Patent Description:
It is well known to separate blood into its constituents, including separating and collecting a platelet product. A single apheresis platelet donation unit contains approximately <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets suspended in a volume of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> of plasma, though a single apheresis procedure may produce a platelet product having a much greater volume, such as approximately <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets suspended in a volume of approximately <NUM> of plasma. In such a scenario, it is typical to split the high volume platelet product into separate amounts each having a volume within the range of what is acceptable for a single unit, with a high volume platelet product typically being split into either two or three units having approximately the same volumes.

The high volume platelet product is conventionally split into individual units according to a manual approach. For example, a platelet product is collected in a collection container of a fluid flow circuit also having at least one secondary container. The fluid flow circuit is weighed to determine the tare weight of the empty containers and the weight of the platelet product. The weight of each container at the end of the procedure (i.e., when a unit of platelets is contained in each) is then calculated by hand. An amount of the high volume platelet product is then flowed out of the collection container and into the secondary container(s) by hand until the volume of platelet product contained by each appears to the technician to be approximately equal. The containers are then weighed to determine whether the volume of each is within the range of what is acceptable for a single unit. If not, the technician repeatedly flows fluid from one container to another until determining that each container contains an appropriate volume of the platelet product. At that time, the containers are typically sealed and separated from each other for storage or use of each as a single unit of platelets.

Before a platelet product may be distributed to a patient, it must first be tested for bacterial contamination or undergo pathogen reduction, as platelet bacterial contamination is a leading risk of infection for patients following transfusion. There are <NUM>- and <NUM>-step versions of bacterial contamination testing, with a blood processing center selecting the best test method based on collected platelet volumes, concentrations, and desired shelf life. Differing volumes and platelet concentrations are required for platelet units undergoing bacterial contamination testing and pathogen inactivation. Thus, according to a conventional, manual approach, a technician attempts to split an amount of platelets into the minimum volume and concentration requirements required for bacterial testing or pathogen reduction by hand using a weight scale. This manual approach lends itself to errors in splitting the product into the proper volumes, while also possibly involving the risk of the technician improperly determining the most efficient distribution for testing or pathogen reduction.

PCT Patent Application No. <CIT> describes a system that improves upon the manual approach by automating the fluid-splitting process. Further relevant prior art is for instance disclosed in documents <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

A system for splitting a fluid according to the present invention comprises the technical features as defined in independent claim <NUM>. A method of automatically splitting a fluid according to the present invention comprises the technical features as defined in independent claim <NUM>.

There are several aspects of the present subject matter which may be embodied separately or together in the devices and systems described below. These aspects may be employed alone or in combination with other aspects of the subject matter described herein, and the description of these aspects together is not intended to preclude the use of these aspects seperately.

In one aspect, a system for splitting a fluid includes a source support configured to support a source container of a fluid flow circuit, a satellite support configured to support a satellite container of the fluid flow circuit fluidly connected to the source container, a weight scale associated with each of the supports, a clamp assembly, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an input corresponding to a concentration or an amount of a constituent in a fluid to be split, control each weight scale to measure a combined weight of the container and the contents of the container supported by the support associated with the weight scale, and determine a plurality of possible distributions of the fluid to be split between the source container and the satellite container based at least in part on the concentration or amount of said constituent and the combined weight measured by each weight scale. The controller then controls the clamp system to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow from the source container to the satellite container so as to distribute the fluid to be split between the source container and the satellite container according to one of said plurality of possible distributions, with at least one of said plurality of possible distributions being an uneven distribution of the fluid to be split.

In another aspect, a method is provided for automatically splitting a fluid. The method includes receiving an input corresponding to a concentration or an amount of a constituent in a fluid in a source container to be split between the source container and a satellite container. A combined weight is measured for each container and the contents of the container. A plurality of possible distributions of the fluid to be split between the source container and the satellite container is determined, based at least in part on the concentration or amount of said constituent and the combined weights. A clamp system is then automatically controlled to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow from the source container to the satellite container so as to distribute the fluid to be split between the source container and the satellite container according to one of said plurality of possible distributions, with at least one of said plurality of possible distributions being an uneven distribution of the fluid to be split.

