Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterile docking two or more plastic bag units 110. The invention generally includes a sterilizable pouch 102 manufactured from an essentially vapor transmission resistant material. Contained within the pouch 102 is at least one plastic bag unit 110 and a predetermined amount of sterile tubing 108 connected thereto. The pouch 102 includes an aperture 104 in one wall or at one seam through which a tube fitting 106 protrudes. The tube fitting 106 has an internal diameter sufficient to permit passage therethrough of the tubing 108 contained within the pouch 102 and connected to the bag unit 110 contained therein. The protruding tubing 108 then may be used for docking with other bag units 110.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterile docking two or more plastic bag units 110. The invention generally includes a sterilizable pouch 102 manufactured from an essentially vapor transmission resistant material. Contained within the pouch 102 is at least one plastic bag unit 110 and a predetermined amount of sterile tubing 108 connected thereto. The pouch 102 includes an aperture 104 in one wall or at one seam through which a tube fitting 106 protrudes. The tube fitting 106 has an internal diameter sufficient to permit passage therethrough of the tubing 108 contained within the pouch 102 and connected to the bag unit 110 contained therein. The protruding tubing 108 then may be used for docking with other bag units 110.

Abstract: Double-protected needle assembly comprising a needle-handle portion and a needle-protecting portion. The needle-handle portion includes a bevel-tipped needle attached to and extending from it into the needle-protector portion. The needle protecting portion comprises a rigid, tamper proof member completely enclosing the needle and attached to the needle-handle portion at a resilient tear seal member adapted to break when a twisting force is applied to either the handle portion or the protecting member. The tear seal is adapted to remove liquid from the surface of the needle when the protector is withdrawn to expose the needle. Within the protector, but not attached thereto, is a relatively soft inner tubular enclosure completely enclosing the needle extending beyond its bevel tip and adapted to prevent contact of the bevel tip with any portion of the rigid protector during assembly or when the protector is removed.

Abstract: Blood bag having affixed thereto a label, portions of which are adapted to permit enhanced gas transmissibility between the interior and exterior of the bag. In preferred embodiments the affixed label has an outwardly facing surface adapted to provide useful information about the bag or bag contents and an inwardly facing surface having raised portions and depressed portions with the label generally adhering to the bag surface via only the raised or selected raised portions.