Patent ID: 8349254
Filing Date: 2013-01-08
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for collecting a blood component, wherein said apparatus separates a blood collected from a blood donor to collect the predetermined blood component, comprising: a circuit for collecting a blood component comprising: a supply means for adding said anticoagulant to said blood collected by said blood collection needle, wherein said supply means comprises a priming mechanism including a pump for feeding anticoagulant through the anticoagulant-injection line, and a sensor which detects the presence of anticoagulant in the anticoagulant-injection line at a location spaced from the second branching portion and, in response to such detection, shuts off the pump to prevent the anticoagulant from reaching the second branching portion; wherein a subsequently performed collection of the initial flow of blood occurs with the initial flow of blood being separated from the anticoagulant by air in the anticoagulant-injection line, so the initial flow of blood can be collected in a state free of anticoagulant.