Abstract: A blood separation system operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region of a blood processing chamber for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface, which carries mononuclear cells, between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The system removes packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber, while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The system operates in a second mode to remove the interface from the chamber by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region. An outlet path conveys the removed interface from the chamber. The outlet path includes a first sensing element to locate mononuclear cells in the removed interface and provide a sensed output upon locating mononuclear cells.

Abstract: An improved autologous blood salvage system is provided in which blood is removed from a patient and may be processed in a manner wherein an anticoagulant solution is for cycled for reuse. Further, the system may be employed for contemporaneous blood filtering and red blood separation. In one embodiment, anticoagulated blood is contemporaneously filtered and defoamed within a rotating processing bowl, while red blood cells are separated, washed and collected within the bowl and an anticoagulant solution is cycled from the bowl for re-use. During a red blood cell removal mode, the flow of anticoagulated blood into the bowl may be suspended/terminated and the bowl pressurized to remove the red blood cells. The improved system provides for the recovery of a high quality red blood cell product, with reduced processing time requirements/user training, and reduced disposable componentry and related costs.

Abstract: A method for enriching cancer cells such as prostate cancer cells in a bodily fluid sample is disclosed comprising (a) obtaining the sample comprising cancer cells and non-rare cells; (b) subjecting the sample to multiple density gradient separation comprising a first density gradient and a second density gradient, wherein the second density gradient is greater than the first density gradient, and producing a first fluid comprising an increased concentration of cancer cells of a first density, and a second fluid comprising an increased concentration of cancer cells of a second density, wherein the second density is greater than the first density; wherein subjecting the sample to multiple density gradient separation includes producing a plasma layer, a first interface layer, a first gradient layer, a second interface layer, a second gradient layer, and a cell pellet; wherein producing the first fluid includes combining the first interface layer and the first gradient layer and forming a first suspension; and w

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods employ a rotating chamber. The chamber includes an inlet region where whole blood enters for centrifugal separation into packed red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mononuclear cells between the packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The packed red blood cells in the chamber have a hematocrit value H.sub.PRBC. A controller operates in a first mode to convey whole blood into the inlet region while removing packed red blood cells and the plasma constituent from the chamber and while maintaining the interface within the chamber. The controller also operates in the first mode to maintain a set H.sub.PRBC by conveying packed red blood cells into the inlet region.

Abstract: A device for separating components, such as fibrin I from blood, by way of centrifugation about a central axis of rotation comprises a first annular chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall, both walls being concentrically accommodated about the axis of rotation, and by a top wall and a bottom wall, where the top wall or the bottom wall is formed by a piston body displaceable within the first chamber. The device comprises furthermore a second chamber communicating with said first chamber through a first conduit and being defined by an outer cylindrical wall concentrically accommodated about the axis of rotation, said bottom wall of the first chamber, and another bottom wall. The second chamber is adapted to be placed below the first chamber during the centrifugation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The apparatus has a motor coupled to a centrifuge rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fluid chamber rotates with the rotor. A substance is supplied to the inlet of the chamber. At least one of the motor and the substance supply are controlled to maintain a saturated fluidized bed of first particles within the fluid chamber while causing second particles to be retained in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for enriching rare cell populations from a whole blood sample by separating rare cell fractions from whole blood sample according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix is described. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for using a centrifuge to apply a treatment liquid, such as a fixative agent, to a specimen undergoing centrifugation analysis. There is provided a centrifuge sample chamber with a mounting flange for engagement with a microscope slide, so that specimen material is centrifuged to the slide for inspection. The sample chamber has an upper cavity and a lower specimen holding portion which are connected by a fluid passage. The specimen holding portion ideally includes a lower cavity with a lower leg extending down therefrom for holding the specimen prior to centrifugation. An upper hollow leg in communication with the upper cavity holds the treatment liquid while the chamber is at rest prior to centrifugation. Activation of the centrifuge tilts the chamber to incline the upper and lower legs, so that the treatment liquid flows into, and is held within, the upper cavity by centrifugal force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for filtering or separating particles. The apparatus has a centrifuge rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation. A fluid chamber rotates with the rotor. A substance is supplied to the inlet of the chamber. A saturated fluidized bed of first particles forms within the fluid chamber and obstructs flow of second particles through the chamber. Additive substances alter sedimentation velocity of the first particles to modify the filtration characteristics of the saturated fluidized bed.

