Abstract: A blood processing system and method are disclosed that comprise a leukoreduction filter for removing leukocytes from red blood cells as the red blood cells pass through the filter; and a pump for pumping an additive solution through the leukoreduction filter to flush the leukoreduction filter of red blood cells that remain in the leukoreduction filter after filtration of the red blood cells. Additive solution is flowed through the leukoreduction filter at an initial flush rate to flush remaining red blood cells from the leukoreduction filter and the pump increases the flush rate of the additive solution during flushing of the leukoreduction filter.

Abstract: Fluid flow conduits (14a, 14b) and apparatus (40) and methods for joining the conduits (14a, 14b), preferably in a sterile manner, are disclosed. Each conduit (14, 14b) has a polymeric open end that is sealed by a sealing member (26a, 26b) that may include a heating element (28). The polymeric end material is melted, the sealing members (26a, 26b) are moved to expose the melted open ends of the conduits (14a, 14b) and the ends are brought together to form a fused or welded connection (12) between the conduits (14a, 14b).

Abstract: A separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, including prediction of the hematocrit of the whole blood using a light source and an optical sensor.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating a suspension of cellular material comprising at least two differently-sized cell types using a spinning membrane separator. The method comprises selecting the cell type to be separated by passing through the membrane; determining a concentration of the selected cell type in the suspension; selecting an inlet flow rate for the suspension; selecting a rotational speed for the spinning membrane separator related to one or more of the concentration and relative size of the selected cell type in the suspension; rotating the spinning membrane separator at the selected rotational speed so that the selected cell type tends to migrate to regions of the shear field adjacent the porous membrane; and flowing the suspension through the spinning membrane separator.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A membrane separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided in which at least two zones or regions are created in the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell, such that mixing of the fluid between the two regions is inhibited by a radial rib or ridge associated with the spinning membrane that decreases the gap between the spinning membrane and the shell to define two fluid regions, the ridge isolating the fluid in the two regions to minimize mixing between the two. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, for collecting red cells and plasma directly from a donor in a single pass, and for cell washing. Data management systems and methods and priming methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.

Abstract: Fluid flow conduits and apparatus and methods for joining the conduits, preferably in a sterile manner, are disclosed. Each conduit has a polymeric open end that is sealed by a sealing member that may include a heating element. The polymeric end material is melted, the sealing members are moved to expose the melted open ends of the conduits and the ends are brought together to form a fused or welded connection between the conduits.

Abstract: Fluid flow conduits (14a, 14b) and apparatus (40) and methods for joining the conduits (14a, 14b), preferably in a sterile manner, are disclosed. Each conduit (14, 14b) has a polymeric open end that is sealed by a sealing member (26a, 26b) that may include a heating element (28). The polymeric end material is melted, the sealing members (26a, 26b) are moved to expose the melted open ends of the conduits (14a, 14b) and the ends are brought together to form a fused or welded connection (12) between the conduits (14a, 14b).

Abstract: A separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, including prediction of the hematocrit of the whole blood using a light source and an optical sensor.