Abstract: A distributed computing system for managing blood collection procedures in a blood collection facility includes a system server including a memory and a communication interface, the system server configured to store data identifiers for a plurality of different human operators. A plurality of computerized blood collection instruments are configured to collect blood from donors to generate collected products, each blood collection instrument comprising a communication interface configured to transmit data regarding the blood collection instrument to the system server. The system server stores data identifiers for each blood collection instrument. A computer is coupled to the system server and configured to present a dashboard for improving operational performance at and/or across blood collection facilities. The dashboard displays procedure data, data regarding the plurality of different human operators and data tracking each operator's activities or performance on a display.

Abstract: A distributed computing system for managing blood processing procedures in a blood processing facility has a system server, a plurality of computerized blood collection instruments and a computer. The system server stores data identifiers for different human operators. The blood collection instruments collect blood components from donors to generate collected products. Each instrument transmits data regarding the instrument to the system server, the system server storing data identifiers for each instrument. The computer presents the data regarding the blood collection instruments on a display and receives assignments of different donors to different blood collection instruments from a human administrator.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient, such as pharmaceutical compositions containing a blood product and a therapeutic agent selected from an anthracycline anti-cancer agent (e.g., doxorubicin), a topoisomerase inhibitor, an oxazaphosphinanyl anti-cancer agent, a nitro-aryl anti-cancer agent, a thiol-reactive functional group agent, a nitric oxide modulator, a platinum-based antineoplastic compound, acrylamide, acrylonitrile, bis(4-fluorobenzyl)trisulfide, a cardiac glycoside, an anti-mitotic agent (e.g., paclitaxel), a nucleoside analog, an EGFR inhibitor, or an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system and method to isolate nucleated blood cells from whole blood or bone marrow. A disc mounted to a centrifuge system with spinning rotor is used to manipulate cells by channeling fluids while subjected to high gravitational field. The disc embodies at least two axisymmetric processing stations connected by a circular channel. Each station contains multiple chambers connected by fluidic channels to controllably transfer fluids. First stage separation allows for the isolation of the buffy coat layer while the second stage separation utilizes gradient density fluids to isolate the targeted nucleated cells from the buffy coat layer in the spinning disc.

Abstract: Device for blood container processing having a data storage reader unit 20 being adapted to read an blood donator identifier from a data storage of a blood container, and a data processing unit 50 being adapted to request for blood donator related information from an data base 163 based on the read blood donator identifier to allow a correct processing of all relevant information with respect to a blood donator and a blood recipient, to match the blood correctly and to avoid any serious injuries on the blood recipient side.

Abstract: A medical device for separating a fluid, in particular for separating platelet-rich plasma from whole blood, includes three containers and at least one corresponding connection line having an intermediate bifurcation. Provided on the connection line are valve means for enabling or preventing a flow of fluid. At least one container includes a hollow container body and a plunger associated in a movable way to the container body. The device also includes a filtering member on the connection line.

Abstract: A method of collecting mononuclear cells includes separating plasma from cellular components of whole blood. The cellular components, which include mononuclear cells and red blood cells, are combined with plasma replacement fluid to form a first mixture. The mononuclear cells of the first mixture are separated from the red blood cells of the first mixture, which may be followed by extracorporeal photopheresis being performed on the mononuclear cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for maintaining patient fluid balance during an extracorporeal cell treatment are disclosed. The method includes minimizing the amount of saline or other fluid that is returned to the donor. Saline used during priming of the fluid circuit may be used to increase the volume of the collected cells to arrive at a treatment-ready product with a suitable hematocrit.

