Abstract: A centrifuge provides simplify access to the processing chamber. In one arrangement, the processing chamber separates into a bowl and spool element to receive a disposable processing bag. In another arrangement, the processing chamber pivots between an operating position and an access position to provide improved access. The centrifuge also employs readily accessible holders for releasably retaining tubing that, in use, conveys fluid to and from the chamber. Though greatly accessible, the centrifuge operates without the need of complicated rotating seals and expensive disposable components.

Abstract: A frangible seal for a fluid path including a frangible seal member secured within a tube defining the fluid path. The frangible seal member having a tubular seal member and a stem extending from the tubular seal member which, upon bending back and forth, breaks away from the seal member thereby to rupture the tubular seal in the fluid path. The tubular seal member and stem are integrally formed of a non-PVC material. The tubular seal member will bond to PVC tubing during steam heating thereof. The tubular seal member and stem are constructed to provide uniform non-reclosable rupturing. The stem includes vanes with spurs that frictionally engage the inner walls of the tube to maintain separation of the stem and ruptured tubular seal member.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the interface region between cellular constituents and plasma in a blood separation chamber employs a sensor mechanism for emitting upon the interface region energy that is absorbed by the cellular constituents. The sensor mechanism also detects the intensity of the energy that is not absorbed by the interface region to generate an unabsorbed intensity output signal. The system moves the interface region relative to the sensor mechanism during a prescribed time period. A first circuit measures variations in the unabsorbed intensity output signal over the prescribed time period and generates a time based output. A second circuit can derive the physical size of the interface region based upon the time based output.

Abstract: Systems transmit a control signal between a rotating element and a stationary element of a blood separation centrifuge. The systems employ a sensor mechanism carried by one of the rotating and stationary elements. The sensor mechanism senses an operating condition that is subject to change. The sensor mechanism generates a first output signal that varies according to changes in the sensed operating condition. A first data transfer component on the one element that carries the sensor mechanism emits energy to the other element without mechanical contact with the other element. The first data transfer mechanism modulates the emitted energy according to variations occurring in the intensity of the first output signal. A second data transfer component on the other element receives the modulated energy emitted by the first data transfer component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and container for filtering a body fluid. The method comprises the steps of isolating a volume of solution in a first chamber of a container; collecting a body fluid in a second chamber of a container; passing the body fluid through a filter; and rinsing the filter with an isolated volume of solution.

Abstract: A label for a blood pack comprising a microporous plastic film including a matrix of interconnected pores for allowing gas to flow into and out of the blood pack through a labeled area. The pores allow ink to be absorbed at least on an outer surface of the label allowing the label to be printed and/or written on. The labels of the present invention have breathability with respect to gas that is similar to paper. However, the label is more durable than a paper label in that it can tolerate moisture, abrasion, temperature extremes, dimensional changes, and the like. Accordingly, the labels do not crack or wrinkle as easily as paper labels.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a fluid carrying a biological contaminant to which a photoactive material has been bound include a treatment device that defines a flow passage with a gap. The system and method operate to establish a flow of fluid from the inlet end of the gap to the outlet end of the gap. The system and method expose the fluid, as it transits the gap, to a source of radiation that activates the photoactive material bound to the contaminant. The system and method also mix the fluid as it flows within the gap.

Abstract: Systems for treating a fluid carrying a contaminant to which a photoactive material has been bound include a treatment device that defines a relatively narrow, arcuately shaped flow path. These systems envelop the path with a radiation chamber that directs radiation from one or more sources into the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods of collecting blood cells use a first container connected to at least three transfer containers. A filtration system is provided with one transfer container, which ultimately serves as the storage container for red blood cells free of white blood cells. The two other transfer containers are connected to each other, one of which is empty and one of which contains and additive solution for storage of red blood cells. The empty transfer container is used for storage of platelet concentrate, while the container that originally contained the additive solution is ultimately used to store the platelet-poor plasma component. A portion of the additive solution may be separately passed through the filtration system after filtration of the red cells to flush additional red blood cells from the filtration device.

