Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the washing step in a blood centrifugation cell in which washing solution is introduced into the blood centrifugation cell and the cell contains compacted red cells and supernatant at the beginning of the washing step. The apparatus can comprise various sensors and a computer. The sensors sense and transmit to the computer three inputs. The first input is indicative of the total volume of blood that enters the cell during the filling step and the total amount of washing solution that enters the cell during the washing step. The second input is indicative of the hematocrit value of the blood introduced during the filling step. The third input is indicative of the geometric characteristics of the cell. Based on the inputs, the computer executes an algorithm that produces a first output that is the concentration of the supernatant in the supernatant-washing solution mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-duct tube for centrifugal separators for blood in particular, suitable for connecting a rotating connector to a stationary connector. The multiple-duct tube comprises, in a monolithic structure, a plurality of ducts which have parallel axes. The outer surface of the tube is defined by blended portions of walls of the peripheral ducts, so as to assume a lobate shape in a transverse cross-section.

Abstract: The device for selectively drawing samples of blood from two sections of a line and for injecting drugs into the blood comprises a three-way selection element which operates in a seat provided with three connections; the ways are suitable for selectively connecting two of the connections upon manual actuation on the part of an operator. A connection is suitable for receiving a line connected to an arterial blood drawing section; another connection is connected, by means of a duct, to the base of a trap which is open at the top and is suitable for receiving a line connected to a venous blood drawing section; and the third connection comprises a one-way valve allowing flow away from the connection and is connected by means of a duct to the base of a trap which is open at the top and is shaped so as to allow the insertion of a syringe for drawing samples of blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to a generally cylindrically shaped container having a filter medium positioned therein and a plurality of partitions, each extending upwardly from the bottom of the container providing a plurality of adjacent lower sections to include an inlet section within the container. The inlet section has an inlet port on one side of the filter medium interconnecting the inlet section with the inlet of the container, and each of the sections has an outlet port on the other side of the filter medium. When blood is introduced into the filter, the blood flows initially and at low flow rates only through the inlet section, and at sufficiently higher flow rates the blood level exceeds the height of the partition of the inlet section and further flows successively over the partitions and through the adjacent sections.