Abstract: A method for collecting and washing shed blood includes providing a blood salvage reservoir and a blood salvage system. The user may connect a vacuum inlet port on the reservoir to a vacuum outlet port on the salvage system, connect an inlet port on the reservoir to a patient, and connect a vacuum source to a vacuum connection port on the salvage system. The method may then (1) draw a vacuum on the reservoir to draw shed blood into the reservoir, (2) disconnect the reservoir from the surgical field and salvage system, and (3) connect a second reservoir. The first blood salvage reservoir may then be connected to an automated blood processing system, and the collected blood may be introducing into the automated blood processing system and washed. The blood processing system may then return a portion of the washed blood to the patient.

Abstract: A method for collecting and washing shed blood includes providing a blood salvage reservoir and a blood salvage system. The user may connect a vacuum inlet port on the reservoir to a vacuum outlet port on the salvage system, connect an inlet port on the reservoir to a patient, and connect a vacuum source to a vacuum connection port on the salvage system. The method may then (1) draw a vacuum on the reservoir to draw shed blood into the reservoir, (2) disconnect the reservoir from the surgical field and salvage system, and (3) connect a second reservoir. The first blood salvage reservoir may then be connected to an automated blood processing system, and the collected blood may be introducing into the automated blood processing system and washed. The blood processing system may then return a portion of the washed blood to the patient.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing defining a cavity and a single stage filter. The housing has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source and an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity. The single stage filter includes a filter membrane configured to filter the fluid entering the housing from the inlet, and a frame defining the structure of the single stage filter. The frame also supports the filter membrane within the housing, and has a wiper edge that seals against an inner wall of the housing.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.

Abstract: A reservoir for use with a blood collection system includes a housing, a pre-filter, and a spring mechanism. The housing defines a cavity and has an inlet for receiving fluid from a source. The pre-filter is located within the cavity, removes particulates contained within the fluid, and allows the fluid to pass through the pre-filter. The spring mechanism is connected to the pre-filter and allows the pre-filter to travel within the cavity as the pre-filter collects particulates.