Abstract: A cell storage bag system comprises a storage bag for containing cells to which at least one connecting tube having a closed end is connected, a reservoir container for containing an additive fluid to which a fluid supply tube having a closed end is connected, and a waste fluid container for receiving waste fluid to which a waste fluid tube having a closed end is connected. In the system, the at least one connecting tube is adapted to be connected to the fluid supply tube and/or said waste fluid tube by means of a tube connecting apparatus in a sterile manner, and when the connecting tube is connected to the fluid supply tube, the additive fluid is supplied to the reservoir bag through these connected tubes, and when the connecting tube is connected to the waste fluid tube, the waste fluid is collected from the storage bag through these connected tubes.

Abstract: Improved flexible film and tubing for medical products manufactured from a PVC compound, comprising an amount of ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) PVC resin having an inherent viscosity ranging from about 1.25 to about 2.00, most preferably about 1.71, and about 43 to about 57 percent by weight of a medically acceptable plasticizer, most preferably about 53 percent, such as tri (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TOTM).

Abstract: A container for enclosing a sterile medical solution and method for mixing the same, such as a peritoneal dialysis solution. The container comprises a first compartment comprising the major part of the solution, such as an electrolyte solution comprising NaCl, CaCl.sub.2, etc., and two separate compartments, each comprising glucose in a high concentration. The entire container is autoclaved including the solutions as separated, thereby minimizing the formation of toxic products. During preparation for use, the second compartment or the third compartment, or both, are connected to the first compartment by breaking pins in a connection tube for each compartment. Depending upon the compartments connected to the first compartment, a different concentration of glucose results. Thus, all three of the usually employed glucose concentrations may be provided in a single container.

Abstract: A container for a sterile medical solution comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rigid top border having a central portion and peripheral portions. At least one separation line joints the upper and lower surfaces of the container to form first and second compartments. The top border of the container includes lines of weakness in the central portion thereof to form a hinged connection between the peripheral portions of the top border so that solutions in the first and second compartments are more quickly mixed when openable connectors between the compartments are broken.

Abstract: A container is disclosed comprising a first sidewall having a first layer and a second layer. The second layer overlaps a portion of the first layer to define an overlap area. A sealing flange extends from the first layer outward of the overlap area. A second sidewall is connected to the first sidewall along the sealing flange to define an inner chamber therebetween. The second sidewall and the sealing flange define a first layered structure having a first number of layers along the sealing flange. The overlap area and the second sidewall define a second layered structure having a second number of layers. The second number of layers is greater than the first number of layers. The container is sealed by positioning peripheral edges of the first and second sidewalls into registration so that the overlap area is substantially centrally disposed over the second sidewall and applying sealing energy to the first number of layers to define a peripheral seam.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multilayer polymer film and a multichamber bag, whose bag chambers are formed by seams in the outer border zone and by at least one seam in the chamber separation zone, whereby the seams are formed from the polymer materials facing the chambers. The polymer materials facing the chambers are inseparably sealed together in the outer border zone and sealed together in the chamber separation zone such that the seam is separable with a force which lies in the range from 5 to 20 N. The different strength of the bond from the sealing process is obtained by varying sealing temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible transparent container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administerable agents comprising an inner, primary container enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope with an oxygen absorber, capable of consuming essentially all residual oxygen after the outer envelope is sealed, and for sufficient period also the oxygen penetrating said envelope. The inner container is made of a polypropylene containing flexible polymeric material compatible with lipophilic agents capable of forming both permanent and peelable seals, while the envelope is made of a substantially water impermeable flexible multilayered polymeric material comprising a first outer substantially water impermeable polymeric film with oxygen barrier forming capacity, assembled with a second, inner polymeric film with a supplementary oxygen barrier forming capacity. The container essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation.

Abstract: A blood separation system operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region of a blood processing chamber for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface, which carries mononuclear cells, between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The system removes packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber, while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The system operates in a second mode to remove the interface from the chamber by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region. An outlet path conveys the removed interface from the chamber. The outlet path includes a first sensing element to locate mononuclear cells in the removed interface and provide a sensed output upon locating mononuclear cells.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed to provide a non-linear resistance characteristic to hydraulic pressure, which causes the seal to peel open completely along its length. The container is folded-over along the line of one of the seals and also includes a locking tab and retaining slot to secure the bag in a folded-over condition.

