the outside atmosphere. This reduces the number of structural components and simplifies the overall structure. Simultaneously, the collection tube 20 remains completely sealed until the vacuum is released, significantly reducing the risk of sample exposure and further enhancing aseptic safety during plasma transfer. Furthermore, this method enables rapid plasma transfer, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with large sample volumes or high batch processing requirements.

[0032] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the separation tube 10 provided in this embodiment of the utility model. A depth limiting mechanism 32 is provided on the first puncture member 30 near the outer wall of the separation tube 10 to limit the depth of the puncture member's insertion into the separation tube 10. The depth limiting mechanism 32 is preferably an annular limiting ring, a limiting sleeve, or other structure capable of forming a physical stop during puncture. The limiting mechanism can be fixed to the needle body of the puncture member through integral injection molding, welding, or mechanical snap-fit, or it can adopt a detachable structure for easy adjustment according to different models of separation tubes 10.

[0033] During assembly and use, when the operator inserts the first puncture element 30 into the sealing cap of the separation tube 10, the limiting mechanism will abut against the outer surface of the sealing cap after the needle body is inserted to a predetermined depth, forming a stable limiting stop, thereby preventing the puncture element from excessively entering the separation tube 10. This structure effectively prevents the puncture element from piercing the separation adhesive layer or contacting the blood cell layer, preventing blood cells from re-mixing into the plasma and ensuring the stability and purity of the plasma layer.

[0034] Furthermore, the limiting mechanism also serves for positioning and anti-slip purposes, ensuring that the first puncture element 30 remains vertical during puncture, preventing inconsistent puncture depths due to tilting or vibration. This structure makes the plasma transfer process more controllable and safer, and improves the consistency and repeatability of the device's operation.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the depth limiting mechanism 32 is specifically a radial protrusion structure disposed on the outer wall of the first puncture member 30. This protrusion is continuously or intermittently distributed along the circumference of the puncture member, and may take the form of an annular flange, several evenly distributed protrusions, or annular ribs. The protrusion may be integrally formed with the first puncture member 30, or it may be formed by covering, welding, or sleeve connection. Its outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the first puncture member 30, so that it can contact the outer surface of the sealing cap during puncture and form a reliable limiting effect.

[0036] The distance between the protrusion and the tip of the puncture device is preset according to the structural features of the separation tube 10 and the thickness of the plasma layer, and is preferably equal to or slightly greater than the thickness of the first sealing cap 11 by 1 to 5 mm. The purpose of this distance setting is to ensure that when the puncture device is inserted into the separation tube 10, the puncture tip reaches the upper end of the area below the plasma layer, thereby ensuring that the plasma flows out smoothly while avoiding contact with the separation adhesive layer.

[0037] In this embodiment, this structure allows the first puncture element 30 to be automatically limited to a reasonable depth during operation, maintaining consistency in puncture position even with different operators or different batches of samples. This avoids stratification disturbance caused by excessively deep punctures or poor plasma flow caused by excessively shallow punctures. This further improves the stability of the plasma transfer process and the reliability of sample quality.

[0038] In one embodiment, the protrusion and the first puncture member 30 are integrally molded. This structure is integrally processed by injection molding, casting, or metal drawing, so that the limiting protrusion and the puncture member body are formed simultaneously during the manufacturing process, without the need for additional assembly or bonding steps.

[0039] The advantages of a one-piece molded structure are: First, it avoids loosening or displacement problems caused by assembly methods such as bonding and fitting, ensuring the accuracy and long-term stability of the limiting position; second, the seamless connection of the overall structure will not form liquid retention areas or cracks, reducing surface contamination and cleaning difficulty of the puncture part; third, the one-piece molded protrusion has high strength and good impact resistance, and can withstand greater pressing force when puncturing the sealing cap without deformation or falling off.

[0040] In addition, this structure facilitates mass production. The size and relative position of the protrusions can be precisely defined by the mold, ensuring that the puncture depth of each batch of products is consistent, thereby further guaranteeing the stability and repeatability of the plasma separation and transfer process.

