Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting, processing, and storing blood components, such as plasma. The method involves collecting the blood component in a flexible storage bag manufactured from ethylene vinyl acetate EVA, having a composition of between about 9% and about 18% vinyl acetate by weight of total EVA co-polymer. The EVA bag is sealed, and the sample is frozen in the bag at a temperature of at least as low as -30.degree. C. to form a substantially solid pellet contained in the storage bag. The bag then is fractured and the pellet is removed in its intact, frozen form. The co-polymer bag may have an inner surface with an etched or embossed pattern of sufficient dimensions to permit removal of the plasma in a frozen state from the storage bag.

Abstract: A disposable phlebotomist protector device for enclosing a used needle assembly. The device includes a pair of housing elements each having an end portion and an integral elongate portion. At least one end portion has cannula inset elements for retaining the cannula of a needle assembly when the two housing elements are in an open position relative to each other. The housing elements include locking elements designed to engage the two housing elements to form a closed housing that encloses the needle assembly. One end of the housing includes an aperture when in the closed position for inserting a sample tube that engages with the needle assembly. After the used needle is inserted, the device is closed and secured and sampling completed, the device with the enclosed needle can be disposed.

Abstract: A closed blood filter system comprising a filter connected to at least one blood bag, the filter comprising a housing having peripheral support means adapted to hold the filter in place on top of a blood bag centrifuge bucket (cup) and above the blood bags during centrifugation of blood bag contents. In a preferred embodiment the filter is connected between two blood bags by blood bag tubing. A preferred filter housing is generally disk-like and includes an annular projection adapted to fit snugly on the shoulder of a cylindrical centrifuge bucket (cup) while allowing passage of a tubing connecting the top side of the filter with a blood bag held in the centrifuge cup and below the filter.