Abstract: Sterile solutions containing pharmaceuticals suitable for use in low and micro-gravity environments are prepared with unit dose pharmaceutical dispensers having a pre-measured quantity of medicament. A compressed air reservoir may be activated to rupture the dispenser and positively expel the unit dose into solution. This can be accomplished by inverting a bag containing the pharmaceutical or by operation of a piston which pushes all the pharmaceutical from the dispenser. A robot either places the pharmaceutical dispensers inside a mixing chamber or connects the dispensers to the mixing chamber, which comprises a flexible bag expandable to receive sterile water and pharmaceuticals. The mixing chamber may collapse under cabin pressure to drive prepared solutions from the chamber through a sterilization filter into an intravenous bag or dispensing unit.

Abstract: A medical storage assembly for reusable medical equipment includes a main storage bag having an opening, a bottom and an interconnecting wall which is operatively suspended from a mounting member that can be removably secured to a vertical support pole. A pivotable rigid lid member is connected to the mounting member and is configured to enable the closing of the opening of the medical storage bag. The medical storage bag can include a plurality of sub-storage bags that are removably mounted within the main storage bag and are removably connected together to provide open configurations whereby different types of reusable medical equipment can be stored. Alternatively, the main storage bag can hold used blood product containers and can be provided with an exterior compartment member of a configuration to hold medical forms that identify the recipient patient with the used blood product container.

Abstract: A therapeutic product formed from a high concentration of white blood cells having a high degree of cell viability. The white blood cells are sequestered from their normal population presence in whole blood by placing the blood into a container and preventing coagulation of the blood, separating the blood into two components, one of which is extremely rich in white blood cells through the use of a reagent and centrifugation, sequestering the white cell concentration, and freezing the white cells.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by preferentially peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The peelable seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed such that the seal between the diluent and medicament compartments is preferentially ruptured such that a liquid medicament and a diluent are always mixed before the combined solution is accessible for administration. The container is fillable with a single component liquid medicament which may be susceptible to sloshing or turbulence.

Abstract: Device for the transfusion of blood or hemo-derivatives including: a blood or hemo-derivatives container; a device for the transfusion of blood or hemoderivatives to the patient; and a device for connecting the container to the device for the transfusion; the device for connecting includes a joint formed by two central tubular mutually connectable members, both provided with complementary coding devices, and device for locking the connectable members together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device with a filter bag for separating a liquid phase from a suspended solid phase in a biological fluid.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for collecting and preparing stored blood that minimizes handling and manipulation of blood bags to thereby reduce the contamination risk. In particular, the invention is directed to methods and apparatus wherein at least one sterilely packed blood bag is provided in a packaging apparatus that supports the blood bag during filling and also serves as the transport container for the blood bag. The packaging apparatus comprises a sterile package for at least one blood bag and has a completely enclosed interior space to hold the blood bag and a closure element used to open up the interior space. The interior space has a volume of at least 500 ml or can be expanded to at least 500 ml by applying an internal pressure directed outwards from the interior space and the interior space can be closed by the closure element. Preferably, the packaging apparatus also serves as a support during centrifugation of the collected blood.

Abstract: A closed sterile bag system contains at least two separate compartments with communication between them temporarily blocked and with one of the compartments containing an erythrocyte sedimentation solution. The umbilical cord blood is collected and contacted with an anticoagulant whereupon the blockage is removed and the erythrocyte sedimentation solution is caused to contact the blood all within the closed sterile system.

Abstract: A system and a method for administering a solution (12) from a container (10) to a patient (35) are provided. The container (10) is divided into a solution side (16) and a drain side (18) separated by a tear line (20). The solution side (16) and the drain side (18) are in fluid communication with one another and with a port (28) that connects to the patient (35). The container (10) is separable at the tear line (20) such that contents of a peritoneum cavity of the patient (35) may be drained into the drain side (18) of the container (10). Then, the solution (12) from the solution side (16) of the container (10) may be drained from the container (10) into the patient (35).

Abstract: A medical container with an electrolyte solution stored therein is disclosed. It is formed of a resinmade container main body, a base solution compartment, at least one isolated compartment or connected compartment, and an openable portion. The base solution compartment is arranged in the container main body and is filled with the electrolyte solution in a state steamsterilized together with the container main body. The isolated compartment or connected compartment is arranged in the container main body, is isolated from the base solution compartment by an isolation wall interposed therebetween, and is filled with a bicarbonate. The openable portion permits aseptic communication between the base solution compartment and the isolated compartment or connected compartment by an operation from an outside of the container main body at the time of use. The openable portion is formed at at least a part of the isolation wall.