Abstract: A non-immunogenic mixture of hemoglobin based modified monomers and oligomers produced by the polymerization of a hemoglobin based solution in the presence of a three membered heterocyclic ring, i.e. polyether oxirane. The modified hemoglobin composition has a P.sub.50 of at least equivalent to the P.sub.50 of human red blood cell hemoglobin.

Abstract: A processing system separates a cellular rich suspension into a cellular first constituent and cellular-free second constituent. The system includes a separation zone that receives the cellular rich suspension and discharges the first and second constituents. The system coordinates the flow of cellular rich suspension into the separation zone with the flow of the cellular-free second constituent from the separation zone to get a desired nominal separation efficiency. The system also recirculates the cellular first constituent back into the zone. By continuously recirculating the cellular first constituent back into the separation zone, the system is can get and maintain a desired volume of the first constituent, despite the volume of cellular rich suspension that is processed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collection of blood components, such as plasma, from donors are provided. One method includes the steps of collecting a unit of whole blood from a donor; forcing the collected blood unit through a plasma separator; accumulating the plasma in a container; and returning concentrated cells to the donor. One system includes a disposable blood collection set and a reusable fixture into which the collection set can be mounted. The fixture is operated by a self-contained energy source, requiring no exterior electrical connection or other external source of energy.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for separating mononuclear cells from red blood cell depleted plasma in a centrifuge blood cell separator. The device includes an inlet for receiving plasma, an area for receiving mononuclear cells, and an outlet for receiving mononuclear cell depleted plasma. The distance and flow path between the inlet and outlet being so constructed and arranged as to cause mononuclear cells to sediment out into the area for receiving the mononuclear cells and causing at least 66% of the platelets contained in the plasma to flow to and through the outlet.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: Blood separation is accomplished by alternately extracting blood from and reinfusing blood into a donor by way of a single needle while simultaneously and continuously separating the extracted blood into constituents. A harness set applicable to a hemapheresis instrument includes a dual-compartment reservoir. A first compartment stores blood during extraction for supply to the separator during reinfusion. The second compartment stores packed cells during collection for return to the donor during reinfusion. The collection and reinfusion cycles are alternated rapidly to preclude clotting in the un-anticoagulated portion of the harness tubing between the venepuncture needle and the Y-connection with the anticoagulant line.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting blood substantially free of undesired matter assure that accurate crossmatching and typing of cellular blood components can be done prior to transfusion, even though the cellular components are collected and stored in different containers. The blood containing the undesired matter is collected in a blood collection container. The blood collection container includes a tube that is sealed for retaining samples of the collected blood for later analysis. The collected blood is conveyed out of the blood collection container for removal of undesired matter. The blood substantially free of the undesired matter is collected in a separate transfer container for storage. The distal end of the sealed tube containing the blood samples is attached to the transfer container, while the other end of the sealed tube is disconnected from the original blood collection container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for machine separation of blood into blood components, wherein a preselected fluid such as anticoagulant is added to at least two different locations through the fluid flow path of the set, in order to promote the different functional characteristics in different blood components. The method results in reduced incidence of citrate reaction in the blood donor and increased platelet yield in platelet rich plasma collected during the procedure.

Abstract: The method is provided of collecting blood with a donor needle inserted into the vein, which comprises an improvement of: after drawing a desired amount of blood into the blood storage container connected to one end of flexible tubing, occluding flow through said flexible tubing at a point adjacent a flexible, transversely enlarged tubing portion positioned at a location on the tubing spaced from the ends. The flow occluding point is located between the enlarged tubing portion and the container, and the tubing portion is initially of lay-flat type, prior to passing blood through it. One then draws more blood through the needle to enter and fill the enlarged tubing portion. One then occludes flexible tubing between the enlarged tubing portion and the needle prior to withdrawing the needle from the vein of the blood donor.