These and other aspects of the present subject matter are set forth in the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

Therefore, specific designs and features disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting the subject matter as defined in the accompanying claims.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary system <NUM> for splitting a fluid into two or more uneven volumes. A system <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG> may be particularly advantageous for splitting a high volume platelet product into two or more uneven volumes, but it should be understood that the system <NUM> is not limited to use with any particular fluid.

The illustrated system <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> (at least partially formed of a metallic or rigid material in one embodiment) having a source support <NUM> configured to support a source container <NUM> of a fluid flow circuit <NUM> (which may also be referred to as a source bag or mother container or mother bag). The system <NUM> is configured as a durable, reusable device, while the fluid flow circuit <NUM> is typically disposable and configured as a single-use item. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the fluid flow circuit <NUM> to be configured as a reusable item.

The particular configuration of the source support <NUM> may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and may depend upon the nature of the source container <NUM> that it is intended to support (with the configuration of the source container <NUM> also being subject to variation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure). For example, in one embodiment, the source container <NUM> is configured as a flexible bag having an upper opening or aperture. In this case, the source support <NUM> may include or be configured as a hook or hanger, which includes a portion that extends into and through the upper opening or aperture of the source container <NUM> to support and suspend the source container <NUM> at some elevation. In other embodiments, the source support <NUM> may be differently configured, such as being configured as a horizontal surface onto which the source container <NUM> may be placed.

The frame <NUM> further includes first and second satellite supports 20a and 20b, which are each configured to support a different satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> of the fluid flow circuit <NUM>. The satellite supports 20a and 20b may be similarly configured to the source support <NUM> or may be differently configured. Similarly, the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> may be similarly configured to the source container <NUM> or may be differently configured. While <FIG> illustrates a fluid flow circuit <NUM> having a pair of satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, it should be understood that the system <NUM> may also be used in combination with a fluid flow circuit having only one satellite container. Additionally, it should be understood that systems according to the present disclosure are not limited to any particular number of satellite supports (and satellite containers) and that it is within the scope of the present disclosure for a high volume fluid to be split into any number of volumes.

Each support <NUM>, 20a, 20b of the illustrated system <NUM> has a weight scale <NUM> associated with it. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight scales <NUM> are shown as being separate from each other, but it should be understood that they may be associated in some manner as parts of a weighting system or assembly. The weight scales <NUM> may be similarly or differently configured. Regardless of the particular configuration, each weight scale <NUM> is configured to measure a combined weight of the container that it is supporting (i.e., the tare weight) and the contents of that container. By knowing the weight of the empty container and the combined weight, the weight of any fluid in the container may be calculated by subtracting the tare weight from the combined weight.

While each support is described and illustrated as including an associated weight scale, it is contemplated that one support of a given frame could be provided without an associated weight scale or that one of the weight scales could be inactive during a fluid-splitting procedure. In one example, if the volume of the source container is known to be the same from procedure to procedure or is input by an operator, then the source support could omit a weight scale (or have an inactive weight scale) because the volume to be distributed could be calculated. In another example, if the tare weights of the satellite containers were known to be identical from procedure to procedure, then one of the satellite supports could omit a weight scale (or have an inactive weight scale).

In addition to the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, the fluid flow circuit <NUM> further includes a plurality of conduits connecting the various containers. In the illustrated embodiment, the source container <NUM> includes an associated main conduit <NUM>, with first and second branch conduits <NUM> and <NUM> fluidly connected to and extending from the main conduit <NUM> to the first and second satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> (respectively). While <FIG> shows the conduits <NUM> and <NUM> leading to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> branching off from a single or common conduit <NUM> connected to the source container <NUM>, in other embodiments, each branch conduit <NUM> and <NUM> may instead extend directly between the associated satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> and the source container <NUM>.