Abstract: Sample collection tubes and methods of producing the same are provided. Contemplated collection tubes comprise a tube having a separator substance disposed therein. In some aspects, the separator substance preferably maintains a predetermined flowability during irradiation or heat sterilization, and can subsequently polymerize upon exposure to a UV light or other suitable source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic manifold for controlling a fluid level in an arterial and/or venous drip chamber of a dialysis system. The pneumatic manifold includes pneumatic valves fluidly connected to conduits and one or more pumps. Selectively activating the pneumatic valves can result in pressure changes for raising or lowering a fluid level in the arterial and/or venous drip chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method may be used to separate a biological liquid sample and retrieve a separated liquid portion therefrom. The apparatus may have a tube, an insert, and a positioning mechanism. The tube may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a chamber between the proximal and distal ends for receiving the biological liquid sample. The insert may be positioned in the chamber, and may have a first end, a second end, a well between the first and second ends, and a draw tube in fluid communication with the second end and the well. The positioning mechanism may be connected to the tube and the insert, and may be manually actuable to move the insert between the proximal end and distal end to allow a separated portion of the biological liquid sample to flow proximally from the chamber through the draw tube and collect in the well.

Abstract: Embodiments are described for separating/collecting components from a multi-component fluid such as whole blood. Some embodiments provide for controlling the amount of a component, such as platelets, introduced into a separation chamber to ensure that the density of fluid in the separation chamber does not exceed a particular value. This may provide for collecting purer components. Other embodiments may provide for determining a chamber flow rate based on a concentration of a component in the multi-component fluid, which may then be used to determine a centrifuge speed, to collect purer concentrated components.

Abstract: An assembly for mitigating spillage of patient sample in a patient sample tube having an open top includes a patient sample in the tube and a layer of inert material floating on the sample fluid, such that the material restricts splashing movement of the sample's surface. The material can include a foam, a gel, or a disk. The disk can be approximately the diameter of the sample tube with a center opening configured to accept a pipette to provide access to the patient sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for estimating the relative amounts of identifiable compartments, such as different types of cells or cell components, within a biological sample. The methods use mass spectrometric analysis to quantitate compartment-specific molecules and thereby allow calculation of the amount of each compartment that is present in a biological sample. The methods can, for example, provide a measurement of hematocrit from a dried blood sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining both (a) the haematocrit value and (b) the fibrinogen content in whole blood of an individual in less than 5 minutes, as well as to associated portable apparatus.

Abstract: A package including a vessel made of cyclic olefin polymer (COP) resin, a CVD coating on a vessel, and a medicament comprising at least one protein, peptide, and/or DNA sequence is disclosed. Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide lubricity or hydrophobicity, are also disclosed. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by PECVD. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for predicting the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation system and a separation material for easily and rapidly separating a red blood cell-rich fraction, a white blood cell-rich fraction, and/or a platelet-rich fraction from a biological fluid containing these blood cell components without the necessity of performing centrifugation. The separation of a red blood cell-rich fraction, a white blood cell-rich fraction, and/or a platelet-rich fraction from a biological fluid can be accomplished by capturing white blood cells and platelets on a blood cell separation material by contacting the biological fluid with the blood cell separation material, thereby providing a red blood cell-rich fraction; and recovering a white blood cell-rich fraction by separating white blood cells captured from the resulting blood cell separation material using a separation solution.

Abstract: A system and method are provided, including an integrated single-use kit, for processing whole blood to produce platelet rich plasma. A two stage spinning membrane separator, has a first stage for receiving whole blood and separating substantially all red blood cells from plasma and platelets, and a second stage for further separating platelet rich plasma from plasma. A first waste container is in fluid communication with the first stage of the separator for receiving separated red blood cells, while a second waste container is in fluid communication with the second stage of the separator for receiving separated plasma. An outlet line is in fluid communication with the second stage of the separator for receiving platelet rich plasma, and a reinfusion container is removably connected to the outlet line for receiving platelet rich plasma from the second stage of the separator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clot trap that comprises a disc-shaped screen surface for collecting clots in a fluid flowing through the screen surface. It further relates to an external blood cassette and a blood circuit, as well as a treatment apparatus.

