the invention concerns plasma separation on a microliter scale . the method / system according to the invention is able to provide plasma in the range of several microliters within a very short time as it is required , for example , in modern analyses by carrier - bound test elements . plasma separation and plasma release is carried out in two separate consecutive steps of the method using the device according to the invention such that hemolysis during plasma separation can be avoided despite an accelerated procedure . the device comprises a disposable unit in which the device is characterized by an economical and simple method of production .