Regardless of the exact configuration of the fluid flow circuit <NUM>, the system <NUM> includes a clamp assembly configured to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow through the conduits of the fluid flow circuit <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, each branch conduit <NUM>, <NUM> is placed into association with a corresponding clamp or valve <NUM>, <NUM> of the clamp assembly when the fluid flow circuit <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM>. Although not illustrated in <FIG>, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure for the clamp assembly to include an additional clamp or valve that may regulate flow through the main conduit <NUM>. In one embodiment, the individual clamps <NUM> and <NUM> of the clamp assembly are configured to be automatically (i.e., non-manually) moved between closed and open conditions. In the open condition, the clamp or valve allows fluid flow through the associated conduit. In the closed condition, the clamp or valve prevents fluid flow through the associated conduit. The manner in which the clamp or valve prevents fluid flow through the associated conduit may vary depending on the configurations of the clamp or valve and the conduit. For example, in one embodiment, each branch conduit <NUM>, <NUM> is configured as a flexible tube, with the corresponding clamp or valve configured as a pinch valve, which may squeeze the conduit to close it, thereby preventing fluid flow through the conduit. If a conduit is differently configured (e.g., as a rigid tube), the clamp assembly may be differently configured (e.g., as a ball valve) to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow through the conduit.

The weight scales <NUM> and the clamp assembly communicate with a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> carries out process control and monitoring functions for the system <NUM>. The controller <NUM> comprises a main processing unit (MPU), which can comprise, e.g., a Pentium™ type microprocessor made by Intel Corporation, although other types of conventional microprocessors can be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is incorporated into the frame <NUM>, but it should be understood that the controller <NUM> may be incorporated into a separate component of the system <NUM>, such as a computer that is associated with the weight scales <NUM> and the clamp assembly by a wired or wireless connection.

The controller <NUM> receives data or signals from the weight scales <NUM> to determine the weight of the fluid in each container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> throughout the course of a fluid-splitting procedure, as the weight of the fluid in each container will change during a procedure due to fluid being conveyed from one of the containers to another (as will be described in greater detail). Based on the weight of the fluid in each container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the controller <NUM> controls the clamp assembly to allow or prevent fluid flow through the various conduits at any particular time, as appropriate to place the targeted volumes of fluid in each container <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the end of the procedure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> is mounted inside the frame <NUM>, adjacent to or incorporated into an operator interface station <NUM>. The operator interface station <NUM> (which is shown in greater detail in <FIG>) displays various information regarding a fluid-splitting procedure and/or allows an operator to provide information and instructions to the controller <NUM>, as will be described in greater detail herein. In one embodiment, the operator interface station <NUM> is configured as or includes a touchscreen, which allows an operator to provide information and instructions to the controller <NUM> by pressing icons displayed on a screen. In another embodiment, the operator interface station includes separate devices for providing information and instructions to the controller <NUM> (which device may be configured as a computer or a smartphone or tablet, for example) and for displaying information regarding a fluid-splitting procedure (e.g., a display screen incorporated into the frame <NUM>).

In an exemplary procedure using the system <NUM> of <FIG>, the fluid flow circuit <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM>, with the source container <NUM> supported by the source support <NUM> and the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> supported by the satellite supports 20a and 20b. The containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be initially empty to allow for the weight scales <NUM> and the controller <NUM> to determine the tare weight of each. Alternatively, the tare weights of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be otherwise determined (e.g., by weighing them using a separate weighting system), with the tare weights being provided to the controller <NUM>.

Regardless of how the tare weights of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are determined, once they are known to the controller <NUM>, the fluid flow circuit <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM>, with the source container <NUM> supported by the source support <NUM> and at least partially filled with a fluid, the first satellite container <NUM> supported by one of the satellite supports 20a, the second satellite container <NUM> supported by the other satellite support 20b, and a portions of the branch conduits <NUM> and <NUM> received by the clamp assembly. It is within the scope of the present disclosure for an amount of fluid to be initially contained in one or both of the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, though it is more typical for only the source container <NUM> to contain an amount of fluid, with the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> being empty.