Abstract: A therapeutic product formed from a high concentration of white blood cells having a high degree of cell viability. The white blood cells are sequestered from their normal population presence in whole blood by placing the blood into a container and preventing coagulation of the blood, separating the blood into two components, one of which is extremely rich in white blood cells through the use of a reagent and centrifugation, sequestering the white cell concentration, and freezing the white cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for centrifugal particle separation, particularly in the biological sector, wherein a sample (26) to be fractionated is introduced into a centrifuge vessel (1) via a cannula (5), the free end (51) of which extends to point (1') of a centrifuge vessel (1) which sharply tapers toward tip (1') to minimize the undesirable effects of the Coriolis force, with a gradient solution (7) having a density that increases continuously or step by step then being introduced via cannula (5), with particles from sample (26) migrating due to the action of equilibrium and/or sedimentation centrifugation into gradient solution (7), and with a pressure fluid being introduced into the interior of sealed centrifuge vessel (1) via an additional cannula (17) after a predetermined centrifugation period to expel gradient solution (7) containing the fractionated particles of sample (26) via cannula (5).

Abstract: Centrifuged material layer volumes are measured and quantified during centrifugation of the material layers. The material layers are differentially highlighted, preferably by means of one or more fluorescent dyes or stains which are admixed with the sample being analyzed. This kinetic quantification procedure is particularly useful in performing differential blood cell and platelet counts. The blood sample is centrifuged while being subjected to a strobed light source. At least one photometric cell layer compaction measurement is made in conjunction with the light flashes so as to record a degree of cell layer compaction as the sample is being centrifuged. In certain cases, after several successive cell layer compaction readings are derived, a compaction curve is identified and the ultimate degree of cell layer compaction is calculated from the derived compaction curve prior to the achievement of the ultimate degree of cell layer compaction.

Abstract: An assembly for collection of a sample of a body fluid from a subject's body of the present invention includes a hollow tube defining an axis with an open end and a closed end. The hollow tube defines a chamber therewithin for receiving a sample of a collected fluid from a subject. The tube has a resilient closure disposed in the open end to close the chamber and to form a seal capable of maintaining a pressure differential between atmospheric pressure and a pressure less than atmospheric pressure within the chamber. The chamber contains an aliquot of an aqueous additive for treating the fluid sample. The chamber also includes a matrix formed from a fibrous material having capillary spaces therein for absorbing the aliquot of the aqueous additive and an aliquot of a water immiscible liquid with a density greater than about 1.07 grams per milliliter to encapsulate the aqueous additive absorbed on the matrix.

Abstract: In a process of separating a liquid sample having phase portions of different densities by centrifugal separation, a phase separator container is employed. The phase separator container comprises a housing having concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls defining a longitudinal axis and a top wall and further a piston body constituting a bottom wall of the housing. The piston body defines together with the outer cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall and the top wall, an annular chamber for receiving the liquid sample. The piston body is displaceable within the annular chamber for draining a phase portion separated from the liquid sample through a drain conduit means communicating with the annular chamber. The phase separation chamber further comprises a reaction chamber to which the phase portions exposed from the annular chamber is processed.

Abstract: A method for rapid separation of serum or plasma from cells in a whole blood sample uses a cylindrical sample tube having longitudinally-extending internal ribs. A separation gel and the sample are introduced into the tube, and the tube is axially centrifuged so as to form concentric shells of cells, gel, and serum or plasma. After centrifugation is stopped, the serum or plasma collects in the tube by gravity flow and the cells and gel remain affixed to the walls and ribs of the tube.

Abstract: A system compact enough to be located entirely beside the donor's chair, and able to process the blood while the donor is still resting in the chair after having donated the blood. The separated blood components (plasma and red blood cells) may be stored in their individual optimum environments immediately after the whole blood is drawn, and the blood does not need to be transported back to a separation laboratory for processing. The system includes a needle (72) (or other cannula-like device) for insertion into a vein of the donor and drawing whole blood therethrough, a rotor (2a) for holding the blood after it is drawn, and a motor (50) for spinning the rotor so as to cause the blood to separate into components, for example, plasma and red blood cells. The system also provides for a container for collecting a separated component.