Abstract: Provided are a particle separation device and a method of separating particles, each of which can easily separate particles for a short time without a great stress to the particles and easily collect the particles thus separated. The particle separation device includes at least: a separation flow path (i) to which a separation fluid and a particle group including two types of particles being different in density are supplied, and (ii) through which the separation fluid flows in a certain direction; a divergence section connected to at least an end of the separation flow path in the certain direction in which the separation fluid flows, a first flow path formed from the divergence section in a rising direction; and a second flow path formed from the divergence section in a falling direction, the separation flow path being formed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A biological fluid collection cup for use with a centrifuge bucket to separate a biological fluid into its component parts is disclosed. It includes an hourglass shape with a large upper and lower portion and a narrow middle portion. A piston is to slide into and slideably be received in the lower portion and a side port is provided for withdrawal of a fluid from the narrow portion.

Abstract: A cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35) to be inserted into a centrifuge is used for the separation of blood components. Said cartridge (1) is provided with a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, wherein a fixture (29) for a filter (31) is provided in the product section (7), a product transport path (36) which leads from the blood bag section (5) via the fixture (29) for the filter (31) to the product section (7). The product transport path (36) coming from the blood bag section (5) leads into the fixture (29) for the filter (31) radially from the outside and from below.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and methods to consistently separate and concentrate selected blood components. The system includes, e.g., a computerized fluid handling system to transfer blood components between a centrifugal blood separation disc, containers and a concentrator.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.

Abstract: Processing of a bulk liquid including particles, including use of a rotating strainer surface with openings disposed on a circumference thereof, the openings allowing an extracted liquid in the bulk liquid to pass through the strainer surface while preventing particles from passing through the strainer surface, such that a concentration of particles in the extracted liquid is less than in the bulk liquid; an extracted liquid outflow port which outputs the extracted liquid from an interior region of the rotating strainer surface; and a motor configured to rotate the strainer surface at a speed sufficient to generate a centrifugal force or turbulence at the openings sufficient to prevent the particles from clogging the openings, wherein the strainer surface is rotated and the extracted liquid is output through the extracted liquid outflow port when the strainer surface is fully submerged in the bulk liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample and mesenchymal stem cells from bone reaming material. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a solid-fibrin web are provided. One method may include drawing blood from a patient, separating plasma from the blood, contacting the plasma with a calcium-coagulation activator and concurrently coagulating and axially centrifuging the plasma to form the solid-fibrin web. The solid-fibrin web may be suitable for regenerating body tissue in a living organism. Devices used in the methods may also be provided.

Abstract: A filter for processing blood that comprises a flexible container having an inlet and an outlet for blood, and a sheet-like blood processing filter material situated in such a manner so as to partition the inside of the container into an inlet side and an outlet side, wherein the flexible container comprises a container body which houses the blood processing filter material and an outlet port that forms the outlet, and the outlet port has a protrusion that protrudes from the container body into the inside of the container body, the protrusion having a plurality of fluid channel inlets formed at locations that are not in contact with the blood processing filter material.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float, a ballast assembly longitudinally moveable with respect to the float, and a bellows structure. The bellows structure includes a first end, a second end, and a deformable bellows therebetween. The float is attached to a portion of the first end of the bellows structure, and the ballast is attached to a portion of the second end of the bellows structure. The attached float and bellows structure includes a releaseable interference engagement therebetween. The float has a first density, and the ballast has a second density that is greater than the first density of the float.