With the fluid-containing fluid flow circuit <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may begin a fluid-splitting procedure in which fluid is transferred from the source container <NUM> to the other containers <NUM> and <NUM> until targeted volumes of fluid are contained in each. The manner in which fluid is conveyed from the source container <NUM> to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the source support <NUM> is positioned at a greater elevation than the satellite supports 20a and 20b, which allows for fluid flow from the source container <NUM> to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> via gravity. According to a gravity-based approach, the clamp assembly is opened by the controller <NUM> to allow fluid to flow from the source container <NUM> to one or both of the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> under the force of gravity while the controller <NUM> monitors the weights reported by the weight scales <NUM>. Once the controller <NUM> determines that the proper volumes of fluid are in each container, the controller actuates the clamp assembly to prevent further flow from the source container <NUM> to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> via the respective branch conduits <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the illustrated embodiment, each satellite support 20a, 20b is positioned at a different elevation, with each being positioned at a lower elevation than the source support <NUM>. By such a configuration, fluid may be conveyed from the source container <NUM> to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> via gravity, with the higher satellite container <NUM> filling more quickly than the lower satellite container <NUM> (assuming that fluid is allowed to freely flow from the source container <NUM> into the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>). Upon the controller <NUM> receiving a signal from the weight scale <NUM> indicating that the upper satellite container <NUM> has been filled to the desired level, the controller <NUM> may actuate the clamp assembly to prevent further fluid flow through the branch conduit <NUM> connected to the upper satellite container <NUM>. Fluid flow from the source container <NUM> to the lower satellite container <NUM> continues until the controller <NUM> receives a signal from the weight scale <NUM> indicating that the lower satellite container <NUM> has been filled to the desired level, at which time the controller <NUM> may actuate the clamp assembly to prevent further flow out of the source container <NUM>.

Filling one satellite container before the other satellite container may be advantageous to the extent that it allows for the controller <NUM> to execute an initial check of the amount of fluid in the first-filled satellite container before fluid flow out of the source container <NUM> is completed. If the controller <NUM> determines that an additional amount of fluid should be conveyed into the first-filled satellite container, then the controller <NUM> may actuate the clamp assembly to allow for further flow into the first-filled satellite container.

In another embodiment, rather than the satellite supports 20a and 20b being positioned at different elevations, two or more satellite supports may be positioned at the same elevation, which may be lower than the elevation at which the source support is positioned. In such an embodiment, fluid would tend to flow (under the force of gravity) from the source container into the satellite containers at approximately the same rate. If the satellite containers are to be filled to the same level, this would result in the satellite containers being filled to completion at approximately the same time, assuming that fluid flow from the source container <NUM> to each satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> begins at the same time.

It should be understood that fluid flow from the source container <NUM> to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> may be initiated simultaneously or sequentially. Additionally, the controller <NUM> may be configured to allow for simultaneous flow into the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> or may control the clamp assembly to allow for flow from the source container <NUM> into only one satellite container at a time. This may include flowing fluid from the source container <NUM> into one of the satellite containers until that satellite container is filled to the desired level before any fluid is conveyed from the source container <NUM> into the other satellite container or may instead involve fluid being alternately conveyed into one satellite container and then the other, with the destination of fluid flow being changed multiple times before either satellite container is filled to the desired level. Filling one satellite container to the target level before begin flow into the other satellite container may be advantageous in terms of accuracy (as small adjustments could be made to the amount of fluid in the first satellite container to be filled before allowing flow into the other satellite container), but may take longer than other approaches.

In one embodiment, fluid is allowed to flow into both satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> at the same time, with flow into one of the satellite containers being closed at some point before its weight has reached the target level. In the case of gravity-based flow using the system <NUM> of <FIG> to fill the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> to the same volume (with the source container containing a different volume of fluid at the end of the procedure), the upper satellite container <NUM> would tend to fill more quickly than the lower satellite container <NUM>, such that the controller <NUM> would act to prevent the upper satellite container <NUM> from being filled to its target level. The other satellite container (which may be the lower satellite container <NUM> in a gravity-based approach) is filled to the desired volume and then the controller <NUM> actuates the clamp assembly to prevent further fluid flow into that satellite container. The controller <NUM> then actuates the clamp assembly to again allow flow into the first satellite container (which may be the upper satellite container <NUM>). So actuating the clamp assembly toward the end of the procedure allows for a system check and small adjustments if fluid volumes do not match the desired volume split.

Opening flow to all satellite containers at the same time and ending flow into them at the same time has the possible advantage of completing a procedure more quickly than other flow patterns. However, such an approach may sacrifice the ability to execute a mid-procedure volume check and/or small volume adjustments at the end of a procedure. If the system <NUM> operates sufficiently precisely that such checks and adjustments are not required, then it may be advantageous for fluid flow into all satellite containers to begin and end at the same time (if appropriate in view of the desired fluid distribution) in order to reduce processing time.

