Abstract: A method is provided for removing citrate, aluminum, and other multivalent ions and contaminants from proteins by adjusting the pH of a solution containing the protein to a pH from about 7 to about 10, and diafiltering the pH-adjusted solution against aqueous solutions which have a low level of ions.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by a virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed and connected sample containers from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining containers, each of which holds a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the containers are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high-sensitivity test such as PCR. The pools are tested in accordance with an algorithm by which a sample from each donation is mapped to each element of an N-dimensional matrix or grid. Each element of the matrix is identified by a matrix identifier, Xrcs, where rcs defines the dimensional index.

Abstract: A process for inactivating viral contaminants of lyophilized Factor VIII by heat is provided. The process comprises forming a stable complex between the Factor VIII and a cyclodextrin in an aqueous solution. The solution is then lyophilized, and the Factor VIII/cyclodextrin complex is recovered. The lyophilized Factor VIII/cyclodextrin is then heated to 60° C. to inactivate any virus present. The material may then be reconstituted prior to administration to a patient.

Abstract: A process for producing an intravenously-administrable gamma globulin solution substantially free of contaminating viruses by fractionating an impure gamma globulin solution and then treating the purified gamma globulin, in any order, with a solvent-detergent for viral inactivation and a heat treating for viral inactivation. Thereafter, denatured impurities, residual solvent and aggregate generated by the heat treatment are removed from the gamma globulin.

Abstract: A process for producing an intravenously-administrable gamma globulin solution substantially free of contaminating viruses by fractionating an impure gamma globulin solution and then treating the purified gamma globulin, with a solvent-detergent for viral inactivation and a heat treating for viral inactivation. Thereafter, denatured impurities, residual solvent and aggregate generated by the heat treatment are removed from the gamma globulin.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing samples of blood, blood plasma, blood serum, or plasma proteins, including blood factor products, for PCR testing which minimizes contaminants which may interfere with the analysis. The process includes centrifugation of the initial sample to form a sample pellet, removing at least a portion of the supernatant from the pellet, and washing the pellet with an aqueous buffer. The buffer and washed pellet are then centrifuged, and a portion of the remaining supernatant is removed along with any contaminants contained therein. The clean, substantially contaminant-free pellet is then processed for PCR analysis.

Abstract: A process for producing an intravenously-administrable gamma globulin solution substantially free of contaminating viruses by fractionating an impure gamma globulin solution and then treating the purified gamma globulin, in any order, with a solvent-detergent for viral inactivation and a heat treating for viral inactivation. Thereafter, denatured impurities, residual solvent and aggregate generated by the heat treatment are removed from the gamma globulin.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for purifying &agr;1-proteinase inhibitor. The process comprises providing an impure protein fraction which comprises &agr;1-proteinase inhibitor. The impure protein fraction is precipitated with a precipitant comprising PEG. The supernatant from the PEG precipitation, which comprises &agr;1-proteinase inhibitor, is collected and applied to an anion-exchange medium. A fraction comprising &agr;1-proteinase inhibitor is recovered from the anion-exchange medium and applied to a metal chelate medium. A fraction comprising &agr;1-proteinase inhibitor is then recovered from the metal chelate medium. Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor purified by the process has a specific activity greater than 0.6 units/mg.

Abstract: A process for producing an intravenously-administrable gamma globulin solution substantially free of contaminating viruses by heat treating for viral inactivation and fractionating an impure gamma globulin solution and then treating the purified gamma globulin with a solvent-detergent for further viral inactivation. In a continuous process disclosed herein, partially purified gamma globulin solids is not recovered as an intermediate product during the disclosed process. In the continuous process, the fractionation to obtain a purified gamma globulin solution is carried out without precipitation of the desired gamma globulin.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by a virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed and connected sample containers from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining containers, each of which holds a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the containers are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high-sensitivity test such as PCR The pools are tested in accordance with an algorithm by which a sample from each donation is mapped to each element of an N-dimensional matrix or grid. Each element of the matrix is identified by a matrix identifier, X.sub.rcs, where rcs defines the dimensional index.

