Abstract: A test for erythrocyte membrane mechanical fragility, involving subjection of a sample comprising red blood cells to a mechanical stress capable of causing hemolysis, and measurement of the hemolysis present after particular extent(s) of the stress. Measurement of hemolysis can be without component separation, such as by cell-counting (optical or non-optical) or by spectral differentiation between cell-free and intracellular hemoglobin. Such tests can incorporate a disposable single-use component that contains an RBC sample during testing, and for certain embodiments the mechanical stress involved comprises (higher-energy) ultrasonic stress.

Abstract: A storage bag for containing biologic content having a first chamber operable to contain the biologic content, a second chamber separate from the first chamber, and a first fluidic seal system disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first fluidic seal system is positionable between a first position retaining the biologic content in the first chamber and preventing the biologic content from entering the second chamber and a second position permitting at least a portion of the biologic content to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: A method for using red blood cell deformability testing to improve management of blood product comprising RBC, the method comprising: generating deformability data for red blood cells corresponding to a respective unit of blood product; correlating the deformability data with red blood cell viability or efficacy based on any available direct or indirect in vivo performance data; obtaining a representation of quality for the respective unit of blood product; and based on the representation of quality assigning a relative rank to and/or timing a transfer of the respective unit in an inventory of stored blood product units.

Abstract: A device for testing erythrocyte membrane mechanical fragility that incorporates single-use disposable containers for holding cell samples, the device comprising: a stressor for subjecting a sample comprising red blood cells to a mechanical stress capable of causing hemolysis, wherein said sample remains within a disposable component during the subjecting; and a detector for direct or indirect measurement of said hemolysis present in said sample after particular extent(s) of said stress, whereby said measurement can occur while said sample remains within said component. In addition, the present disclosure specifically addresses such systems wherein said mechanical stress is ultrasonic stress.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The apparatus for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored (RBC) units comprises: a hemolysis unit; an optical analysis unit; and a computation unit. This apparatus is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions.

Abstract: A method for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. The method comprises: a hemolysis step; an optical analysis step; and a computation step. The method is amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions. A vital aspect of this testing method is the accumulation of copious output and other associated data and the mathematical analyses thereof to optimize algorithms by which to characterize each subsequent test output as meaningfully as possible.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an apparatus and associated method for quantifying the quality degradation of individual stored red blood cell (RBC) units, thereby yielding information to improve decisions regarding their respective allocation, patient suitability, and use. This apparatus and the methods of its use are amenable to clinical implementation as well as indicative of any given unit's relative viability and thus prospective efficacy. This would provide clinicians with actual data on RBC quality when making decisions about which and how many units to use for transfusion of a given patient. Moreover, deploying this testing throughout the supply chain will improve distribution, planning, and inventory control decisions. A vital aspect of this testing system is the accumulation of copious output and other associated data and the mathematical analyses thereof to optimize algorithms by which to characterize each subsequent test output as meaningfully as possible.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the concentration of hemoglobin derivatives in bodily fluids include devices for measuring and comparing the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by cellular and cell-free hemoglobin at two or more wavelengths in the Soret region. Systems and methods for determining erythrocyte membrane fragility include devices for measuring the concentration of at least one cell-free hemoglobin derivative, and using the absorption properties of cellular and cell-free hemoglobin derivatives in the Soret region.