Abstract: An apheresis apparatus for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood by centrifugation incorporates a centrifuge for separating whole blood into lower, intermediate, and higher density components. The centrifuge has inlet and outlet ports in selective fluid communication with a container for receiving lower density blood component from the outlet port. A pump is coupled to the container and the inlet port for recirculating lower density blood component from the first container through the inlet port into the centrifuge at a first, substantially constant, rate so as to widen the region of the centrifuge occupied by the intermediate density component without causing the intermediate density component to exit the centrifuge, and subsequently at a second rate, so as to displace intermediate density component from the centrifuge.

Abstract: An apheresis apparatus and method is disclosed for increasing the purity and yield of platelets separated from donated whole blood in a centrifuge. The whole blood in the centrifuge is diluted by recirculating fluid, such as plasma or saline, at a first flow rate, to mix with further withdrawn whole blood prior to entering the centrifuge. As plasma is collected, it is recirculated through the centrifuge at a second flow rate to further improve the separation between the intermediate density components, i.e., platelets and white blood cells in the "buffy coat." The plasma is then recirculated through the centrifuge at a third flow rate and platelets are displaced out of the centrifuge while the plasma is recirculating through the centrifuge at the third flow rate.

Abstract: A pressure plate blood processing centrifuge apparatus is described. A plate is disposed adjacent a flexible bag in which blood is being processed. Under the influence of centrifugal force the plate, which is disposed inwardly nearer the center of rotation than the bag, expels a separated blood component from the bag into a receiver container. The container may be located (1) radially inward or (2) radially outward from the bag or (3) adjacent and equidistant from the center of rotation.In the embodiment in which the container is located radially outward from the bag, a valve is provided which is responsive to the specific density of separated components to stop the flow. In other embodiments, the mass of the plate is selected so as to expel only the desired component. A plurality of alternate embodiments are described which make the apparatus useful for a variety of apparatus, such as plasma pheresis, platelet pheresis and cell-washing.

Abstract: A timing and control mechanism for a centrifuge comprising a piston to which is attached a cam having cam surfaces which interact with flexible tubing to control the rate of flow through the tubing. The velocity of the piston in the centrifugal force field is determined by the resistance to flow of fluid which the piston displaces. The movement of the cam is therefore a measure of the speed and duration of the centrifugal force.

Abstract: A blood donation unit in which a reduced outside diameter phlebotomy needle is employed to minimize donor discomfort. The blood flow if, however, maintained at a flow level similar to that obtained with standard gauge phlebotomy needles by a roller pump which provides a predetermined pressure differential between the ends of the phlebotomy needle. The blood is mixed with a predetermined ratio of anticoagulant immediately after passing through the phlebotomy needle. The ratio of whole blood to anticoagulant is independent of the volume of whole blood collected.

Abstract: An aseptically pure dispensing anticoagulant device adapted to be connected to a blood collection set and which may be aseptically treated by ethylene oxide or other high diffusivity sterilant without deleterious effects upon the anticoagulant. Various embodiments are shown; in one, a collapsible pouch is provided which includes a barrier against diffusion of water vapor and ethylene oxide. In another embodiment, a rigid anticoagulant container is employed which necessitates a secondary volume of air in a surrounding pouch to provide air to displace liquid in the rigid container as it passes into the set.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for centrifugally separating blood into a first blood component, such as a plasma-rich component, and a second blood component, such as a plasma-poor component. This apparatus employs a self-balancing centrifuge intended to be used immediately adjacent to a blood donor. The blood pathway is completely disposable and includes a phlebotomy needle and blood compatible tubing connecting the phlebotomy needle to a flexible blood processing bag designed to be supported within a contoured processing chamber in the centrifuge rotor so that second blood component travels along a short internal bag dimension to achieve separation. A displacement chamber having a fluid operated diaphram is also positioned within the blood processing chamber of the centrifuge rotor. Separated first blood component can be expressed from the flexible blood bag by movement of the diaphram and collected in a receiver container as the centrifuge rotor spins.

Abstract: An improved rotary centrifuge seal is disclosed of the type formed from a rotatable ring member (40) and a non-rotatable ring member (42) having a sealing face of each in contact to provide a dynamic seal between rotatable and stationary centrifuge elements. This improved seal is provided with means for entrapping solid particulate matter generated at areas of contact (44) and means for directing entrapped particles back to the area of contact where they are ingested. This prevents contamination of fluid being processed in the centrifuge with such solid particles, which is particularly important in blood-processing centrifuges.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for centrifugally separating blood into a first blood component, such as a plasma-rich component, and a second blood component, such as a plasma-poor component. This apparatus employs a self-balancing centrifuge intended to be used immediately adjacent to a blood donor. The blood pathway is completely disposable and includes a phlebotomy needle and blood compatible tubing connecting the phlebotomy needle to a flexible blood processing bag designed to be supported within a contoured processing chamber in the centrifuge rotor so that second blood component travels along a short internal bag dimension to achieve separation. A displacement chamber having a fluid operated diaphram is also positioned within the blood processing chamber of the centrifuge rotor. Separated first blood component can be expressed from the flexible blood bag by movement of the diaphram and collected in a receiver container as the centrifuge rotor spins.

Abstract: A pheresis process and apparatus for carrying it out. Blood from a donor is transferred to a pheresis bowl formed to have a red cell reservoir and a plasma reservoir in fluid communication through plasma ducts. The pheresis bowl is adapted for centrifuging to separate the red cells and plasma. This separation is accomplished simultaneously with the withdrawal of blood from the donor. At the end of the withdrawal the red cells are returned to the donor. The connection with the donor is thus continuously maintained during the entire procedure. The process is safe, fast and economical.

Abstract: Plasmapheresis apparatus is disclosed which comprises a unique combination of blood withdrawal, separation and return means, together with automatic cycle control means. This apparatus can withdraw whole blood from a donor, separate it into plasma and non-plasma components, and return the non-plasma component to the donor while the donor remains connected to the apparatus throughout the entire procedure. Standard quantities of separated plasma can be obtained in significantly reduced times, and the possibility of mistakenly returning wrong blood components to the donor is eliminated.

Abstract: A pheresis process and apparatus for carrying it out. Blood from a donor is transferred to a pheresis bowl formed to have a red cell reservoir and a plasma reservoir in fluid communication through plasma ducts. The pheresis bowl is adapted for centrifuging to separate the red cells and plasma. This separation is accomplished simultaneously with the withdrawal of blood from the donor. At the end of the withdrawal the red cells are returned to the donor. The connection with the donor is thus continuously maintained during the entire procedure. The process is safe, fast and economical.