Abstract: Methods for storing or rejuvenating blood involve contacting blood with a blood storage composition or a blood rejuvenating composition that include D-ribose and a nucleoside other than inosine (e.g., guanosine).

Abstract: Blood storage and/or rejuvenating compositions that include D-ribose and a nucleoside other than inosine (e.g., guanosine) are disclosed herein. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and/or rejuvenating) red blood cells.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for enhancing the storage capabilities of red blood cell preparations. For example, methods and materials for using CO2 to store red blood cells in a manner that (a) reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption of or reduces the level of 2,3-DPG production by a red blood cell preparation, (b) reduces the level of lactate formation by a red blood cell preparation, and/or (c) reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation are provided. Such methods and materials can result in prolonging the useful lifespan of the red blood cells of the red blood cell preparation. This document also provides methods and materials involved in prolonging useful storage of platelet preparations. For example, methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that reduces platelet metabolism, that preserves platelet function, and/or that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting bacteria in fluids, including blood, platelets and other blood products for transfusion, and urine. The methods are based on lysing the bacteria to release ATP and detecting the ATP. Eukaryotic cell contamination is a problem to be overcome, because eukaryotic cell contain large amounts of ATP. Thus, some of the methods involve separating intact eukaryotic cells (e.g., platelets) from intact bacterial cells before lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme that catalyzes a reaction, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Typically, the enzyme is luciferin, and the reaction is monitored by detecting light produced by the luciferin. Other methods of the invention involve contacting a fluid sample with a support surface that binds bacterial cells, lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Abstract: Blood storage and/or rejuvenating compositions that include D-ribose and an arginine (e.g. L-arginine, D-arginine, or a combination thereof) are disclosed herein. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and/or rejuvenating) red blood cells.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for enhancing the storage capabilities of red blood cell preparations. For example, methods and materials for using CO2 to store red blood cells in a manner that (a) reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption of or reduces the level of 2,3-DPG production by a red blood cell preparation, (b) reduces the level of lactate formation by a red blood cell preparation, and/or (c) reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation are provided. Such methods and materials can result in prolonging the useful lifespan of the red blood cells of the red blood cell preparation. This document also provides methods and materials involved in prolonging useful storage of platelet preparations. For example, methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that reduces platelet metabolism, that preserves platelet function, and/or that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring the response of platelets to a cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) inhibitor such as aspirin. The method involves collecting platelet-containing mammalian blood treated with a COX1 inhibitor; mixing the blood with a COX1-dependent platelet agonist, such as arachidonic acid, monitoring extracellular ATP in the agonist-activated blood to generate a measurement, and comparing the measurement to a standard value. Devices, systems, and kits for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: A ribose-related compound is added to whole blood or packed red cells which have suboptimal function as measured by decreased levels of 2,3-DPG in order to rejuvenate the red blood cells to normal function as seen by raised levels of 2,3-DPG. Two representative ribose-related compounds are D-ribose and inosine.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for enhancing the storage capabilities of red blood cell preparations. For example, methods and materials for using CO2 to store red blood cells in a manner that (a) reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption of or reduces the level of 2,3-DPG production by a red blood cell preparation, (b) reduces the level of lactate formation by a red blood cell preparation, and/or (c) reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation are provided. Such methods and materials can result in prolonging the useful lifespan of the red blood cells of the red blood cell preparation. This document also provides methods and materials involved in prolonging useful storage of platelet preparations. For example, methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that reduces platelet metabolism, that preserves platelet function, and/or that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting bacteria in fluids, including blood, platelets and other blood products for transfusion, and urine. The methods are based on lysing the bacteria to release ATP and detecting the ATP. Eukaryotic cell contamination is a problem to be overcome, because eukaryotic cell contain large amounts of ATP. Thus, some of the methods involve separating intact eukaryotic cells (e.g., platelets) from intact bacterial cells before lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme that catalyzes a reaction, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction. Typically, the enzyme is luciferin, and the reaction is monitored by detecting light produced by the luciferin. Other methods of the invention involve contacting a fluid sample with a support surface that binds bacterial cells, lysing the bacterial cells to release ATP, contacting the ATP with an ATP-consuming enzyme, and monitoring the enzyme-catalyzed reaction.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus and associated methods are provided which utilize blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources, can be received and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid. In further embodiments, the containment chamber will also include a procoagulating agent, wherein a clotting cascade can be initiated when the blood fluid is accepted into the sterile containment chamber.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus is provided which utilizes blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing, the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents, and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with, and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus (1) including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources can be received, and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting thrombin generation are disclosed. Generally, the methods include combining a blood sample with a reagent composition so that reaction of the reagent composition and thrombin, if present in the sample, produces a detectable signal; and detecting the detectable signal. Generally, the devices include a fluid-tight material forming at least one passageway; a first chamber in fluid communication with at least one passageway; and at least one reagent disposed on a surface of or contained in either a chamber or a passageway. In some embodiments, the passageway is configured to permit capillary flow of fluid, while in other embodiments, fluid flow is accomplished through a pump functionally linked to at least one passageway. In some embodiments, the device may further include a signal detector positioned to detect a signal generated in a chamber or passageway. In certain embodiments, the device may further include a microprocessor functionally linked to the signal detector.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring the response of platelets to a COX1 inhibitor such as aspirin. The method involves collecting platelet-containing mammalian blood treated with a COX 1 inhibitor; mixing the blood with a COX 1-dependent platelet agonist, such as arachidonic acid, monitoring extracellular ATP in the agonist-activated blood to generate a measurement, and comparing the measurement to a standard value. Devices, systems, and kits for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: Blood storage and/or rejuvenating compositions that include D-ribose and an arginine (e.g. L-arginine, D-arginine, or a combination thereof) are disclosed herein. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and/or rejuvenating) red blood cells.

