Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods utilize a membrane separation device comprising a gap between a microporous membrane and a surface facing the microporous membrane, one of the microporous membrane and the surface being rotatable relative to the other to cause separation of whole blood in the gap into plasma and concentrated red blood cells. The systems and methods include an inlet pump element coupled to the membrane separation device to convey whole blood having a known beginning hematocrit value into the gap for separation. The systems and methods also include a drive element coupled to the membrane separation device to cause rotation of the rotatable one of the microporous membrane and the facing surface. The systems and methods command the inlet pump element and the drive element as a function of the known beginning hematocrit value.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods establish on line communication between a container and a source of blood containing leukocytes and platelets, such as a human donor. The systems and methods create a centrifugal field between the source of blood and the container that separates from the blood an unfinished suspension of platelets having a first physiologic characteristic different than the desired physiologic characteristic. The systems and methods pump the unfinished platelet suspension outside the centrifugal field through a finishing device. The finishing device changes the first physiologic characteristic to the desired physiological characteristic, thereby creating the finished platelet suspension. The systems and methods convey the finished platelet suspension from the finishing device directly into the container. The systems and methods function without interrupting the on line communication between the container and the source of blood.

Abstract: An openable seal member for a container includes a tube extending across the sealed area of the container for flow communication between the interior and exterior thereof. A flexible plastic pocket member seals and encloses the outer end of the tube. Tear means are provided for opening the pocket member, comprising a circumferential line of tearing weakness positioned about the pocket member in transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the tube. In accordance with this invention, a flexible generally conical portion is positioned between the outer end of the tube and the tear means, with the conical portion diverging outwardly and constituting an inner portion of the pocket member, to define upon opening of the seal member, an enlarged, protective area surrounding the outer end of the bore of the tube.

Abstract: An end of thermoplastic tubing which is exposed to a temperature capable of causing dimensional distortion of the tubing end may be maintained by enclosing the tubing end with a tubular end cap. The end cap defines an inner member projecting axially into the bore of the tubing end, with the inner member defining an outer diameter of essentially the diameter of the bore of the tubing end, so that the dimensional integrity of the tubing end is maintained during the heating step to thereafter sealingly receive a luer.

Abstract: In a flexible tube, for example tubing for connecting blood bags, valve means are provided which comprises a tubular portion having a closed end, and an elongated, generally rigid member carried on the exterior of the closed end and positioned within the flexible tube. Frangible means are provided to permit the opening of the closed end by manual manipulation of the elongated member from outside of the flexible tube. The elongated, rigid member is adapted to fit in sealing relationship within the tubular portion after the opening of the closed end, to permit resealing of the valve.