A tube and float
system for use in separation and axial expansion of the
buffy coat is provided. The
system includes a transparent, or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a
specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and
plasma. The sample tube has an elongated sidewall having a first cross-sectional inner
diameter. The float consists of a main body portion and one or more support members protruding from the main body portion to engage and support the sidewall of the sample tube. The main body portion and the support members of the float have a cross-sectional
diameter less than that of the first cross-sectional inner
diameter of the tube when the sample tube is expanded, such as by
centrifugation. The main body portion of the float together with an axially aligned portion of the sidewall define an annular volume therebetween. The support members protruding from the main body portion of the float
traverse said annular volume to produce one or more analysis areas. During
centrifugation, the
centrifugal force enlarges the diameter of the tube to permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. Thereafter, the
centrifugal force is reduced to cause the tube sidewall to return to its first diameter, thereby capturing the float and
trapping the
buffy coat constituents in the analysis area. The
buffy coat constituents can then be evaluated or measured.