In another embodiment, rather than relying upon gravity to convey fluid through the fluid flow circuit <NUM>, the system <NUM> may include a pump system <NUM> configured to convey fluid from one container to another container. The pump system <NUM> (if provided) may be variously configured without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment in which the conduits are configured as flexible tubes, the pump system <NUM> may include a peristaltic pump, for example, to convey fluid through the main conduit <NUM>.

If a pump system <NUM> is provided, the relative elevations of the supports <NUM>, 20a, and 20b are less important than in embodiments relying solely upon gravity for fluid transfer. Additionally, if a pump system <NUM> is provided, the controller <NUM> may be configured to allow for transfer fluid through the conduits in either direction, which may not be possible in a gravity-based system (except those embodiments in which the relative elevations of the source support <NUM> and the satellite supports 20a and 20b may be changed). This may be advantageous if the controller <NUM> determines that too much fluid has been transferred from one container to another container, in which case the controller <NUM> may control the pump system <NUM> to convey fluid through the conduit in the opposite direction to bring the fluid levels in the containers to the proper levels. Pumping fluid between the containers may also allow for quicker completion of a procedure compared to what is possible using a gravity-based approach.

Another opportunity created by a pump system <NUM> is the ability for the controller <NUM> to be configured to control operation of the clamp assembly based at least in part on the operation of the pump system <NUM>. For example, at the beginning of a procedure, the controller <NUM> will know the amounts of fluid initially in each container and the amounts of fluid to be contained in each container at the end of the procedure. During the course of the procedure, the controller <NUM> will also know (and control) the rate of operation of the pump system <NUM>. Based on the volumetric flow rate of the pump system <NUM> during the course of the procedure, the controller <NUM> may determine the amount of fluid that has been conveyed from one container to other containers, along with the level of fluid in each container. When the controller <NUM> has determined that the proper volumes of fluid are present in each container (based at least in part upon the volumetric flow rate of the pump system <NUM>), the controller <NUM> stops operation of the pump system <NUM> and actuates the clamp assembly to prevent further flow between the containers.

While use of a pump system <NUM> may have several advantages, it may also increase the size and cost of the frame <NUM>. Additionally, a pump system <NUM> may also require use of a particular fluid flow circuit, whereas a gravity-based approach may be used with a wide range of fluid flow circuits. Different collection centers have different priorities and needs, with some that would prefer the flexibility and lower cost of a gravity-based system and other preferring the added functionality of a pump-based system. It should be understood that, even if a frame <NUM> is provided with a pump system <NUM>, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the pump system <NUM> to remain inactive and for fluid to be transferred from one container to another via gravity.

Regardless of how fluid is conveyed from one container to the others, once the proper volumes of fluid are in each container, the controller <NUM> may actuate a sealing system <NUM> (if provided). The sealing system <NUM> seals at least one conduit in at least one location to prevent fluid flow therethrough, thereby ensuring that the proper volumes of fluid remain in each container at the end of a procedure. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing system <NUM> is configured to seal the conduits at three locations, one of which is directly adjacent to the source container <NUM>, with the other two being directly adjacent to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>. The configuration of the sealing system <NUM> may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment in which the conduits are configured as flexible tubes, the sealing system <NUM> may be configured to seal the conduits via a heat seal, with a conduit being pressed shut and then heat being applied (by a radio frequency generator, for example) to melt the walls of the conduit together.

The sealing system <NUM> may be further configured to sever the conduits at the locations of the seals to allow for separate transport, storage, and/or use of the containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. A seal may be severed by a blade or the like or by any suitable approach, which may vary depending on the natures of the conduits and the seal.

