Abstract: A device for separating platelets from a fluid suspension comprises a mixing chamber operable to receive and mix fluid suspensions and an aggregating agent to form platelet aggregates and residual fluid components. A filter can be configured to be in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and can be further configured to collect platelet aggregates and allow residual fluid components to pass therethrough. The mixing chamber and the filter are operable by a user without input from an external energy source.

Abstract: A method is described for separating, retrieving and concentrating platelets from whole blood relying on aggregation of the platelets followed by filtration. This method eliminates the need of a centrifuge for separating said cells from blood. To obtain cellular concentrates of platelets, blood is mixed with compatible agents that will aggregate cells while retaining contained growth factors. The resulting aggregates can then be separated from blood by filtration. If desired, the filter-captured aggregates are subject to a brief washing cycle where they are washed clean of residual aggregating agent, plasma, and red cells. Aggregates can then be partly or wholly deaggregated and the cells retrieved. The result is a suspension of cells and small aggregates with therapeutic levels of concentrated blood cells with included growth factors that are available for delivery to a wound site. A device that accomplishes the aforementioned process is also described.

Abstract: A method is described for separating, retrieving and concentrating platelets from whole blood relying on aggregation of the platelets followed by filtration. This method eliminates the need of a centrifuge for separating said cells from blood. To obtain cellular concentrates of platelets, blood is mixed with compatible agents that will aggregate cells while retaining contained growth factors. The resulting aggregates can then be separated from blood by filtration. If desired, the filter-captured aggregates are subject to a brief washing cycle where they are washed clean of residual aggregating agent, plasma, and red cells. Aggregates can then be partly or wholly deaggregated and the cells retrieved. The result is a suspension of cells and small aggregates with therapeutic levels of concentrated blood cells with included growth factors that are available for delivery to a wound site. A device that accomplishes the aforementioned process is also described.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting bacterial adhesion to medical implants and reducing device-associated infection are effectuated by administering an effective amount of apo-transferrin to an individual with such an implant. Preferably the apo-transferrin is administered by controlled release at or near the implant.

Abstract: An instrument is described for measuring the platelet aggregation in whole blood in response to standard aggregating agents. The instrument is designed to be used in the clinical laboratory to evaluate the functional status of platelets in blood samples drawn from patients suspected of abnormal platelet function, or in a research laboratory to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet agonists or antiplatelet agents. The measurement is based on the scattering of light in the blood sample and does not require separation of erythrocytes from blood and therefore helps minimize the need for handling of blood by the laboratory personnel. The instrument converts the light-scattering data to provide the number and average size of the aggregates per unit volume at various times during the process of aggregation.