Abstract: A filter for removing leukocytes from blood comprises a filter media enclosed in a housing. The filter media includes a main filter region comprising a porous membrane structure extending between first and second skin surfaces. The porous membrane structure is formed by intersecting cells having a range of diameters. The cells adjacent to the first skin surface have diameters generally smaller than the diameters of the cells adjacent to the second skin surface. The first skin surface includes an open area defined by pores, which are formed by the intersection of cells with the first skin surface. The majority of the open area is defined by pores having a diameter of between about 12 &mgr;m and 28 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A container (10) having a plurality of panels (12-18) joined together to form a sleeve (64). The panels (12-18) each have an end edge that cooperate to define an imaginary plane (P) at one end of the sleeve (64). The container (10) further has an end panel (20,22) connected to the panels (12-18) at the one end of the sleeve (64). The end panel (20,22) has at least one portion extending beyond the imaginary plane (P). The supporting box (100) is provided to support the container (10). A hanger system (150) is provided and is attached to the box (100). The hanger system (150) supports an upper portion of the container (10) within the box (100). The container (10) is also provided with a port closure (300) that provides both a sterile and gas permeable barrier.

Abstract: A tyrosine-substituted hirudin analog has antithrombogenic activity. Further simultaneous reaction at native tyrosine residues is prevented by mutation at those sites to encode nonreactive amino acids. Several novel strategies for coupling the hirudin analog to solid surfaces while simultaneously conserving antithrombogenic activity are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and compositions of matter useful for the method of making, in transgenic animals, a human hemoglobin that is more stable and more readily purified from the endogenous hemoglobins of the transgenic animal than hemoglobin A. The hemoglobins produced by the invention include hemoglobin A.sub.2, which is an .beta..sub.2 .delta..sub.2 tetramer, as well as other hemoglobins having similar properties to hemoglobin A.sub.2 and have .beta./.delta.chimeric globins. The specification discloses a chimeric gene, encoding a human .delta.-globin that is expressed in transgenic animals at levels approximating the level of expression of the .alpha. or .beta. globin.

Abstract: A process for filtration of matter from a liquid suspension through a membrane uses a rotor within a concentric shell rotating with a surface velocity which, together with the rotor-shell gap and suspension viscosity, establishes vigorous vortex cells about the rotor. At least one of the rotor and shell surfaces include a filter membrane. Tangential velocity components at the membrane surface constantly sweep the membrane surface to limit cell deposition tendencies while constantly replenishing the medium to be filtered. The vortex cells are established along the length of the membrane despite the constant extraction of filtrate and the resultant change in physical characteristics of the suspension.

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: Novel blood cell fractionation means utilizes conventional filters coated with high molecular weight polyethylene oxide derivatives crosslinked to prevent leaching from filter surfaces. These fractionation means have a special efficacy in binding white blood cells from whole blood while simultaneously allowing red cells and platelets to pass in the effluent phase.

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: A method combining the techniques of immunoaffinity separation and continuous flow centrifugal separation is provided for selective separation of a nucleated heterogeneous cell population from a heterogeneous cell mixture. The heterogeneous cell mixture is intimately contacted to promote binding thereto by particles having attached a substance that actively binds to a specific desired type of cell out of the cell mixture. The particles are selected so that the sedimentation velocity of the particle/cell conjugate differs sufficiently from those of other cells in the cell mixture to allow its separation by means of a continuous flow cell separator.

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: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for separating and collecting blood fractions or components such as platelets. A first anticoagulant solution is added to whole blood, which is then separated into platelet-rich plasma and red cells. A second anticoagulant is added to the platelet rich plasma, which is then separated into platelet-poor plasma and platelet concentrate. The rate of red cell sedimentation is increased and the time of the separation/collection procedure may be reduced when the pH of the first anticoagulant is greater than approximately 6.0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inactivating pathogens in a body fluid, such as plasma, red cells, platelets, leukocytes, and bone marrow. The present invention minimizes adverse effects caused by the photosensitive agents while retaining the disinfecting activity of such agents and processes. Pursuant to the present invention, prior to irradiating a body fluid including a photoactive drug, the extracellular fluid, which in the case of blood components includes plasma proteins is at least substantially reduced. Additionally, after the irradiation process, the resultant body fluid is prevented from contacting additional extracellular fluid, e.g., plasma proteins, for a predefined period.

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 method for separating blood into its components and individually storing same is provided. The method has the steps of: providing a container having a body with at least a first and second chamber. Selective fluid communication is also possible between the first and second chamber, and a tube is in fluid communication with the first chamber. The method also has the steps of: passing the blood into the first chamber through the tube; centrifuging the container to separate the blood into plasma, red blood cells and buffy coat within the first chamber; and expressing a portion of the centrifuged blood into the second chamber. In another embodiment, the method for storing blood has the steps of: providing a container with a body having three chambers.

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.