Abstract: A system and a method for administering a solution (12) from a container (10) to a patient (35) are provided. The container (10) is divided into a solution side (16) and a drain side (18) separated by a tear line (20). The solution side (16) and the drain side (18) are in fluid communication with one another and with a port (28) that connects to the patient (35). The container (10) is separable at the tear line (20) such that contents of a peritoneum cavity of the patient (35) may be drained into the drain side (18) of the container (10). Then, the solution (12) from the solution side (16) of the container (10) may be drained from the container (10) into the patient (35).

Abstract: An improved device and process of assuring separation of an anticoagulant type fluid from a saline type fluid each of which is utilized in the process and operation of a plasma-pheresis apparatus or the process of collecting donor blood, is disclosed. The improvement includes a cross-spike prevention receptacle which is dimensioned, and installed positionally in reference to a plasmapheresis or blood donor apparatus, to receive an anticoagulant fluid container to which a proper respective supply communication line will connect, and to exclude and not receive a saline fluid container or container holding a similar type of fluid, whose fluid line will not reach and connect to the installed cross-spike prevention receptacle.

Abstract: An aseptic/sterile fluid connection between two containers is formed by radio frequency sealing together portions of transfer regions of two containers. Each transfer region has a layer of a relatively high melt temperature material such as a rubber or elastomer positioned between two outer container walls made of a flexible thermoplastic, for example polyvinyl chloride. The transfer regions are placed in registry, and the radio frequency welding fuses together portions of adjacent container outer walls and forms a fluid opening therethrough.

Abstract: A new intravenous bag with separate compartments for separating medications and intravenous solutions prior to mixing. The inventive device includes a pouch having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section has an outlet tube extending downwardly therefrom. The outlet tube is in fluid communication with the lower section. A divider wall separates the upper section from the lower section. The divider wall extends between opposing side walls of the pouch and tapers inwardly to a flexible central channel. The flexible central channel has an open upper end within the upper section and an open lower end within the lower section. A seal is disposed within the flexible central channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for administering a medical fluid comprises a film-sheet pouch of a heat-sealed polymeric material, which includes a first chamber containing medical fluid and a second chamber for receiving used medical fluid, and comprises a cross-over conveying device detachably enclosed within a third chamber of the film-sheet pouch that includes a fluid conduit line, having a first end heat-sealed into the bonded seam defining the first chamber and a second end including a connector coupled to a peritoneal catheter. The apparatus of the present invention also includes at least one shut-off element to control the flow of fluid out of the first chamber into the conduit line.

Abstract: A blood processing system and associated method include a first variable volume chamber to hold blood and a second variable volume chamber to hold additive solution for blood. The system and method further employ a separation device to remove undesired material from blood. An actuated element exerts external force simultaneously upon both first and second variable volume chambers to expel a first flow of blood from the first variable volume chamber and a second flow of additive solution from the second variable volume chamber. The system and method mix outside the first and second variable volume chambers the blood flow with the flow of additive solution to create a mixed flow comprising blood and additive solution. The system and method direct the mixed flow of blood and additive solution through a filter to remove undesired matter from the blood.

Abstract: A container for housing body fluids, preferably blood in its component form. The container comprises a body defined by flexible walls having an interior for housing the body fluid. Additionally, a means for allowing selective fluid flow allows the blood components to be expressed from one chamber of the container into another to separate and separately house the blood components. The present invention also provides a method for separating blood into its components and individually storing same.

Abstract: A dual-filled twin bag, a packaging including the twin bag, and a method for forming the packaged twin bags are provided. Each of two bags, a solution bag (10) and a drain bag (12) for a system used for a peritoneal dialysis procedure, are filled, at least partially, with a solution (14). A tubing set (16) connects the two filled bags (10, 12) and may also be filled with solution (14) which is added to the bags (10, 12) and the tubing set (16) during the manufacturing process. The tubing set (16) is sandwiched between the solution bag (10) and the drain bag (12) and subsequently packaged in an overpouch (24). The method for forming the package including the bags filled with solution is simplified and the overall package size is reduced due to the sandwiched tubing set (16) between the solution bags (10, 12) and the provision of solution in both bags (10, 12).

Abstract: The disposable flexible pouch for collecting and filtering blood has two inner chambers separated from each other by a filtering screen (11), a first chamber being connected to the outside by an outlet opening for the filtered blood and a second chamber being connected to the outside by an inlet opening for the blood to be processed. The pouch is formed from two superposed walls (1, 2) made of a flexible plastic material and bonded together by welding of their respective peripheral edges (3). The inlet and the outlet openings for the blood, as well as an outlet opening (5) for the suction air provided with a bacterial filter, are all made in the same wall (2) forming the pouch and the filtering screen (11) having a lower surface at the surface of this same wall (2) cooperates with the inner face thereof to form several compartments communicating with one another and forming the second chamber, so that the retention volume is reduced.