Abstract: Factor VIIIC:vWF, Factor VIII C, Factor IX or Factor IX or the activated co-factors thereof are covalently linked to a poly(alkylene oxide).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for purifying alpha-1-PI. The process comprises providing an impure protein fraction which comprises alpha-1-PI. The impure protein fraction is suspended in an aqueous solution at pH 6. Insoluble proteins are recovered and resuspended in aqueous solution at pH 8.5. PEG is added to precipitate .alpha.-2 proteins. To the PEG supernatant precipitation, which comprises alpha-1-PI, is added ZnCl.sub.2 to precipitate crude alpha-1-PI. The crude alpha-1-PI is resolubilized and applied to an anion-exchange medium. A fraction comprising alpha-1-PI is recovered from the anion-exchange medium. Alpha-1-PI purified by the process has a specific activity about 1.0 units/OD.sub.280.

Abstract: Systems, processes and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed, and connected sample-containing pouches from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining pouches, each of which contains a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the pouches are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high sensitivity test such as PCR. When a pool tests positive, indicating it is contaminated by a virus, a further pouch is removed from each of the tubing segments used to form the initial pool.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by a virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed and connected sample containers from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining containers, each of which holds a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the containers are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high-sensitivity test such as PCR. The pools are tested in accordance with an algorithm by which a sample from each donation is mapped to each element of an N-dimensional matrix or grid. Each element of the matrix is identified by a matrix identifier, X.sub.rcs, where rcs defines the dimensional index.

Abstract: Method for obtaining highly purified transferrin from a partially purified plasma fraction containing transferrin in which the starting fraction is concentrated. Its ionic strength is reduced and then transferrin is adsorbed onto a chromatographic column. Following elution, the transferrin can be further processed through to packaging in final containers. The final purified transferrin product is sterile, at least 95% pure and is substantially free of enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.

Abstract: Purified .alpha..sub.1 -acid glycoprotein and a process for preparing purified .alpha..sub.1 -acid glycoprotein. The process comprises providing an impure protein fraction, binding contaminants, but not .alpha..sub.1 -acid glycoprotein, to a cation-exchange medium, and binding .alpha..sub.1 -acid glycoprotein to an anion-exchange medium, and eluting the .alpha..sub.1 -acid glycoprotein from the anion-exchange medium.

Abstract: A new method for purifying Factor VIII complex from an impure protein fraction, usually cryoprecipitate, is disclosed. The cryoprecipitate is dissolved in a heparin solution. Then Factor VIII complex is initially purified by polyethylene glycol precipitation. The Factor VIII containing supernatant collected after the precipitation is loaded into an anion exchange column that has a quaternary amino ethyl group. The Factor VIII complex is then eluted from the column with a buffer comprising from about 0.14M to about 0.20M CaCl.sub.2. The final step in the purification is to precipitate the Factor VIII complex in the presence of glycine and sodium chloride. The precipitated Factor VIII complex is then reconstituted and stabilized. The reconstituted Factor VIII complex can then be lyophilized and dry heated to obtain a final Factor VIII product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for purifying alpha-1-PI. The process comprises providing an impure protein fraction which comprises alpha-1-PI. The impure protein fraction is suspended in an aqueous solution at pH 6. Insoluble proteins are recovered and resuspended in aqueous solution at pH 8.5. PEG is added to precipitate .alpha.-2 proteins. To the PEG supernatant precipitation, which comprises alpha-1-PI, is added ZnCl.sub.2 to precipitate crude alpha-1-PI. The crude alpha-1-PI is resolubilized and applied to an anion-exchange medium. A fraction comprising alpha-1-PI is recovered from the anion-exchange medium. Alpha-1-PI purified by the process has a specific activity about 1.0 units/OD.sub.280.

Abstract: Systems, processes and devices are provided which are useful for testing blood or plasma donations to detect those specific donations which are contaminated by virus above a predetermined level. An apparatus and process is described which forms individual, separately sealed, and connected sample-containing pouches from a flexible hollow tubing segment connected to a fluid donation container. The tubing segment is sealed at spaced-apart intervals along its length, with tubing segment portions in the intervals between the seals defining pouches, each of which contains a portion of a plasma sample. The contents of the pouches are formed into pools which are subsequently tested for virus contamination by a high sensitivity test such as PCR. When a pool tests positive, indicating it is contaminated by a virus, a further pouch is removed from each of the tubing segments used to form the initial pool.

Abstract: A process for facilitating the reconstitution of lyophilized Factor VIII complex compositions, and compositions of Factor VIII complex, which are readily reconstituted. The process of the present invention comprises providing a purified Factor VIII complex preparations; adding a stabilization agent comprising arginine; lyophilizing the stabilization agent-Factor VIII complex solutions; and reconstituting the lyophilized stabilization agent-Factor VIII complex by contacting it with solvent for less than one minute.