Turning now to particular approaches to splitting a high volume fluid, as explained above, there are also circumstances in which it is preferred to split a fluid into uneven volumes. For example, when the fluid to be split is a platelet product, it may be advantageous to split the fluid into a first volume for bacterial testing and into a second volume for pathogen reduction. Bacterial testing may require a <NUM> volume of fluid, whereas pathogen reduction may require a <NUM> volume of fluid, such that splitting the fluid into a first volume for bacterial testing and a second volume for pathogen reduction would require an uneven split. Such an uneven split may be advantageous for any of a number of reasons, which may include the intended uses of the platelet product (e.g., if a center has a preference for distributing the platelet product into one bacterial testing volume and one pathogen reduction volume, rather than two pathogen reduction volumes) or an attempt to minimize a remainder volume or amount of fluid that is not specifically designated for a target volume (e.g., <NUM> of fluid split into a <NUM> bacterial testing volume and two <NUM> pathogen reduction volumes will have a remainder volume of <NUM>, whereas splitting the fluid into two <NUM> bacterial testing volumes and a <NUM> pathogen reduction volume would have a remainder volume of <NUM>).

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the controller <NUM> is provided with the concentration or amount of a constituent (e.g., platelets) of a fluid to be split (e.g., a high volume platelet product). <FIG> shows an embodiment in which the operator interface station <NUM> includes a first region <NUM> displaying the concentration of the constituent, which may be provided by an operator or by some other source (e.g., a network server or database), with a second region <NUM> displaying the volume of fluid in the fluid flow circuit <NUM> (which is typically entirely contained within the source container or mother bag <NUM>), as determined by the weight scales <NUM>. Using the concentration or amount of the constituent and the total fluid volume, the controller <NUM> may determine a plurality of possible distributions of the high volume fluid, with at least one of the distributions that is considered by the controller <NUM> being an uneven distribution of the fluid (e.g., into one bacterial testing volume and one pathogen reduction volume, in the case of a high volume platelet product to be split).

Once the controller <NUM> has determined which of the distributions are practicable (as certain distributions may be impossible due to fluid volume and/or the amount or concentration of the constituent), the controller <NUM> may take any of a number of possible actions. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> instructs the operator interface station <NUM> to display (in a third region <NUM>) two or more distributions into which the high volume fluid may be split. In the illustrated embodiment, the operator interface station <NUM> displays a first distribution in which a high volume platelet product is distributed in order to optimize bacterial testing and a second distribution in which pathogen reduction is optimized. The operator may select one of the displayed distributions, followed by the controller <NUM> controlling the other components of the system <NUM> (most notably, the clamp system) to execute a fluid-splitting procedure that results in the selected distribution. In a variation of this approach, rather than restricting the operator to selecting between the displayed options, the controller <NUM> may be configured to allow an operator to select a distribution that is different from the displayed options.

In another embodiment, rather than relying upon operator input, the controller <NUM> may instead be configured to automatically proceed with a fluid-splitting procedure after assessing the possible distributions. If more than one distribution is practicable, the controller <NUM> may select one based on a preprogrammed or predetermined hierarchy (e.g., selecting the distribution that minimizes the residual volume or distributes the fluid in the way that most closely aligns with the goals of the center).

As described above, in the specific case of a high volume platelet product to be split, two possible distributions of the fluid result in optimization for bacterial testing and for pathogen reduction. As also described above, a bacterial testing volume will be different from a pathogen reduction volume, with a bacterial testing volume being <NUM> (for example) and a pathogen reduction volume being <NUM> (for example). It should be understood that optimization of bacterial testing and/or pathogen reduction is not limited to these two target volumes, but that other volumes are also possible. For example, a <NUM>-<NUM> volume of fluid (with a platelet count in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> × <NUM><NUM>) may be considered a "small volume" pathogen reduction volume, with a <NUM>-<NUM> volume (with a platelet count in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> × <NUM><NUM>) being considered a "large volume" pathogen reduction volume and a <NUM>-<NUM> volume (with a platelet count in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> × <NUM><NUM>) being considered a "dual storage" pathogen reduction volume (which may be pathogen-reduced and then split into two smaller volumes for separate use). Thus, the controller <NUM> may consider these various volumes when determining how to possibly or optimally split the high volume platelet product, which may include splitting the fluid into two pathogen reduction volumes having different volumes (e.g., splitting a <NUM> volume into a <NUM> "small volume" amount and a <NUM> "large volume" amount).