[0041] In another embodiment, the plasma processing apparatus further includes a retainer 50 for securing the collection tube 20 and the inverted separation tube 10 during plasma separation and transfer. The retainer 50 is preferably made of metal or high-strength medical-grade plastic to ensure sufficient rigidity and stability during operation.

[0042] The fixing frame 50 is provided with a clamping part for clamping the separation tube 10 and the collection tube 20. The positional relationship between the clamping parts is preset so that when the separation tube 10 is installed upside down, the first sealing cap 11 of the separation tube 10 is directly opposite the second sealing cap 21 of the collection tube 20, thereby ensuring that the first piercing member 30 can accurately penetrate the sealing caps of both tubes and form a stable connection.

[0043] In practical use, the collection tube 20 can be fixed in the lower clamping part of the fixing frame 50 first, and then the centrifuged separation tube 10 can be installed upside down in the upper clamping part. Subsequently, the positioning function of the fixing frame 50 ensures that the central axes of the two tubes are collinear, facilitating the accurate insertion of the puncture device into the sealing cap and the establishment of a fluid passage. This structure can effectively prevent the tube from shifting or falling off during plasma transfer, avoiding air infiltration, liquid leakage, or disturbance of the stratification interface caused by shaking, thereby ensuring that plasma flows smoothly into the collection tube 20 in a closed state.

[0044] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the fixing frame 50 is provided with an adjustable clamping part 51 for adapting to the separation pipe 10 and the collection pipe 20 of different diameters. The adjustable clamping part 51 may adopt a sliding structure, a threaded adjustment structure, or an elastic clamping structure.

[0045] In one specific implementation, the clamping part includes a pair of opposing clamping arms connected by a sliding groove or hinge shaft, allowing for radial adjustment of the spacing. When installing separation tubes 10 or collection tubes 20 of different diameters, the operator can change the clamping spacing by rotating the adjusting nut, pushing the slider, or compressing the elastic element to match the outer diameter of the tube being fixed. After adjustment, the clamping part can be fixed in the corresponding position by locking screws or a snap-fit ​​mechanism to prevent loosening during puncture or liquid transfer.

[0046] The adjustable structure significantly improves the versatility and compatibility of the device, enabling it to accommodate various sizes of plasma separation tubes 10 and collection tubes 20. Different tube models can be quickly installed without replacing the main body of the mounting bracket 50. Simultaneously, the adjustable clamping part 51 automatically applies appropriate clamping force during clamping, ensuring tube stability without causing compression damage to the tube walls, thereby further enhancing the safety and stability of the plasma separation and transfer process.

[0047] In one embodiment, the adjustable clamping part 51 can slide and adjust its position along the extension direction of the fixing frame 50 to accommodate separation tubes 10 and collection tubes 20 of different heights or lengths. The fixing frame 50 is provided with a sliding structure 52, and the adjustable clamping part 51 cooperates with the sliding groove through a slider, sliding column or connecting sleeve, thereby achieving smooth sliding in the longitudinal direction of the fixing frame 50.

[0048] During installation, the clamping part can be moved back and forth along the slide rail by pushing or rotating the adjustment knob, based on the length difference or assembly angle between the separating tube 10 and the collecting tube 20, until the sealing caps of the two tubes are aligned. After adjustment, the clamping part can be fixed in the predetermined position using locking screws, limit pins, or elastic buckle mechanisms to prevent displacement during puncture and transfer.

[0049] In this embodiment, the sliding adjustment gives the fixing frame 50 good adjustability, which can not only be compatible with different models and specifications of plasma separation tubes 10 and collection tubes 20, but also flexibly adjust the installation position according to the operating space, thereby improving the applicability and convenience of the device under various experimental conditions.

[0050] In one embodiment, both the first sealing cap 11 and the second sealing cap 21 are elastic structures with good elastic recovery properties, preferably made of medical-grade rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomer materials. The sealing cap is disposed at the opening of the separation tube 10 and / or the collection tube 20 to provide an airtight seal during use and to maintain seal integrity when the puncture device is inserted or withdrawn.