Abstract: Methods of separating selected blood components separate blood by centrifugation in a rotating chamber into a first separated blood component, a residual blood fluid, and an interface between the first separated blood component and the residual blood fluid. The methods withdraw the first separated blood component out of the rotating chamber through a first outlet port, and withdraw the residual blood fluid out of the rotating chamber through a second outlet port. During the separation step, the methods accumulate a second separated blood component in the interface without withdrawal from the rotating chamber by controlling the position of the interface within the rotating chamber at a location spaced away from flow communication with both the first and second outlet ports.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of enriching for desired cell population from cell sources, such as body fluids, dispersed tissue specimens and cultured cells. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a cell-trap centrifugation tube containing a specific density gradient solution adjusted to the specific density of a desired cell population to enrich for the desired cell from a cell source. The tube allows the desired cell population to be collected by decantation after centrifugation to minimize cell loss and maximize efficiency. In addition, the method can be further simplified by density-adjusted cell sorting which uses cell type-specific binding agents such as antibodies and lectins linked to carrier particles to impart a different density to the undesired populations in a more convenient manner. The rapid cell enrichment method described herein has a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A blood processing system and associated method include a first variable volume chamber to hold blood and a second variable volume chamber to hold additive solution for blood. The system and method further employ a separation device to remove undesired material from blood. An actuated element exerts external force simultaneously upon both first and second variable volume chambers to expel a first flow of blood from the first variable volume chamber and a second flow of additive solution from the second variable volume chamber. The system and method mix outside the first and second variable volume chambers the blood flow with the flow of additive solution to create a mixed flow comprising blood and additive solution. The system and method direct the mixed flow of blood and additive solution through a filter to remove undesired matter from the blood.

Abstract: A method for processing blood in an apheresis system is disclosed. The present invention includes selecting a packing factor for separated blood component types in the separation stage(s) of a blood processing vessel. A packing factor is a number that reflects the degree with which the blood component types are packed together in the separation stage(s) and is dependent at least upon the rotational speed and the flow rate into the blood processing vessel. The method further includes providing an apheresis system and operating it under conditions to separate the blood into a plurality of blood component types and achieve the selected packing factor.

Abstract: Particles that move at low Reynolds numbers are separated from a filter material on which they are adsorbed by subjecting the filter material, in a liquid medium, to agitation of sufficient magnitude to create turbulence and shear forces acting on the filter material such that the particles become desorbed from the filter material and become suspended in the liquid medium. The method may be used to recover biological particles, such as leucocytes and blood platelets, from filter materials on which they are retained by adsorption. The recovered particles may then be used in diagnostic testing and analytical techniques.

Abstract: A method and a device for separating a component, such as fibrin monomer from blood, by centrifugation, involve feeding of blood admixed an anticoagulant to a first annular chamber in a device, where the annular chamber is defined by a cylindrical outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall, both walls extending coaxially about a common axis, as well as by a top wall and a bottom wall. The top wall or the bottom wall is formed by a piston body displaceable within the first chamber. This method involves furthermore a centrifugation of the device about the said common axis to substantially separate blood into a cell fraction and a plasma fraction followed by the resulting plasma fraction being transferred while influenced by the piston body to a second chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall. The outer cylindrical wall extends coaxially with the said common axis, whereby a fraction with fibrin I is caused to be separated in the second chamber while a suitable enzyme is being added.

Abstract: Blood separation systems and methods separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into a rotating chamber for separation into red blood cells, a plasma constituent, and an interface carrying mono nuclear cells between the red blood cells and the plasma constituent. The systems and methods convey whole blood into the chamber while removing red blood cells and the plasma constituent and while maintaining the interface at a set location within the chamber. At an appropriate processing time, the systems and methods move the interface from the set location for removal from the chamber through an outlet path. The outlet path includes a sensing element to locate mono nuclear cells in the outlet path outside the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods separate whole blood containing leukocytes in a first separation chamber into a first layer comprising red blood cells, a second layer comprising a suspension of platelets, and an interface between the first and second layers. The systems and methods convey the suspension of platelets into a second separation chamber while simultaneously filtering the suspension of platelets to reduce the number of leukocytes. The systems and methods separate the filtered suspension of platelets in the second separation chamber into a platelet-rich concentrate and platelet-poor component.