Abstract: Blood storage and/or rejuvenating compositions that include D-ribose and a nucleoside other than inosine (e.g., guanosine) are disclosed herein. Such compositions can be useful in methods for treating (e.g., storing and/or rejuvenating) red blood cells.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring the response of platelets to a cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) inhibitor such as aspirin. The method involves collecting platelet-containing mammalian blood treated with a COX1 inhibitor; mixing the blood with a COX1-dependent platelet agonist, such as arachidonic acid, monitoring extracellular ATP in the agonist-activated blood to generate a measurement, and comparing the measurement to a standard value. Devices, systems, and kits for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus is provided which utilizes blood fluid by activating the clotting cascade of blood fluid outside the body within a substantially enclosed sterile container then introducing the blood fluid to the wound site to complete clotting. An apparatus for providing ways of inhibiting anticoagulating agents and slowing fibrin clot degradation are also disclosed. Kits for practicing the invention singularly or in combination with and/or associated with preferred procedures are also disclosed. The invention provides a clotting cascade initiation apparatus including a substantially enclosed sterile containment chamber within which an aliquot of blood fluid, either autologous or from donor sources, can be received and retained. In preferred embodiments, the sterile containment chamber further includes a heparin binding agent which will bind heparin and remove it from the blood fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of monitoring the response of platelets to a COX1 inhibitor such as aspirin. The method involves collecting platelet-containing mammalian blood treated with a COX1 inhibitor; mixing the blood with a COX1-dependent platelet agonist, such as arachidonic acid, monitoring extracellular ATP in the agonist-activated blood to generate a measurement, and comparing the measurement to a standard value. Devices, systems, and kits for carrying out the method are also provided.

Abstract: D-Ribose, a buffer and an anticoagulant are added to whole blood or packed red cells to extend function in storage beyond 42 days. Methods are disclosed to rejuvenate suboptimally functional red cells. The methods are comprised of incubation of the cells at 37° C. for 10 to 60 minutes in the presence of D-ribose.