<FIG> shows an exemplary algorithm that may be executed by the controller <NUM> in order to determine a distribution for optimizing bacterial testing. In a first step (indicated at <NUM>), the weight scales <NUM> determine the total weight of the fluid flow circuit <NUM> (which may be used to determine the volume of the fluid to be split), with the controller <NUM> receiving the platelet concentration of the fluid as an input. The controller <NUM> then determines the relevant characteristics of the fluid. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the relevant characteristics of the fluid are the platelet count and the volume of the fluid, but the relevant characteristics of the fluid may be different without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> uses the platelet concentration and the volume of the fluid to determine the amount of platelets in the fluid (by multiplying the volume of the fluid by the platelet concentration), as shown in <FIG> as step <NUM>. As described above, rather than receiving a constituent concentration as an input, the controller <NUM> may instead receive a platelet count as an input during step <NUM>, in which case step <NUM> may be omitted (or instead modified to calculate platelet concentration, if necessary).

Once the relevant characteristics of the fluid have been determined, the controller <NUM> then determines whether the fluid is suitable for being split so as to optimize bacterial testing. This determination may be made in any of a number of ways, with <FIG> showing a step <NUM> in which the controller <NUM> compares the platelet count and the volume of the fluid (which are the relevant characteristics in the illustrated embodiment) to be split to minimum values to determine whether it is possible to split the high volume platelet product so as to optimize bacterial testing. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum platelet count for splitting is <NUM> × <NUM><NUM>, while the minimum fluid volume is <NUM>, such that the controller <NUM> will determine (at step <NUM>) that bacterial testing optimization is not a viable option or distribution. It should be understood that these minimum values are merely exemplary and that other minimum values may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, different minimum values may be appropriate if the possible target volumes into which a high volume platelet product may be split are different from the ones described herein.

When the controller <NUM> determines that the high volume fluid is suitable to be distributed so as to optimize bacterial testing, it considers the most appropriate distribution of the fluid based on the relevant characteristics of the fluid and the number of containers that are incorporated into the fluid flow circuit <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM> (because the number of containers determines the maximum number of volumes into which the fluid may be split). In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flow circuit <NUM> includes three containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, such that the fluid may be split into either two or three bacterial testing volumes.

The controller <NUM> first determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into two bacterial testing volumes. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a bacterial testing volume has a volume of <NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume between <NUM>-<NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into two bacterial testing volumes. Depending on the exact volume of the fluid, the two bacterial testing volumes may have the same or different volumes. For example, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create two bacterial testing volumes each having a volume of <NUM>. This may include all of the fluid being conveyed from the source container <NUM> into the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> or (perhaps more preferably) <NUM> of fluid being transferred from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>. The latter approach may be preferred on account of it being completed more quickly than the former approach (as only half as much fluid is conveyed out of the source container <NUM>), but both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

On the other hand, if the high volume platelet product has a volume greater than <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may distribute the fluid into equal or unequal volumes. As when splitting the fluid into two equal amounts, the controller <NUM> may either distribute the fluid between the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> (if the fluid flow circuit <NUM> is provided with at least two satellite containers) or may convey a selected amount into one satellite container <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining an appropriate amount of fluid in the source container <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> determines to distribute the fluid into unequal volumes, it may employ any distribution without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to convey only the minimum amount of fluid from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining the remaining fluid in the source container <NUM>. Thus, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute a fluid-splitting procedure in which <NUM> of fluid are conveyed into one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, with the remaining <NUM> remaining in the source container <NUM>. In another embodiment, if a satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> has a maximum capacity, the controller <NUM> may be configured to fill the satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> to its capacity (or to a particular percentage of its capacity), with the remainder of the fluid being retained in the source container <NUM>.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that bacterial testing is not optimized by distributing the fluid into two bacterial testing volumes (e.g., due to there being more than <NUM> of fluid to distribute in the embodiment of <FIG>), the controller <NUM> determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into three bacterial testing volumes. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a bacterial testing volume has a volume of <NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume greater than <NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into three bacterial testing volumes. Depending on the exact volume of the fluid, the three bacterial testing volumes may have the same or different volumes. For example, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create three bacterial testing volumes each having a volume of <NUM>. If the fluid flow circuit <NUM> includes only two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, portions of the fluid are transferred to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, while the remainder is retained in the source container <NUM>. However, if the fluid flow circuit includes at least three satellite containers, all of the fluid may instead be transferred from the source container to the satellite containers. As explained above, it may be preferred for a bacterial testing volume to remain in the source container <NUM> due to such a fluid-splitting procedure being completed more quickly (on account of less fluid being conveyed out of the source container <NUM>), though both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