Abstract: A method and a device for separating a component, such as fibrin I from blood, by centrifugation. The method involves feeding of blood admixed an anticlotter to a first annular chamber in a device, where the annular chamber is defined by a cylindrical outer wall and a cylindrical inner wall, both walls extending coaxially about a common axis, as well as by a top wall and a bottom wall, where the top wall or the bottom wall is formed by a piston body displaceable within the first chamber. The method involves furthermore a centrifugation of the device about the said common axis followed by a resulting liquid fraction being transferred while influenced by the piston body to a second chamber defined by an outer cylindrical wall, which extends coaxially with said common axis.

Abstract: A separation zone for separating platelets from a platelet-rich suspension establishes a relationship between its radial thickness (h) and axial height (Z) that, taking into account the given angular velocity of rotation and the given kinematic viscosity of the platelet-rich suspension introduced through the inlet, represents a (.lambda.) value that is less than 700,where ##EQU1## where: .OMEGA. is the angular velocity (in rad/sec);h is the radial depth (or thickness) of the chamber (in cm);.nu. is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid being separated (in cm.sup.2 /sec); andZ is the axial height of the chamber (in cm).

Abstract: An inexpensive device with a disposable cartridge for preparing tissue sealant is disclosed. The device is particularly applicable to stat preparation of autologous tissue sealant. A method of sealing tissue in which the tissue sealant is applied immediately after mixing platelet-rich plasma concentrate (from the device) with a solution of calcium and thrombin is also disclosed. Preparation in the operating room of 5 cc sealant from 50 cc patient blood requires less than 15 minutes and only one simple operator step. There is no risk of tracking error because processing can be done in the operating room. Chemicals added may be limited to anticoagulant (e.g., citrate) and calcium chloride. The disposable cartridge may fit in the palm of the hand and is hermetically sealed to eliminate possible exposure to patient blood and ensure sterility. Adhesive and tensile strengths are comparable or superior to pooled blood fibrin sealants made with precipitation methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a leukocyte rich sample from a mixed population of blood cells. The method comprises the steps of: separating an amount of blood into layers that include a buffy coat layer having a mixed population of blood cells including plasma and red blood cells; providing a chamber having an opening for receiving a fluid; causing the buffy coat layer to enter the chamber; centrifuging the chamber to separate the buffy coat layer into at least a plasma containing layer, a leukocyte containing layer, and a red blood cell containing layer; and separating the leukocyte containing layer from the other layers in the chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and purifying complexes of biologically active compounds. The inventive system and method utilize a centrifugal filtration device employing a membrane having ligands that preferentially bind a biologically active compound. An advantage of the invention is that purifications of, e.g., immune complexes, which heretofore took up to five days to carry out, may now be done in as little as two hours.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterile separation of a fluid into components, for washing of a material, and for preparing a washed, separated material for refrigerated storage includes rotating the fluid or material in a multi-chambered container to accomplish a centrifuging operation. An apparatus embodying the invention may include an elongated, collapsible container having plural chambers connected in series by necks. The multi-chambered container may be formed of a single flexible bag having plural chambers. Alternately, the container may comprise plural flexible bags, each of which comprises one or more of the chambers of the container. A chamber of the container may be separated into plural sections by partition walls, each of the sections of the chamber being connected to an adjacent chamber by a separate branch of a neck between the chambers.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a disposable for an apheresis system. The disposable can include a blood processing vessel and a contoured support. The blood processing vessel includes sidewalls to define the vessel and a blood inlet port and a blood component outlet port. The support is provided proximate to the blood component outlet port and exteriorly relative to the fluid-containing volume of the blood processing vessel. The support may be contoured to direct the desired blood component types(s) toward the blood component outlet port and is in an overlapping relation with the exterior surface of the blood processing vessel. The support and part of an adjacent channel wall collectively define a generally funnel-shaped collect well that collects blood components flowing thereby.

