Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of cryopreservation of cell suspensions and compositions useful in same wherein only a non-penetrating extracellular cryopreservation polymer is required.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved method for prolonging the shelf life of transfusible red blood cells by decreasing the effective osmolality of the suspending solution and increasing the intracellular pH of the cells prior to storage thereof. This invention also provides methods whereby the intracellular pH may be increased. These methods include collecting the cells in an anticoagulant at pH 7.0 or higher and/or washing, diluting or resuspending the cells prior to storage thereof in a biologically compatible buffered solution that contains at least one non-penetrating or substantially non-penetrating anion or non-electrolyte and is substantially free of chloride ions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a hypotonic suspension medium and a method for prolonged storage of red blood cells at about 4.degree. C. The suspension medium comprises about 80-150 mM glucose, 30-80 mM mannitol, 6-90 mM potassium citrate, 1-5 mM adenine and 10-200 mM ammonium chloride or acetate in an aqueous solution having a pH of about 6.8 to 7.2 and an osmolarity of about 180-220 milli-osmolar. The suspension medium and the method of the present invention allow viable storage of red blood cells at about 4.degree. C. up to 125 days or more.