Abstract: A filter unit for removing leukocytes from a leukocyte-containing suspension by passing the suspension through a filter unit. The filter unit may comprise a main filter for blocking the leukocytes and a post-filter for preventing leakage of the leukocytes having a higher median pore size than the main filter and placed downstream of the main-filter.

Abstract: There is provided a leukocyte filter comprising: a prefilter portion; and a membrane filter portion downstream of the prefilter portion, the membrane filter portion having a pore size distribution having a median pore size between 3 and 12 microns and having at least 40% of the pore volume being constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter of between 3 and 10 microns and having at least 5% of the pore volume being constitutted by pores having a pore cross section diameter larger than 10 microns. In a preferred embodiment, no more than 60% of the pore volume is constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter larger than 10 microns. In another preferred embodiment, the membrane filter portion is characterized in that no more than 30% of the pore volume is constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter less than 3 microns.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood sampling apparatus attached to a tubing branch, a donor needle attached to an upstream tube, the donor needle being adapted for drawing blood from a body and a main collection bag attached to a donor tube, characterized by a flow controller.

Abstract: A fluid sampling apparatus including an elongate housing, a needle mount slidingly mounted in the elongate housing, a double-pointed needle adapted for flow of fluid therethrough, the needle being fixedly mounted in the needle mount with a proximal point extending proximally outwards of the needle mount and a distal point extending distally outwards of the needle mount, a seal plug mounted in the distal portion of the housing, the seal plug being aligned with the needle such that the distal point can pierce through the seal plug into a puncturable conduit and a biasing device positioned between the seal plug and a distal face of the needle mount and a flexible ring mounted in the housing operative to reversibly grip a head of a vacuum tube inserted through a proximal end of the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a leukocyte filter comprising: a prefilter portion; and a membrane filter portion downstream of the prefilter portion, the membrane filter portion having a pore size distribution having a median pore size between 3 and 12 microns and having at least 40% of the pore volume being constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter of between 3 and 10 microns and having at least 5% of the pore volume being constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter larger than 10 microns. In a preferred embodiment, no more than 60% of the pore volume is constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter larger than 10 microns. In another preferred embodiment, the membrane filter portion is characterized in that no more than 30% of the pore volume is constituted by pores having a pore cross section diameter less than 3 microns.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood sampling apparatus attached to a tubing branch, a donor needle attached to an upstream tube, the donor needle being adapted for drawing blood from a body and a main collection bag attached to a donor tube, characterized by a flow controller.

Abstract: Apparatus for sampling fluid from a puncturable conduit, the apparatus including an elongate housing including a conduit puncturing portion and a clamp, the conduit puncturing portion being adapted to receive therein the puncturable conduit, a needle mount mounted in the elongate housing, a needle adapted for flow of fluid therethrough, the needle being fixedly mounted in the needle mount so as to have portions extending outward of the needle mount in opposite directions, a first end of the needle being pointed and protruding into, but not beyond, the conduit puncturing portion, such that the conduit puncturing portion substantially prevents inadvertent engagement of a user's finger with the first end of the needle, and wherein the clamp is operative to clamp the puncturable conduit in the conduit puncturing portion, thereby forcing the puncturable conduit towards the first end of the needle and causing the first end to puncture the puncturable conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drip chamber for an intravenous infusion set. The invention also relates to a method of making drip chambers, and further, to an intravenous infusion set including a drip chamber. The invention is provided with a drip chamber comprising a housing defining a chamber to be located in a vertical position and including an inlet at the top and an outlet at the bottom; a first hydrophilic filter covering the outlet effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air; and a second hydrophilic filter covering the inlet also effective, when wet, to permit the flow therethrough of a liquid and to block the flow therethrough of air.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets, such as a platelet concentrate or whole blood. The method includes passing the suspension through a filter which includes a polysaccharide-type coating. The coating may include one or more of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, dextran and hydroxyethyl starch. Also provided is a filter for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets. The filter includes a substrate which is coated with a polysaccharide-type composition.

Abstract: A method for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets, such as a platelet concentrate or whole blood. The method includes passing the suspension through a filter which includes a polysaccharide-type coating. The coating may include one or more of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, dextran and hydroxyethyl starch. Also provided is a filter for selectively removing leukocytes from a suspension which also contains platelets. The filter includes a substrate which is coated with a polysaccharide-type composition.