Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and salvaging blood includes: a first chamber with a below atmosphere internal pressure for continuous collection of blood through an inlet port; a second chamber for receiving blood from the first chamber through a connection channel; a channel valve manually controllable to close the connection channel; and a control for simultaneously controlling the channel valve and the internal pressure of the second chamber between an internal pressure corresponding to the internal pressure of the first chamber and ambient air pressure, wherein the control is arranged to provide an internal pressure corresponding to the internal pressure of the first chamber to the second chamber through a passageway separated from the connection channel for providing blood from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting and salvaging blood is disclosed, comprising: a first chamber for collecting blood through an inlet port; a second chamber for receiving blood from the first chamber through a connection channel and a channel valve manually controllable to close the connection channel. Further, the apparatus comprises a control means for simultaneously controlling the channel valve and the internal pressure of the second chamber. Still further, a lipid separator is arranged in the second chamber for separating the blood from lipids before the release through the release port. By the arrangement of the lipid separator in the second chamber, it is possible to provide a very efficient separation and cleaning of the blood, and to allow release of the separated lipids and other buoyant substances from the chamber when the concentration is too high. Consequently, the apparatus could be used during an extended period of time, and could also be used for repeated re-use.