Patent ID: 6071421
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: A61M,B01D,B04B

Abstract:
A system for obtaining a platelet suspension having a reduced number of leukocytes comprisinga separation chamber having an entry region to receive whole blood containing leukocytes to centrifugally separate the whole blood into a first layer comprising red blood cells, a second layer comprising a platelet suspension which includes a number of leukocytes, and an interface between the first and second layers which includes a number of leukocytes, the separation chamber including a collection region to collect the platelet suspension and an outlet communicating with the collection region,an inlet path communicating with the entry region of the separation chamber to convey whole blood into the entry region,an outlet path communicating with the outlet of the separation chamber to convey platelet suspension from the collection region,a filter in the outlet path for removing leukocytes from the platelet suspension,a monitoring element monitoring location of the interface within the collection region and transmitting location signals, anda controller coupled to the monitoring element and the outlet path and operating to continuously maintain the location of the interface at a substantially constant location in the collection region spaced from the outlet, whereby the number of leukocytes in the interface are retained in the separation chamber to reduce the number of leukocytes present in the platelet suspension, while platelet suspension is conveyed in the outlet path from the collection region through the filter, whereby the number of leukocytes in the platelet suspension is additionally reduced.