Abstract: A therapeutic product formed from a high concentration of white blood cells having a high degree of cell viability. The white blood cells are sequestered from their normal population presence in whole blood by placing the blood into a container and preventing coagulation of the blood, separating the blood into two components, one of which is extremely rich in white blood cells through the use of a reagent and centrifugation, sequestering the white cell concentration, and freezing the white cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting radiographic dye during angiography are provided. A deformable holding chamber is interposed between a contrast dye bottle and a syringe manifold. A one-way valve and an integral disconnect/flow-stop are connected between the bottle and the holding chamber. A vent is provided in the holding chamber, with a second one-way valve. Squeezing and releasing the deformable chamber fills the chamber from the bottle. The holding chamber contains a floating baffle which acts as a shut off valve by plugging the chamber outlet if the chamber becomes empty. The syringe is used to withdraw dye from the holding chamber. If dye remains in the bottle after performance of the procedure, the disconnect/flow-stop fitting can be disconnected, and the dye can be saved.

Abstract: Containers for medical use comprising a storage portion formed of a soft polyvinyl chloride resin containing a vinyl chloride resin and diundecyl pthalate (DUP) as a plasticizer wherein the sheet exhibits an oxygen permeability of about 9.0.times.10.sup.-10 to 22.0.times.10.sup.-10 cc.cm/cm2.sec.cmHg/22.degree. C. and a carbon dioxide permeability of about 6.0.times.10.sup.-9 to 19.0.times.10.sup.-9 cc.cm/cm2.sec.cmHg/22.degree. C. The containers are suitable for the storage of blood, especially the cellular components of blood. The invention also provides processes for making such containers as well as methods for storing blood cells using such containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: System and method for storing packed red blood cells (RBCs) long-term in a non-extractable plastic blood storage bag in a hypotonic cell preservation solution, for subsequent human parenteral introduction of the stored red blood cells. In addition, a blood storage bag that contains a volume of blood product, such as packed red blood cells, that have hemolyzed less than 1% during at least 42 days storage in a non-extractable plastic storage bag containing a volume of hypotonic cell preservation solution.

Abstract: A TPN solution to be prepared before using which comprises two separate infusions of an amino acid-infusion and a saccharide-infusion wherein both of said infusions contain no sulfite ion, either one of said infusions contains a water-soluble vitamin B, a pH of the infusion containing a water-soluble vitamin B is acidic and a pH of the TPN solution prepared by mixing both infusions is neutral. According to the TPN solution of the present invention, a water-soluble vitamin B can be stably preserved in a TPN solution for a long term though it has been recognized that the water-soluble vitamin B could not be contained in a TPN solution. The present invention enables to practically use a TPN solution previously containing a water-soluble vitamin B.

Abstract: An apparatus for separately storing a medicament component, such as a drug and for mixing this component with a liquid component, such as a sterilized diluent, to form a beneficial agent which can be delivered to a patient from the container containing the liquid component. The device includes a novel collapsible vial structure which can be used for controllably introducing a support structure carrying the medicament component into the liquid container whereby the medicament and liquid components will thoroughly mix under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A coupling and system for collecting blood or other biological fluids are described. The system includes first and second containers and a coupling for joining the containers. The coupling holds the containers together in two different longitudinal positions both positions preventing contamination. In a first position, the containers are held so that there is no flow between the containers. In a second position, the containers are held so that flow of blood is permitted between the containers.

Abstract: In a venous/cardiotomy reservoir, substantially accurate volume indication and post-operative use are provided while preventing introduction of air into the reservoir outlet, by interposing a collapsible bag between the underside of a rigid reservoir housing and the reservoir outlet.

Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugal separation of liquid mixtures is disclosed including an inner circular bag and an outer annular bag which has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the inner circular bag, a connecting channel for providing fluid communication between the inner and outer bags, and a rigid circular mount for mounting the outer annular bag for centrifugation in a manner such that the outer annular bag adopts a conical configuration by shortening its inner diameter. Methods for centrifugal separation of thrombocyte suspensions and bone marrow cells using this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved flexible film and tubing for medical products manufactured from a PVC compound, comprising an amount of ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) PVC resin having an inherent viscosity ranging from about 1.25 to about 2.00, most preferably about 1.71, and about 43 to about 57 percent by weight of a medically acceptable plasticizer, most preferably about 53 percent, such as tri (2-ethylhexyl) trimellitate (TOTM).

