Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating cellular blood components and other cells containing mitochondria to improve vital qualities of the cells by contacting the cells with a mitochondrial enhancer to the cells. Mitochondrial enhancers prevent damage to and rejuvenate mitochondria and cells containing mitochondria. Mitochondrial enhancers include alloxazines and related compounds, such as riboflavin. Cells are optionally treated with photoradiation to reduce pathogens with may be present, before, after, and/or during treatment with mitochondrial enhancer. Treating with mitochondrial enhancer enables utilization of higher photoradiation energies, which achieves better pathogen reduction. When platelets are treated with mitochondrial enhancer, treated platelets may be stored for longer times than untreated platelets before they are administered to patients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A cell storage maintenance and monitoring system includes a blood product storage container, such as a flexible bag, and a microporous membrane which may be attached to an inner wall of the blood storage container to form a contained space between the inner wall and the membrane. The membrane includes a plurality of pores, preferably filled with an erodible substance responsive to a selected characteristic of the blood product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for penetrating a bacteria detection culture bottle in an aseptic manner. The apparatus includes the use of a sample bulb pre-connected to a product bag along with a sampler coupler including a needle or hollow spike. The apparatus also includes for the use of a sample bag or sample bulb and penetrating needle or hollow spike pre-connected or sterilely connected to a product container so that a sample may be taken for bacteria detection without contaminating the product in the product container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for inactivation of microorganisms in fluids or on surfaces. Preferably the fluids contain blood or blood products and comprise biologically active proteins. Preferred methods include the steps of adding an effective, non-toxic amount of an endogenous photosensitizer to a fluid and exposing the fluid to photoradiation sufficient to activate the endogenous photosensitizer whereby microorganisms are inactivated. Other fluids, including juices, water and the like, may also be decontaminated by these methods as may surfaces of foods, animal carcasses, wounds, food preparation surfaces and bathing and washing vessel surfaces. Alloxazines and K- and L-vitamins are among the preferred photosensitizers. Systems and apparatuses for flow-through and batch processes are also provided for decontamination of such fluids using photosensitizers.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating cellular blood components and other cells containing mitochondria to improve vital qualities of the cells by contacting the cells with a mitochondrial enhancer to the cells. Mitochondrial enhancers prevent damage to and rejuvenate mitochondria and cells containing mitochondria. Mitochondrial enhancers include alloxazines and related compounds, such as riboflavin. Cells are optionally treated with photoradiation to reduce pathogens with may be present, before, after, and/or during treatment with mitochondrial enhancer. Treating with mitochondrial enhancer enables utilization of higher photoradiation energies, which achieves better pathogen reduction. When platelets are treated with mitochondrial enhancer, treated platelets may be stored for longer times than untreated platelets before they are administered to patients.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A cell storage maintenance and monitoring system includes a blood product storage container, such as a flexible bag, and a microporous membrane which may be attached to an inner wall of the blood storage container to form a contained space between the inner wall and the membrane. The membrane includes a plurality of pores, preferably filled with an erodible substance responsive to a characteristic of the blood product. When the pH value drops to a predetermined level, the substance begins to erode, causing the pores to enlarge, and allowing a portion of the blood product to pass through the pores into the contained space, where it can be visibly detected. The contained space may contain a chemical indicator or buffers and nutrients, which are released into the blood product when the pores begin to open. In another embodiment, the microporous membrane may be in the form of a pod or capsule which may be attached to the wall or allowed to free-float within the contents of the storage container.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield of the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield of the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield may be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: A cell storage maintenance and monitoring system includes a blood product storage container, such as a flexible bag, and a microporous membrane which may be attached to an inner wall of the blood storage container to form a contained space between the inner wall and the membrane. The membrane includes a plurality of pores, preferably filled with an erodible substance responsive to a characteristic of the blood product, such as pH. When the pH value drops to a predetermined level, the substance begins to erode, causing the pores to enlarge, and allowing a portion of the blood product to pass through the pores into the contained space, where it can be visibly detected. The contained space may contain a chemical indicator or buffers and nutrients, which are released into the blood product when the pores begin to open. In another embodiment, the microporous membrane may be in the form of a pod or capsule which may be attached to the wall or allowed to free-float within the contents of the storage container.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method and the apparatus for collecting a hyperconcentrated platelet product. A fluid containing platelets and other particles flows into a fluid chamber at a flow rate. The flow rate of the fluid is selected to retain the majority of the platelets in the fluid chamber in a saturated bed. The platelets are collected from the fluid chamber without collecting the other particles to form a hyperconcentrated other particle reduced platelet product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maximizing the total amount of blood processed during an apheresis procedure by optimizing the concentration of anticoagulant in a donor/patient and the associated extracorporeal tubing set is provided. A simplified model of anticoagulant accumulation in a donor/patient's body is used to calculate an optimal anticoagulant infusion rate profile to the donor/patient during a blood processing procedure. A maximum acceptable anticoagulant concentration in the donor/patient acts as an upper limit on the rate at which anticoagulant may be infused to the donor/patient using the optimized infusion rate profile. A minimum acceptable anticoagulant level acts as a lower limit in optimally controlling the anticoagulant concentration in the extracorporeal tubing set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maximizing the total amount of blood processed during an apheresis procedure by optimizing the concentration of anticoagulant in a donor/patient and the associated extracorporeal tubing set is provided. A simplified model of an anticoagulant accumulation in a donor/patient's body is used to calculate an optimal anticoagulant infusion rate profile to the donor/patient during a blood processing procedure. A maximum acceptable anticoagulant concentration in the donor/patient acts as an upper limit on the rate at which anticoagulant may be infused to the donor/patient using the optimized infusion rate profile. A minimum acceptable anticoagulant level acts as a lower limit in optimally controlling the anticoagulant concentration in the extracorporeal tubing set.