Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for ensuring that blood transfused into a patient is the correct blood for that patient, is transfused in the correct manner and that a complete audit trail is created that will allow later tracing of blood from donation through to ultimate transfusion.

Abstract: A dermatome for improved cutting of tissue comprises: a blade assembly, including a blade and a blade carrier; a rotational drive assembly; and a housing which engages the blade assembly to constrain the movement of any point on the blade assembly to bidirectional linear movement over a predefined linear range, wherein the engaged blade assembly forms a cover for the housing so that the housing in combination with the engaged blade assembly defines a closed space which surrounds the rotational drive assembly while the blade assembly moves over the predefined linear range. The entire blade assembly may be releasable from the housing, or the blade may be releasable from the blade carrier which remains non-releasably engaged with the housing.

Abstract: The dermatome includes a blade assembly comprising a metal blade with fixedly attached thermoplastic carrier. The assembly is releasably mounted to the dermatome housing. A linear drive mechanism-that includes guide members and spring biasing of the blade assembly ensures linear, reciprocating blade movement that prolongs blade life. The linear drive mechanism is housed in a manner that facilitates cleaning and sterilization of the dermatome.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading and unloading of sample tubes contained in sample tube carriers from the buckets of a swing bucket centrifuge wherein the method includes the steps of lifting the buckets off the rotor of the centrifuge, pushing sample tubes contained in sample tube carriers out of the buckets, pushing new sample tubes contained in sample tube carriers into the buckets, and lowering the buckets back on to the rotor of the centrifuge. The buckets are suspended from axially aligned pins which fit into slots on opposite sides of the buckets and include openings in the sides of the buckets to admit sample tubes contained in sample tube carriers. Once the centrifuge rotor has moved a bucket into a defined position, a lifting mechanism raises the bucket from the centrifuge rotor to a position adjacent to a pushing mechanism which can push sample tubes contained in sample tube carriers out of the bucket and can push new sample tubes contained in sample tube carriers into the bucket.