Abstract: A squeezable, resilient pouch is used for collecting a blood sample. The walls of the pouch are moved together in response to the application of an external squeezing force. The squeezing force collapses the pouch and expels fluid from it. Upon removal of the squeezing force, the resilience of the pouch walls moves them apart. The resilient expansion of the pouch creates suction that draws a fluid sample into the pouch. The pouch can be attached to a blood collection and/or storage container by flexible tubing in a way that prevents communication with the atmosphere. By squeezing the pouch, the user obtain a sample of the blood without using special tools and with no danger of activating or damaging the blood component being sampled.

Abstract: Blood-compatible, chlorine-free polymers such as a flexible, non-toxic, sterilizable polyester plastic formulation may contain from 5 to 70 percent by weight of a blood-extractable ester such as di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, to cause blood which is stored in contact with the polymer to exhibit a surprisingly low hemolysis rate when compared with corresponding polymers which are free of the plasticizer. Accordingly, blood bags, tubing and other medical blood-contacting devices may be advantageously made from these polymers.

Abstract: An improved technique for determining the presence of hemoglobin, having increased sensitivity, is provided by bringing the material to be tested into contact with an acidic solution of tetramethylbenzidine and hydrogen peroxide to form a mixture, allowing said mixture to stand for a predetermined period of time, and thereafter examining the mixture for the presence of a colored complex indicative of the presence of hemoglobin. Organic acid is present in a concentration generally of at least 30 percent by volume, to provide a pH of no more than about 2.

Abstract: A closed blood collection system is provided which reduces the amount of tissue thromboplastin that is mixed with the collected blood. The system includes a secondary blood receptacle for collecting an initial volume of blood, up to 5 ml, prior to collection of the remainder of the blood in a main container with anti-coagulant. Means are provided for directing the initial volume of blood into the secondary blood receptacle and for directing the blood subsequently collected into the main blood container.