Abstract: A blood sampling system for obtaining blood samples from a fluid flow path is disclosed. The sampling system includes a container that can be isolated from the remainder of a blood processing set and allows for collection of a sample either before or after the blood donation.

Abstract: A flexible container comprises first and second flexible sheets of plastic material having peripheral edges, which have been sealed together along a plane to create an interior chamber in the container. At least one of the first and second flexible sheets includes a preformed, stress-relieved region, which is extended outside the plane and overlies at least a portion of the interior chamber.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates an output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises a value indicating a blood volume that needs be processed to obtain a desired platelet volume.

Abstract: A confined air tube is intended to be placed into in-line communication with the transfer tubing of a blood processing system. The confined air tube provides an incremental volume of air, which keeps the transfer tubing from collapsing and sticking together during heat sterilization. After sterilization, the confined air tube accommodates conveyance of a blood component into an associated downstream transfer container. The confined air tube can also receive air vented from the transfer container, so that the blood component can undergo further processing or be stored in an air-depleted environment within the transfer container.

Abstract: A container for irradiation comprises a flexible, flat collapsible wall defining a sealed chamber, the plastic material of said wall being substantially transparent to the irradiation, which is typically ultraviolet radiation. An access port or ports are provided for communicating through the wall to the chamber. A flap is provided, integral with the wall and spaced from the chamber. The flap carries identifying indicia including a typically bar code indicia, so that the wall which defines the chamber may be at least substantially free of opaque indicia. Also, means may be provided for detecting an indicating exposure of the container to such irradiation, such as ultraviolet sensitive tape adhering to the flap. Alignment holes may be provided, typically in the flap, to facilitate the orientation of the container with apparatus for irradiation and apparatus for bar code reading, making use of alignment pins carried by such apparatus.

Abstract: Viral and bacterial contaminants present in biological solutions are inactivated by mixing one of a novel class of photosensitizer with said solution and irradiating the mixture. Quinoline and quinolone compounds are useful as photosensitizers in this method. With certain photosensitizers a blocking agent may also be employed.

Abstract: A flexible, three-dimensional container is made by a prescribed vacuum-molding and heat sealing process. The container possesses a precise, defined geometry before and during use. The container is formed from first and second walls. The first wall has a planar area and a vacuum-molded cavity area drawn out of the plane of the planar area into a predefined three-dimensional geometry. A second wall overlies the first wall to close the cavity area and thereby forms an interior compartment. A thermal seal joins the two walls together. The seal is formed by heating the second wall and the first wall in the planar area, while assuring that the cavity area of the first wall is not subject to heating and possible deformation of its precise vacuum-molded geometry.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or preventing the transmission of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy through blood or blood products are provided. The methods require the intact removal of leukocytes that are present in a blood product or an intermediate of a blood product prior to administering the blood product to a patient. To prevent or reduce the transmission of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies disease substantially all leukocytes are removed intact without significant lysis of such leukocytes.

Abstract: A bone marrow collection kit is provided comprising a collection container for receiving a bone marrow containing fluid having a body that defines an interior and an inlet opening and an outlet opening and including a prefilter that extends from the outlet opening into the interior of the collection container so that fluid must flow through the prefilter to exit the collection container through the outlet opening. A first inline filter member is coupled to the outlet opening of the collection container, the first inline filter member having a flexible plastic body that defines an interior, and an inlet opening and an outlet opening and the interior including a filter so constructed and arranged that fluid that enters the inlet opening must flow through the filter to exit the first inline filter member through the outlet opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating a biological fluid with light and for inactivating contaminants in biological fluid. The biological fluid is contacted with a light source providing a high intensity light to the biological fluid. The biological fluid may include a quantity of a photochemical agent that when activated by light is operable to cause inactivation of at least some of the contaminants.

Abstract: System and methods treat plasma carrying contaminants and cellular matter that are capable of entraining contaminants. The systems and methods separate cellular matter from the plasma by filtration, thereby removing contaminants entrained within the cellular matter. The system and methods add to the plasma a photoactive material. The systems and methods emit radiation at a selected wavelength into the plasma to activate the photoactive material and thereby eradicate the contaminant that is free of entrainment by cellular matter.

Abstract: A method is provided for inactivating viral and/or bacterial contamination in blood cellular matter, such as erythrocytes and platelets, or protein fractions. The cells or protein fractions are mixed with chemical sensitizers, frozen or freeze-dried, and irradiated with, for example, UV, visible, gamma or X-ray radiation while in the solid state.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate blood into constituents including a plasma constituent that includes a platelet volume. The systems and methods detect the optical density of the plasma constituent and generate a first output indicative of the optical density. A processing element integrates the first output relative to the volume of plasma constituent and generates an integrated output. The integrated output correlates to the platelet volume. A second processing element generates a third output based, at least in part, upon the integrated output, which comprises parameters for storing the platelet volume.

Abstract: Viral and bacterial contaminants present in biological solutions are inactivated by mixing one of a novel class of photosensitizer with said solution and irradiating the mixture.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for detecting a bag that has been subjected to a process, such as illumination, wherein the contents of the bag require processing before subsequent use. The system (1) has a drawer (10) on which one or more bags may be placed and properly oriented. Punches (22) are provided for punching slugs from the bag indicative of a status of the processing of the bag. The punches (22) are aligned with die apertures (26) of a die (24) and corresponding punch apertures (20) through the drawer (10). The bag may include polarizing materials (50) such that the status of the processing of the bag (52) may be sensed. To this end, a rotating polarizing piece (70) is provided as well as a light source (34) and a sensor (38). The polarities between the polarizing piece (50) of the bag and the rotating polarizing piece (70) is monitored by the sensor (38) to indicate a condition or status of the processing of the bag and/or to further indicate tampering taking place in the process.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining liquid samples from a fluid flow path is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having an access site communicating with the flow path and carrying a piercing member at a location spaced from the access site. The housing allows for translational movement of the piercing member toward the access site and into the flow path from where the sample is removed.

Abstract: Membranes and methods for making membranes are disclosed. The membranes include a polymeric matrix and a particulate material immobilized within the matrix. The membranes may find particular application in methods and apparatus for removing organic compounds from a biological fluid as part of a pathogen inactivation treatment.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods process cord blood in a sterile fashion to avoid exposure to bacterial contamination. A transfer tube couples a cord blood processing container to an other container, which, in use, holds a cryopreservative solution. The transfer tube has an interior diameter that is restricted substantially along its entire length, to meter the introduction of cryopreservation solution into cord blood at a desired rate, thereby avoiding damage or trauma to the cord blood cells.

Abstract: Blood processing systems and methods separate whole blood into red blood cells and a plasma constituent within a rotating centrifugal separation device. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the separation device through an inlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods remove plasma constituent from the separation device through an outlet path including a pump operable at a prescribed rate. The systems and methods derive a value H.sub.b representing an apparent hematocrit of whole blood entering the separation device, where: ##EQU1## and where H.sub.rbc is a value relating to hematocrit of red blood cells in the separation device. The systems and methods generate outputs and control commands based, at least in part, upon H.sub.b.

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.