Abstract: The present invention provides an improved aqueous solution for suspending and storing red blood cells. The solution includes sodium citrate, a combination of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate dibasic, adenine, and mannitol. The solution is formulated at a low osmolarity and has a physiological pH of approximately 7.4. The solution simultaneously maintains stored red cells ATP and 2,3-BPG.

Abstract: A steam sterilizable unit for inactivating pathogens in a body fluid is provided including a plastic structure for housing a therapeutically effective amount of a methylene blue solution. The plastic structure preferably includes at least an inner layer constructed from a non-PVC plastic. Preferably, the methylene blue solution has a pH of less than 7.0 and preferably less than or equal to approximately 6.3.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved aqueous solution for suspending and storing red blood cells. The solution includes sodium citrate, a combination of sodium biphosphate and sodium phosphate dibasic, adenine, and mannitol. The solution is formulated at a low osmolarity and has a physiological pH of approximately 7.4. The solution simultaneously maintains stored red cells ATP and 2,3-BPG. Also disclosed is a method for storing red blood cells comprising adding an anticoagulant with a reduced citrate concentration compared to a CPD solution comprising 26.3 g/l, sodium citrate and 3.28 g/l citric acid hydrous to whole blood, separating the red cells and adding a storage solution comprising sodium citrate, sodium diphosphate, sodium phosphate dibasic, adenine and mannitol.

Abstract: A container for housing body fluids, preferably blood in its component form. The container comprises a body defined by flexible walls having an interior for housing the body fluid. Additionally, a means for allowing selective fluid flow allows the blood components to be expressed from one chamber of the container into another to separate and separately house the blood components. The present invention also provides a method for separating blood into its components and individually storing same.

Abstract: A container for housing body fluids, preferably blood in its component form. The container comprises a body defined by flexible walls having an interior for housing the body fluid. Additionally, a means for allowing selective fluid flow allows the blood components to be expressed from one chamber of the container into another to separate and separately house the blood components. The present invention also provides a method for separating blood into its components and individually storing same.

Abstract: A method for separating blood into its components and individually storing same is provided. The method has the steps of: providing a container having a body with at least a first and second chamber. Selective fluid communication is also possible between the first and second chamber, and a tube is in fluid communication with the first chamber. The method also has the steps of: passing the blood into the first chamber through the tube; centrifuging the container to separate the blood into plasma, red blood cells and buffy coat within the first chamber; and expressing a portion of the centrifuged blood into the second chamber. In another embodiment, the method for storing blood has the steps of: providing a container with a body having three chambers.

Abstract: A container for housing body fluids. The container comprises a body defined by flexible walls having an interior for housing the body fluid. An elongated tube extends from the body for housing a fluid to be added to the body fluid. The tube includes means for allowing selective fluid flow from the interior of the tube to the interior of the body allowing the fluid to be added to the body fluid. Additionally, the means for allowing selective fluid flow allows the body fluid to be expressed from the body of the container into the elongated tube. The present invention also provides a method for storing and treating blood.

Abstract: A frangible seal for a fluid path including a frangible seal member secured within a tube defining the fluid path. The frangible seal member having a tubular seal member and a stem extending from the tubular seal member which, upon bending back and forth, breaks away from the seal member thereby to rupture the tubular seal in the fluid path. The tubular seal member and stem are integrally formed of a non-PVC material. The tubular seal member will bond to PVC tubing during steam heating thereof. The tubular seal member and stem are constructed to provide uniform non-reclosable rupturing. The stem includes vanes with spurs that frictionally engage the inner walls of the tube to maintain separation of the stem and ruptured tubular seal member.