Abstract: Systems and methods centrifugally separate mono nuclear cells from whole blood in a separation chamber. The systems and methods control the exit hematocrit value of red blood cells separated in the chamber by recirculating a portion of the red blood cells removed from the chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber. The systems and methods also control the entry hematocrit value of whole blood entering the separation chamber by recirculating a portion of the plasma constituent removed from the separation chamber for mixing whole blood entering the separation chamber.

Abstract: A separating device for extracting cholesterol from plasma uses a spinner to disperse plasma into an extracting solvent in the form of fine droplets to improve separation efficiency, thereby making it suitable for delipidating blood plasma. Blood plasma is delipidated by providing the plasma to the spinner and dispersing the plasma into the extracting solvent in fine droplets. A de-emulsification step removes residual solvent from the plasma. Blood is removed from an animal and the blood plasma is delipidated. Delipidated plasma is de-emulsified and combined with the animal blood, which is then reintroduced into the animal.

Abstract: In a process of separating a liquid sample having phase portions of different densities by centrifugal separation, a phase separator container is employed. The phase separator container comprises a housing having concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls defining a longitudinal axis and a top wall and further a piston body constituting a bottom wall of the housing. The piston body defines together with the outer cylindrical wall, the inner cylindrical wall and the top wall, an annular chamber for receiving the liquid sample. The piston body is displaceable within the annular chamber for draining a phase portion separated from the liquid sample through a drain conduit means communicating with the annular chamber. The phase separation chamber further comprises a reaction chamber to which the phase portions exposed from the annular chamber is processed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for processing a biological fluid such as blood, to separate at least one component from the biological fluid, and to remove leukocytes from the separated component while returning the component depleted biological fluid to the source of the fluid. Illustratively, blood is obtained from a source such as a donor, and platelets are separated from the bold. Gas is separated from the flow path of the separated platelets, which are depleted of leukocytes, while platelet depleted blood is returned to the donor.

Abstract: A fluid which comprises an olefin-terminated polyester an unmodified polyester and a polymerized .alpha.-olefin is provided which facilitates the separation of blood into light and heavy phases via centrifugation in a blood collection vessel. The fluid is useful as a component of a partitioning composition formulated to have appropriate specific gravity to be positioned intermediate the light and heavy blood phases during centrifugation. A partitioning composition including a fluid of the invention provides a particular advantage in blood collection vessels used in therapeutic drug monitoring, due to the relatively low affinity between the fluid component of the composition and commonly monitored classes of drugs.

Abstract: Apparatus for centrifugal separation of liquid mixtures is disclosed including an inner circular bag and an outer annular bag which has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the inner circular bag, a connecting channel for providing fluid communication between the inner and outer bags, and a rigid circular mount for mounting the outer annular bag for centrifugation in a manner such that the outer annular bag adopts a conical configuration by shortening its inner diameter. Methods for centrifugal separation of thrombocyte suspensions and bone marrow cells using this apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: Constituent layers are harvested from a centrifuged material mixture contained in a centrifuge tube assembly. The centrifuge tube assembly includes a transparent tube, one end of which is closed by an elastomeric cap. The tube contains one or more detectable constituent layer boundary markers which will settle gravimetrically in the material mixture when the latter is centrifuged. The markers will identify boundaries of the constituent layers which will gravimetrically separate from each other during the centrifugation step. After centrifugation, a cannula is inserted into the tube through the elastomeric cap, and a fluid material such as a liquid or a gas is injected into the tube through the cannula. The injected material displaces the centrifuged mixture column and the boundary markers toward the end of the tube opposite the cap, which opposite end is open so that the centrifuged material is expressed from the tube therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analytical rotor which holds a fluid in a chamber, typically to allow mixing with a reagent, and transfers the fluid to a receiving chamber in the rotor. The rotor comprises a holding chamber having an single exit duct and a receiving chamber connected to the holding chamber through the exit duct. The exit duct prevents flow at a first rotational speed and allows flow at a second, higher rotational speed. The exit duct may include a capillary passage in which capillary forces prevent flow until the rotational speed is increased. Alternatively, the exit duct may include a siphon.

Abstract: A method separates blood by centrifugation in a rotating chamber into a first separated blood component, a residual blood fluid, and an interface between the first separated blood component and the residual blood fluid. The method withdraws the first separated blood component out of the rotating chamber through a first outlet port, and also withdraws the residual blood fluid out of the rotating chamber through a second outlet port. During the separating step, the method accumulates a second separated blood component in the interface without withdrawal from the rotating chamber by monitoring the location of the interface within the rotating chamber and maintaining the interface at a location spaced away from flow communication with both the first and second outlet pods.