Abstract: A concentrator is used for concentrating a fluid, particularly a plasma component out of blood, for treatment of a patient. The concentrator apparatus includes a main housing defining a centrifuge chamber, that also holds the filter. The concentrator allows viewing of the fluid after centrifuging, with an outlet port positionable at a height corresponding to the level of the fraction of the fluid to be further concentrated. Once the fluid is centrifuged, a portion of the fluid is drawn through the outlet, and then pressured past the filter to further concentrate the fluid using the same vessel as used for centrifuging. The same plunger is preferably used to draw centrifuged fluid from the centrifuge chamber as to pressure the centrifuged fluid past the filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for conveying an amount of red blood cells and an amount of plasma to a blood source. Blood is conveyed from a blood source into a separation device and the separation device is operated to separate the blood into a layer containing red blood cells and a layer containing plasma. Red blood cells and plasma are removed from the separation device and volumes of the red blood cells and plasma are conveyed to the blood source. The volumes of red blood cells and plasma are alternately conveyed to the blood source for said amounts of red blood cells and plasma.

Abstract: The invention provides a serum or plasma separating composition which can compensate for the lack of initial thixotropy even at a reduced inorganic powder concentration and in which crevices or the like are less likely to be created in a partition wall formed of the separating composition after being centrifuged. The serum or plasma separating composition contains a liquid resin component having a partition wall-forming capability, a hydrophilic inorganic powder, a hydrophobic inorganic powder, and an organic compound serving as a thixotropy enhancer, wherein the organic compound is a polyalkylene glycol and/or a derivative thereof and is made of at least one type of polymer.

Abstract: A filter and a method of forming a suture structure. The filter includes layered structure(s) interior to the filter. Each layered structure includes a carbon structure comprising carbon and a coating on a surface of the carbon structure. Each layered structure may further include a heparin layer that includes heparin and is on the coating. The coating of the filter includes cellulose, PMMA, PEMA, or PHEMA. The carbon structure may include an activated charcoal layer or carbon nanotube(s). The layered structure is configured to remove a contaminant flowing through the filter. The method of forming the suture structure includes forming a film on a suture that has been previously formed on a mammal. The film includes both a coating on the suture and a heparin layer that includes heparin and is on the coating. The coating of the suture structure includes cellulose, PMMA, PEMA, or PHEMA.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for equine plasma collection are provided. Modified plasmapheresis instruments and modified disposable plasmapheresis tubing are introduced. By using the modified procedures and instruments, a high-speed, high volume, continuous-flow process of automated equine plasmapheresis is developed. The modified closed systems remove whole blood from the donor horses, separate plasma from the cellular components of blood, and simultaneously returning concentrated cells back to the donor horses.

Abstract: A centrifugal blood separation system comprising a rotor, a light source, an optical sensor, a control system, a separation vessel, and an optical cell on the separation vessel. The optical cell has a first extraction port extending radially outwardly into the optical cell, a red blood cell extraction port downstream from the first extraction port and extending into the optical cell beyond the first extraction port; and a dam between said first extraction port and said red blood cell extraction port, having an upper edge and a lower edge, wherein the first extraction port and the red cell extraction port are radially between the upper edge and the lower edge of the dam. Also, a first extraction port having a bore having a first diameter, a lumen having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a frustro-conical passageway coupling the bore to the lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can separate and concentrate a selected component from a multi-component material. The multi-component material may include a whole sample such as adipose tissue, whole blood, or the like. The apparatus generally includes a moveable piston positioned within a separation container and a withdrawal tube that is operable to interact with a distal end of the collection container past the piston. Material can be withdrawn through the withdrawal tube.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.

Abstract: A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.

Abstract: A method of washing blood mixed with undesirable elements not normally found in healthy whole blood to remove the undesirable elements, the method comprising: separating the blood into components according to relative densities of the components with a rotating centrifuge bowl; providing a port through which fluid exits the bowl, the exiting fluid having a concentration of undesirable elements; flowing washing solution into the centrifuge bowl at an initial flow rate; monitoring the fluid exiting the bowl with an optical sensor having an output signal indicative of the composition of the exiting fluid; and increasing and decreasing the flow rate of the wash solution as a function of the output signal.

