Patent ID: 6361692
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
An on line blood processing system for obtaining for storage a blood suspension having a reduced residual leukocyte population comprisinga tubing system operative for establishing on line communication between a storage container for the blood suspension and a source of blood containing leukocytes, a device communicating with the tubing system operative for creating, without interrupting the on line communication between the storage container and the source of blood when in use, a centrifugal field that generates separation forces to separate from the blood a first blood suspension having an initial population of leukocytes, a finishing device communicating with the tubing system outside the centrifugal field operative, in response to contact with the first blood suspension when in use, for reducing the initial leukocyte population in the first blood suspension, thereby creating a second blood suspension having a reduced residual leukocyte population less than the initial population of leukocytes, a pump communicating with the tubing system operative, without interrupting the on line communication between the storage container and the source of blood when in use, for pumping the first blood suspension outside the centrifugal field through the finishing device under pressure from the centrifugal field, and tubing communicating with the tubing system outside the centrifugal field operative, without interrupting the on line communication between the storage container and the source of blood when in use, for conveying the second blood suspension from the finishing device directly into the storage container without exposure to the separation forces of the centrifugal field.