A novel approach to capillary plasma microsampling for quantitative bioanalysis

A novel device and procedure for the collection and isolation of microvolumes of plasma have been developed and two pilot rodent PK studies have been completed.

This method involves collection of blood into a plastic-wrapped, EDTA-coated capillary tube, containing a small amount of a thixotropic gel and a porous plug. Following blood collection, the capillary is placed into a secondary labeled container suitable for centrifugation and plasma is generated. During centrifugation, the thixotropic gel isolates the plasma from the red blood cells and creates a physical barrier between the two matrices. The plasma is then dispensed from the capillary tube into a separate container for storage or processing.

A simple and robust novel approach for the collection of small plasma volumes from rodent TK studies has been demonstrated.