Abstract: A method of removing leukocytes that through reducing of clogging of a leukocyte removing filter element by blood cell components and plasma proteins being a problem encountered at the time of removing leukocytes from blood, shortens the filtration time at refrigerated filtration and exhibits high leukocyte removing performance at room temperature filtration. There is provided a method of removing leukocytes including filtering blood containing leukocytes through a leukocyte removing filter apparatus having multiple fibrous filter elements with different average fiber diameters to thereby remove leukocytes from the blood, characterized in that use is made of a leukocyte removing filter apparatus wherein the multiple fibrous filter elements include at least leukocyte removing filter element (A) of 2.0 to <4.0 ?m average fiber diameter and leukocyte removing filter element (B) of 0.7 to 1.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for removing gas bubbles from blood during circulatory assist procedures. Such bubbles are generated, along with particulate matter, in an extracorporeal circulatory bypass system by the pump, oxygenator and other components. Current filters are inefficient at removing small bubbles that can cause neurological defects and renal and other organ failures in the patient. An active filter apparatus and method is disclosed that forces the bubbles to the center of the system where they are removed from the blood before the blood exits the filter. The filter comprises an axially elongate cylindrical shell with a blood inlet, a blood outlet and a gas outlet. A motor driven impeller spins the blood within the shell and forces the gas toward the center by centripetal force, utilizing the buoyancy effects of the bubbles in blood, whereby the bubbles can be bled off at the center of the filter.

Abstract: A centrifugal processing bag, system and method for separating the components of a mixed material is presented. The processing bag includes a hub and a first port for receiving the mixed material, where the first port includes an outlet positioned within the processing bag at a perimeter of the bag. The processing bag also including a second port having a second port inlet spaced proximate the hub and away from a central axis of the hub. The second port directs a separated material collected from the second port inlet out of the processing bag.

Abstract: A centrifuge for separating blood having a camera observing fluid flow, and a controller controlling the flow. The location of an interface is detected by image processing steps, which may comprise the steps of “spoiling” the image, “diffusing” the image, “edge detection”, “edge linking”, “region-based confirmation”, and “interface calculation”. “Spoiling” reduces the number of pixels to be examined preferentially on orthogonal axis oriented with respect to the expected location of the interface or phase boundary. “Diffusing” smoothes out small oscillations in the interface boundary, making to the location of the interface more distinct. “Edge detection” computes the rate of change in pixel intensity. “Edge linking” connects adjacent maxima. “Region-based confirmation” creates a pseudo image of the regions that qualify as distinct. “Final edge calculation” uses the points where the shade changes in the pseudo image, averages the radial displacement of these points for the interface position.

Abstract: A tube and float system for use in separation and axial expansion of the buffy coat includes a transparent or semi-transparent, flexible sample tube and a rigid separator float having a specific gravity intermediate that of red blood cells and plasma. The float includes a main body portion of reduced diameter to provide a clearance gap between the inner wall of the sample tube and the float. One or more protrusions on the main body portion serve to support the flexible tube. During centrifugation, the centrifugal force causes the diameter of the flexible tube to expand and permit density-based axial movement of the float in the tube. The float further includes a pressure relief system to alleviate pressure build up in the trapped red blood cell blood fraction below the float, thereby preventing red blood cells from being forced into the annular gap containing the buffy coat layers.

Abstract: A separation chip for separating an insoluble component from a suspension using centrifugal force by rotation, includes a suspension holding tank, a separation liquid holding tank, and an insoluble component holding tank arranged in order from an inner circumferential side during rotation, wherein the suspension holding tank and the insoluble component holding tank are connected to each other, the insoluble component holding tank and the separation liquid holding tank are connected to each other by a narrow portion, and in the insoluble component holding tank, a connecting portion with the suspension holding tank is positioned further toward an outer circumferential side than the narrow portion.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and methods to consistently separate and concentrate selected blood components. The system includes, e.g., a computerized fluid handling system to transfer blood components between a centrifugal blood separation disc, containers and a concentrator.