Abstract: An adsorbing material for an autoantibody and/or immune complexes is provided. The adsorbing material has an insoluble carrier and an organic low-molecular-weight compound containing a hydrophobic compound, which is fixed to the insoluble carrier. The adsorbing material may be used in an adsorbing device, which has a vessel having fluid inlet and outlet openings with the adsorbing material being contained in the vessel. The adsorbing device may be used in a blood purifying apparatus for absorbing and removing an autoantibody and/or immune complexes from blood plasma, which apparatus has (a) a plasma separating device and (b) a blood-plasma mixing device, which are disposed in series in a blood circulation passage, and (c) a plasma purifying device comprising the adsorbing device disposed in a plasma recycle passage connected to the blood circulation passage to introduce plasma, separated in the plasma separating device, into the mixing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively and efficiently separating blood components by means of sedimentation action due to gravitational force are disclosed. The blood to be separated is continuously passed through a blood flow channel comprising plural flat empty spaces each having a thickness of, for example, 20 mm or less, or a plurality of tubular empty spaces each having a sectional area of, for example, 3 cm or less. An opening for a feed line is provided in a first empty space of the apparatus and two or more openings for discharge lines of the separated blood components are provided in a second empty space. These empty spaces are connected with the blood flow channel.

Abstract: A dialysis unit and a dialysis apparatus employing the dialysis unit which can perform dialysis at a very high efficiency. The unit comprises a vast plurality of semi-permeable hollow fibers substantially equal in length, which fibers are gathered to form a bundle and bonded in liquid-tight connection at both ends portions thereof. This bundle of hollow fibers is loosely encased in a casing having a plurality of openings substantially uniformly distributed all over the casing. The dialysis unit is put in a dialyzate bath having therein a means for making a forced current of the dialyzate. The dialyzate flows into the casing through the openings and acts upon the bundle of hollow fibers from all directions. Accordingly, the dialyzate can flow freely inside and outside the bundle, while maintaining good contact between the dialyzate and the surfaces of the fibers, even in the inner portion of the bundle.