[0051] During plasma transfer, the first puncture element 30 and / or the second puncture element 41 can penetrate the sealing cap to form channels, achieving plasma flow and pressure balance. Due to the excellent elastic recovery properties of the sealing cap material, when the puncture element is removed, the puncture hole formed on the sealing cap will quickly close under the action of internal material stress, thus achieving a self-sealing effect. This structure prevents external air, microorganisms, or impurities from entering the tube, while also avoiding plasma sample leakage or gas exchange, ensuring the plasma remains sealed after transfer.

[0052] Furthermore, the thickness and hardness of the sealing cap can be designed to match the diameter of the puncture piece and the puncture force required for the operation, so as to maintain sufficient resilience and sealing performance while ensuring smooth puncture. For example, a reinforcing layer or locally thickened area can be provided on the inner surface of the sealing cap to enhance the self-closing ability of the puncture hole.

[0053] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3This is a partial structural diagram of the collection tube 20 provided in this embodiment of the present invention. An air filter membrane 43 is provided at the exposed end of the second puncture member 41. This air filter membrane 43 is used to achieve pressure balance inside and outside the tube during plasma transfer, while preventing particles, microorganisms, or aerosols from the outside air from entering the collection tube 20, thereby maintaining the cleanliness and biosafety of the plasma sample.

[0054] The air filter membrane 43 is preferably made of a material with high filtration efficiency and good air permeability, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membrane, a polyethersulfone membrane, or a polycarbonate membrane. Its pore size is typically controlled within the range of 0.1–0.45 μm to effectively block bacteria and dust particles while ensuring smooth airflow and stable pressure compensation. The filter membrane can be fixed to the outer port of the second puncture member 41 by thermoforming, ring snapping, or using medical-grade adhesive to form a reliable sealed connection.

[0055] During plasma transfer, when the plasma in the separation tube 10 flows into the collection tube 20 through the first puncture element 30, the gas in the collection tube 20 is discharged through the second puncture element 41. At this time, the air filter membrane 43 can prevent the reverse entry of contaminants while ensuring unobstructed gas flow, thereby achieving one-way aseptic ventilation. This avoids the aerosol diffusion and cross-contamination problems that may be caused by traditional open exhaust structures, and significantly improves the safety of the sample processing procedure.

[0056] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A plasma processing device, characterized in that, include: A separation tube, wherein the opening of the separation tube is provided with a first sealing cap, and the separation tube is pre-filled with separation adhesive; A collection tube, wherein the opening of the collection tube is provided with a second sealing cap; The first puncture element penetrates and punctures the first sealing cap and the second sealing cap. A first channel is formed inside the first puncture element, connecting the separation tube and the collection tube. and A pressure regulating structure is used to regulate the pressure difference between the inside of the collection tube and the external environment in order to drive plasma into the collection tube.

2. The plasma processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure regulating structure includes a second puncture member, which penetrates the second sealing cap and forms a second channel inside that connects the collection tube to the atmosphere.

3. The plasma processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure regulating structure is used to ensure that the collection tube is in a vacuum state before plasma transfer.

4. The plasma processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first puncture member is provided with a depth limiting mechanism near the outer wall of the separation tube to limit the depth of insertion into the separation tube.

5. The plasma processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The depth limiting mechanism is a radial protrusion, and the distance from the protrusion to the puncture tip is equal to or exceeds the thickness of the first sealing cap by 1 to 5 mm.

6. The plasma processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is integrally formed with the first puncture component.

7. The plasma processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plasma processing device also includes a fixing frame with an adjustable clamping part for fixing the collection tube and the inverted separation tube, and can be adapted to different tube diameters.

8. The plasma processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fixing frame is provided with a sliding structure connected to the adjustable clamping part, and the position of the adjustable clamping part can be adjusted by sliding along the extension direction of the fixing frame.

9. The plasma processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first sealing cap and the second sealing cap are elastic structures, and the sealing cap can self-seal after being punctured and pulled out by the first puncture member and / or the second puncture member.

10. The plasma processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exposed end of the second puncture member is provided with an air filter membrane.

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