We seek to create a device that extracts a small sample of blood from premature infants and returns all components off the blood except the plasma, which will be used for testing.

Project Overview

Blood contains cells and plasma which are separated by centrifugation where the red and white blood cells are in the bottom and the plasma is on top (serum is obtained by letting the blood clot and then centrifuging which removes fibrinogen). Drawing blood samples from a sick patient may result in anemia, particularly in extremely premature infants that need electrolyte determinations frequently. The client pictures a device that would draw up a 2 mL blood sample leaving the catheter in place for a few minutes while the sample is centrifuged to obtain the top layer which is plasma and the bottom layer which is red blood cells. The top layer (plasma) would be removed and saved and the bottom layer returned to the patient.

Team Picture

Contact Information

Team Members

• Angelica Lopez - Team Leader
• Tsani Rogers - Communicator & BPAG
• Derick Peters - BSAC
• Kylie Gaspar - BWIG
• Momin Mohis

Advisor and Client

• Prof. Megan McClean - Advisor
• Dr. E Richard Stiehm - Client

Related Projects

• Fall 2022: Blood sampling for premature infants
• Spring 2022: Blood sampling for premature infants
• Fall 2021: Blood sampling for premature infants
• Spring 2021: Blood sampling for premature infants
• Fall 2020: Blood sampling for premature infants