Abstract: A method separates blood by centrifugation in a rotating chamber into a first separated blood component, a residual blood fluid, and an interface between the first separated blood component and the residual blood fluid. The method withdraws the first separated blood component out of the rotating chamber through a first outlet port, and also withdraws the residual blood fluid out of the rotating chamber through a second outlet port. During the separating step, the method accumulates a second separated blood component in the interface without withdrawal from the rotating chamber by monitoring the location of the interface within the rotating chamber and maintaining the interface at a location spaced away from flow communication with both the first and second outlet pods.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a yoke element that rotates about a rotational axis and a processing chamber having an axis. The processing chamber includes a bowl element, a spool element, and a mechanism for joining the spool and bowl elements for relative movement between a mutually cooperating position for centrifugal processing and a mutually separated position for loading. A hinge attaches the processing chamber to the yoke element for pivotal movement between an operating position and an access position. In the operating position, the spool and bowl elements are in their mutually cooperating position and oriented for rotation with the yoke element about the rotational axis. In the access position, the processing chamber axis lies outside the axis of rotation and the spool and bowl elements are oriented for movement from their mutually cooperating position into their mutually separated position.

Abstract: Systems and methods convey anticoagulated blood suspension from a donor into a separation device for component separation. One or more components are retained for therapeutic use, while one or more are returned to the donor. The systems and methods monitor the rate at which anticoagulant carried in the returned components is being returned. The rate, expressed in terms of milligram (mg) of anticoagulant per kilogram (kg) of donor body weight per unit of time of blood processing, is compared to a nominal rate that is correlated with donor comfort.

Abstract: Systems and methods predict a whole blood processing volume required to achieve a desired platelet yield based upon inputs of selected processing parameters.

Abstract: Blood collection systems and methods minimize citrate toxicity in donors. The systems and methods convey whole blood at a prescribed rate Q.sub.b into a separation device for separation into red blood cells and a plasma constituent. The systems and methods add anticoagulant including citrate to the whole blood. The systems and methods control Qb (in ml/min or equivalent) based upon a citrate equivalent blood flow rate EqQB.sub.CIR, where: ##EQU1## where: CIR is a selected nominal a-symptomatic citrate infusion rate (in mg/kg/min or equivalent),AC is a selected anticoagulant ratio,Wgt is the donor's weight (in kg or equivalent), andCitrateConc is the citrate concentration in the anticoagulant (in mg/ml or equivalent).

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: Systems and methods for separating blood rotate a separation chamber about a rotational axis to create within the chamber a low-G wall radially close to the axis and a high-G wall spaced radially further from the axis than the low-G wall. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into an inlet region of the chamber during its rotation through a reduced passage. The reduced passage restricts whole blood flow, thereby causing more uniform perfusion of whole blood in the inlet. Separation of red blood cells begins within the inlet region toward the high-G wall. This creates a flow of plasma that moves within the inlet region radially toward the low-G wall and elutes platelets into suspension. The systems and methods direct the radial flow of plasma and eluted platelets to an outlet in the inlet region for transport from the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods recommend storage parameters for a prescribed number of platelets in a prescribed gas permeable container and in association with a specified storage medium. The systems and methods receiving as input selected storage criteria information. The systems and methods generate as output, based upon the selected storage criteria information received, recommended storage parameters comprising a recommended number of selected storage containers (Plt.sub.BAG) to be used and a recommended volume of storage medium (Plt.sub.MED) to be used.

Abstract: A chamber for rotation about a rotational axis to separate blood components includes first and second spaced apart side walls forming a separation zone. Blood conveyed into the separation zone separates into a first region of cellular components, a second region of plasma, and an interface region between the first and second regions. An outlet conveys the second region of plasma from the separation zone. An interior wall extends into the separation zone to permit passage of the second region of plasma to the outlet while retarding passage of the interface region and the first region of cellular components to the outlet. The tapered second surface has a major axis that is oriented at a non-parallel angle with respect to the axis of the outlet. Due to this orientation, the boundary between the interface region and the other two regions is held uniform along the tapered surface.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods create dynamic vortex flow conditions within the processing chamber by conveying blood into a separation path that extends circumferentially about the rotational axis along an entry path that extends generally parallel to the rotational axis. The vortex flow conditions perfuse blood into the separation path for separation into component parts. The systems and methods confine the vortex flow pattern along the entry path by reducing the radial width of the entry path.

Abstract: A blood filtration device encapsulates a filter pad assembly Within a flexible housing. The filter pad assembly includes first and second filter media layers. A first heat and pressure sealed region integrally bonds the peripheries of the first and second media layers together. The flexible housing comprises a peripheral rim aligned with the first heat and pressure sealed region of the first media layer. A second heat and pressure sealed region, formed after the first heat and pressure sealed region, joins the rim of the flexible housing to the first heat and pressure sealed region, thereby forming a composite seal that encapsulates the filter pad assembly within the housing.