Abstract: A flexible and dual-chambered container includes a first frontal sheet fusion bonded to a first rear sheet to define a first chamber for containing, for example, a medical liquid. The first frontal sheet is a flexible and transparent sheet for intercepting water, moisture, and oxygen gas. The first rear sheet is a flexible composite sheet composed of aluminum foil and a water-absorbing stratum. A second frontal sheet is fusion bonded to a second rear sheet to define a second chamber for containing, for example, a medical liquid. The second frontal and rear sheets are joined to the first frontal and rear sheets so that the first and second chambers are isolated by a breakable or weak seal. An opaque and flexible cover sheet composed of aluminum foil is removably disposed on the first frontal sheet. When the weak seal is broken by manually compressing the second chamber, the first and second chambers are brought into liquid communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bag container (1) suitable for use in dispensing liquid e.g. for intravenous administration, at a controlled rate. The bag comprises a first compartment (2) for holding a main body of liquid to be dispensed, and a second compartment (4) for holding a small portion of the liquid (6) and disposed substantially below the first compartment (2). The first compartment (2) is connected to the second compartment (4) by a syphon conduit (8), and the second compartment (4) is provided with an outlet (18). The second compartment (4) is formed and arranged so that syphoning can be maintained in use of the bag (1) in a dispensing attitude thereof, whereby a substantially constant head of liquid (6) is maintained in the second compartment (4) during dispensing of most of said liquid (6) held in said bag container (1).

Abstract: A method and device for sampling biological fluids during collection without opening the functionally closed collection system, thereby compromising the sterility of the collected fluid. A sample bag connected to a fluid line or collection reservoir is filled coincident with fluid collection, then hermetically sealed and physically separated from the collection system using a radio frequency tubing sealer. A vacuum tube collection device is attached to the sample bag to minimize exposure to the fluid during sample handling and processing.

Abstract: This invention concerns an apparatus and a method for the manufacture of blood products which are aimed at attaining the manufacture of blood products automatically and rationally with the operational efficiency enhanced, the quality of blood products stabilized, and the safety of blood products exalted, which are characterized in that the tube of a first container and the tube of a second container are aseptically and automatically connected preparatorily to the transfer of a plurality of blood components obtained by the separation of blood in the first container to the second container and the blood components in the first container are transferred through the connected tubes to the second container by use of a blood component transferring device.

Abstract: A portable osmotic pump, having two pouches (4,3) in pressure-transmitting relationship, the first (4) containing a pumped fluid, such as infusate (5), and the second (3), a driving fluid (36). The driving fluid is created and pressurized by activation of an osmotic pump, and the rate of infusion is controlled by a semipermeable membrane (10). Activation can be by rupturing a seal (11) or by opening a closed tube (58) to permit permeant (2) to contact the semipermeable membrane. Pulses of the pumped fluid can be achieved by delivery pulses of the permeant to the second pouch. The pouches can be designed to resist collapse of the first pouch by external forces on the pumped liquid, such as gravity, movement of the first pouch and negative pressures applied to the pumped liquid. The infusate pouch is manufactured separately and can be stored apart from the rest of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for autologous sequestration of blood from a patient prior to, during and after surgery. Sequestered blood contained in an assembly of blood collection bags is kept in fluid contact with the patient throughout surgery, thereby assuring continuity with the patient's circulatory system. The plurality of blood collection bags is interconnected with a corresponding plurality of valves which is interconnected with a plurality of flexible tubes which is attached to a patient's right atrium or a peripheral artery. Following induction of anesthesia in the operating room, a patient's blood is sequestered into a collection bag assembly which forms a closed circuit blood reservoir system. Collected blood during surgery trickles back into the patient's blood system, thereby emulating venous blood flow.

Abstract: A chamber for use in a rotating field to separate blood components. An inlet port near one end of the chamber introduces blood into the chamber for flow circumferentially about the rotational axis toward the opposite end of the chamber for separation into at least one blood component. At least one outlet port is juxtaposed next to the inlet port near the one end of the chamber for conveying one separated blood component from the channel. The chamber directs the one separated blood component to a collection region near the opposite end of the chamber. An enclosed interior collection passage within the channel leads from the collection region and directs the one collected component to the outlet port for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells, substantially free of undesired matter, use a first container, that forms a part of a blood collection system, to initially collect a quantity of blood cells. A filtration system is then attached to the first container. The filtration system includes a second container, a first fluid path that leads to the second container through a filtration device, and a second fluid path that leads to the second container bypassing the filtration device. The blood cells are conveyed from the first container through the first fluid path and filtration device and into the second container to separate the undesired matter from the blood cells. The blood cells, now substantially free of the undesired matter, are then conveyed from the second container through the second fluid path, bypassing the filtration device, and back into the first container. The filtration system is then detached from the blood collection system.