How do you separate plasma from blood?

Centrifugation:

This is the most common method used to separate plasma from blood.

1. Collect the blood sample:

Blood sample is usually collected in vacutainer tube containing an anticoagulant such as EDTA or heparin to prevent clotting.

2. Centrifuge the blood sample:

The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge and spun at a high speed (typically around 3000-4000 rpm) for several minutes. This causes the different components of the blood to separate based on their density. The plasma, being the least dense, forms the top layer.

3. Collect the plasma:

After centrifugation, the plasma can be carefully removed using a pipette or an automated liquid handling system. The plasma can be further processed or stored for later use.

Note: It is important to use an anticoagulant during blood collection to prevent clotting, as the presence of fibrin will interfere with the separation of plasma. Plasma should also be handled gently and kept cold to maintain its integrity and prevent degradation of any labile components.