Abstract: Systems and methods convey anticoagulated blood suspension from a donor into a separation device for component separation. One or more components are retained for therapeutic use, while one or more are returned to the donor. The systems and methods monitor the rate at which anticoagulant carried in the returned components is being returned. The rate, expressed in terms of milligram (mg) of anticoagulant per kilogram (kg) of donor body weight per unit of time of blood processing, is compared to a nominal rate that is correlated with donor comfort.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a leukocyte rich sample from a mixed population of blood cells. The method comprises the steps of: separating an amount of blood into layers that include a buffy coat layer having a mixed population of blood cells including plasma and red blood cells; providing a chamber having an opening for receiving a fluid; causing the buffy coat layer to enter the chamber; centrifuging the chamber to separate the buffy coat layer into at least a plasma containing layer, a leukocyte containing layer, and a red blood cell containing layer; and separating the leukocyte containing layer from the other layers in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for creating a filtration knowledge base is used in a filtration process for separating a liquid component and a solid component from a slurry. The concentrations of the solid component in the slurry, and of the solid component in the separated liquid, are monitored and stored in a knowledge base along with a quantity relating to the amount of filtering. The knowledge base can be used for controlling the slurry-producing process, routing the separated liquid, automated billing and automated compliance reporting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process to remove tumour necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF.alpha.) or/and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from an aqueous liquid, in particular blood, blood plasma or serum, in an extracorporeal perfusion system after removing corpuscular blood components if necessary, wherein(a) the pH value of the body fluid is adjusted to pH<6,(b) a precipitation reagent in the form of a polyanion is added,(c) precipitated substances are removed by filtration or/and centrifugation and(d) the resulting liquid is passed over an anion exchanger.

Abstract: A method for enriching rare cell populations from a whole blood sample by separating rare cell fractions from whole according to the relative charge density and/or the relative binding affinity for a leukocyte depletion solid phase matrix. The enrichment method may be operated stand alone, or as a pre or post-processing step in conjunction with a charge-flow separation method.

Abstract: A method for processing a biological fluid comprises separating a transition zone material from the biological fluid; processing the transition zone material to form a supernatant layer which includes platelets and a sediment layer which includes red blood cells; and separating the supernatant layer from the sediment layer by passing the supernatant layer through a porous medium. A method for processing a biological fluid comprises passing a biological fluid through a leukocyte depletion filter assembly and into a container downstream of the filter assembly; and separating gas displaced by the biological fluid into the downstream container by passing the gas from the container through a liquid barrier medium in a gas collection and displacement loop. Devices for carrying out the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An anticoagulant solution of sodium citrate for use in blood chemistry-related techniques and apparatus is disclosed. The anticoagulant solution should include an effective concentration of sodium citrate sufficient for preventing the coagulation of a sample of blood employed in the technique or added to the apparatus. The sodium citrate-based anticoagulant solution should have a pH ranging from above 6.0 to about 8.5 and a sodium citrate concentration preferably ranging from about 0.05M to about 0.2M.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing a blood unit for viral contamination without rendering the blood unit unusable for therapeutic applications. The method comprises the steps of: removing and collecting from a blood unit a majority of the leukocytes present therein; and using the collected leukocytes to test the blood unit for viral contamination. The present invention also provides a method for validating viral inactivation processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus designed to be used for enriching specific cell types from cell mixtures. The apparatus includes a centrifugable device that includes a constriction defining a lower region and a defined cell separation medium. The constriction prevents mixing between the upper and lower portions of the device. Also disclosed are methods that use precisely defined cell separation media to isolate specific cells from cell mixtures, including CD34.sup.+ hematopoietic progenitor cells from blood or bone marrow, nucleated fetal cells from maternal blood, specific tumor cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and natural suppressor cells from various body fluids, and for enrichment or depletion of T cell lymphocytes. Also disclosed is a density adjusted cell separation technique used to augment the above apparatus and enrichment methods. The apparatus and enrichment methods are useful in various diagnostic and therapeutic regimens.