Abstract: A medical fluid processing device for processing blood or other fluids includes a plurality of hardware elements that perform specific functions. Different processing procedures are achieved by performing the specific functions in appropriately arranged sequences and combinations. A user accessible menu permits user selection of the desired processing procedure. A software implemented "virtual" interface generates appropriate hardware commands for actuating the hardware elements as needed to achieve the desired processing procedure. A dual region, user-accessible screen provides user interaction with the processing device. The "virtual" interface provides positive control over the individual hardware elements in combination with sufficient system flexibility to achieve useful interactivity with the processing device operator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating mono nuclear cells from whole blood rotate a separation chamber about a rotational axis. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a first region of the chamber during its rotation to separate the whole blood into a plasma constituent, red blood cells, and an interface between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The interface carries mono nuclear cells. While conveying whole blood into the first region, the systems and methods collect the plasma constituent in the first region, while also collecting the red blood cells in a second region of the chamber spaced from the inlet region. The systems and methods create, while conveying whole blood into the inlet region, a back flow of plasma constituent along the interface from the second region toward the inlet region. This back flow of plasma maintains a high-relative hematocrit in the second region and a low-relative hematocrit in the inlet region.

Abstract: Systems and methods locate at least three spaced apart sensing units in association with volume of blood comprising a first blood component region, a second blood component region, and an interface region between the first and second blood component regions. The systems and methods locate at least one of the sensing units so that its optical field lies above the interface region and at least one of the sensing units so that its optical field lies below the interface region. Each sensing unit senses the attenuation of energy emitted into blood in its optical field and generates a signal relating to the attenuation. The systems and methods convert the signals to a signal vector of signal values having a shape approximated by a function. The systems and methods normalize the signal vector, and also create a vector of convolution signal values by multiplying the normalized signal vector by the function. The systems and methods identify the sensing unit associated with the highest convolution signal value.

Abstract: A centrifuge comprising a yoke element that rotates about a rotational axis and a processing chamber having an axis. The processing chamber includes a bowl element, a spool element, and a mechanism for joining the spool and bowl elements for relative movement between a mutually cooperating position for centrifugal processing and a mutually separated position for loading. A hinge attaches the processing chamber to the yoke element for pivotal movement between an operating position and an access position. In the operating position, the spool and bowl elements are in their mutually cooperating position and oriented for rotation with the yoke element about the rotational axis. In the access position, the processing chamber axis lies outside the axis of rotation and the spool and bowl elements are oriented for movement from their mutually cooperating position into their mutually separated position.

Abstract: A support assembly for process control equipment includes a cabinet containing processing equipment. A vertical support pole is supported on said cabinet through a collar for extension and retraction. Process control equipment such as electronic control equipment and a video monitor is mounted on the upper end of the pole. At least one, and preferably two, constant force springs biased into a fully coiled position are attached at one end to the lower end of the pole. The opposite end of the springs are mounted for free rotation on a spool which is secured to the cabinet, whereby raising and lowering of the process control equipment is facilitated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing the number of leukocytes in cellular products like platelets collected in an on line or continuous blood separation processes. The systems and methods reduce the number of leukocytes from a cellular suspension before its separation into a cellular-rich concentration. This leads to effective and efficient leukocyte removal and a high quality blood product suited for therapeutic use, with and without long term storage.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping apparatus includes a pump rotor carrying a roller and a drive mechanism for rotating the rotor. The drive mechanism includes a carrier for holding the pump rotor. The apparatus includes a release pin mechanism carried on the pump rotor and exposed to access by a user. The release pin mechanism is movable by the user between a first position that connects the pump rotor to the carrier and a second position that disconnects the pump rotor from the carrier. Placing the release pin mechanism in the second position allows quick separation of the pump rotor from the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A centrifugation system includes frame has at least one weight bearing member for engaging a support surface generally lying in a horizontal plane. The system also includes a centrifuge assembly including a chamber that can be rotated about an axis. A base supports the centrifuge assembly on the frame within the interior area with the rotational axis oriented in a plane that lies outside a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal support surface. The sloped orientation of the rotational axis conserves vertical height. It makes it possible to place the rotating centrifuge components for access in a zone that lies between the knees and the chest of the intended user, when standing.

Abstract: A peristaltic pumping apparatus and associated method to control power to the pump rotor to establish, during a preestablished first time period, a selected first angular velocity and sequentially establishing during a preestablished second time period immediately following the first time period a second angular velocity different than the first angular velocity. In this fashion, the apparatus and method achieve flow rates well below the minimum continuous flow rate of the rotor.