On the other hand, if the high volume platelet product has a volume greater than <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may distribute the fluid into equal or unequal volumes. As when splitting the fluid into three equal amounts, the controller <NUM> may either distribute the fluid between three satellite containers (if available) or may convey a selected amount into two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, while retaining an appropriate amount of fluid in the source container <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> determines to distribute the fluid into unequal volumes, it may employ any distribution without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to convey only the minimum amount of fluid from the source container <NUM> to the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, while retaining the remaining fluid in the source container <NUM>. Thus, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute a fluid-splitting procedure in which <NUM> of fluid are conveyed into each of the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, with the remaining <NUM> remaining in the source container <NUM>. In another embodiment, if the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> have a maximum capacity, the controller <NUM> may be configured to fill the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> to their capacity (or to a particular percentage of their capacity), with the remainder of the fluid being retained in the source container <NUM>.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that bacterial testing is not optimized by distributing the fluid into three bacterial testing volumes (e.g., due to there being fewer than <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets in the embodiment of <FIG>), the controller <NUM> determines that the fluid cannot be distributed so as to optimize bacterial testing (at step <NUM>). On the other hand, if the controller <NUM> has determined that bacterial testing may be optimized (by splitting the fluid into two or three bacterial testing volumes in the embodiment of <FIG>), it may present an operator (e.g., in region <NUM> of the operator interface station <NUM>) with optimization of bacterial testing as a possible distribution or, alternatively, proceed to automatically distribute the fluid so as to optimize bacterial testing (if the controller <NUM> has been programmed with optimization of bacterial testing as a top priority or preference).

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> also determines whether the high volume platelet product may be distributed so as to optimize pathogen reduction. If the controller <NUM> is programmed to prioritize optimization of pathogen reduction over optimization of bacterial testing (e.g., due to the preferences of the center), it may be advantageous for the controller <NUM> to assess pathogen reduction optimization before assessing bacterial testing optimization (and possibly automatically distribute the fluid so as to optimize pathogen reduction, if practicable). However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the controller <NUM> to assess the practicability of differing approaches to fluid distribution in any order without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In any event, <FIG> and <FIG> show an exemplary algorithm that may be executed by the controller <NUM> in order to determine a distribution for optimizing pathogen reduction. In a first step (indicated at <NUM> in <FIG>), the weight scales <NUM> determine the total weight of the fluid flow circuit <NUM> (which may be used to determine the volume of the fluid to be split), with the controller <NUM> receiving the platelet concentration of the fluid as an input. The controller <NUM> then determines the relevant characteristics of the fluid. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the relevant characteristics of the fluid are the platelet count and the volume of the fluid (as when assessing optimization of bacterial testing), but the relevant characteristics of the fluid may be different without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller <NUM> uses the platelet concentration and the volume of the fluid to determine the amount of platelets in the fluid (by multiplying the volume of the fluid by the platelet concentration), as shown in <FIG> as step <NUM>. As described above, rather than receiving a constituent concentration as an input, the controller <NUM> may instead receive a platelet count as an input during step <NUM>, in which case step <NUM> may be omitted (or instead modified to calculate platelet concentration, if necessary).

Once the relevant characteristics of the fluid have been determined, the controller <NUM> then determines whether the fluid is suitable for being split so as to optimize pathogen reduction. This determination may be made in any of a number of ways, with <FIG> showing a step <NUM> in which the controller <NUM> compares the platelet count and the volume of the fluid (which are the relevant characteristics in the illustrated embodiment) to be split to minimum values to determine whether it is possible to split the high volume platelet product so as to optimize pathogen reduction. In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum platelet count for splitting is <NUM> × <NUM><NUM>, while the minimum fluid volume is <NUM>, such that the controller <NUM> will determine (at step <NUM> of <FIG>) that pathogen reduction optimization is not a viable option or distribution. It should be understood that these minimum values are merely exemplary and that other minimum values may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, different minimum values may be appropriate if the possible target volumes into which a high volume platelet product may be split are different from the ones described herein.

When the controller <NUM> determines that the high volume fluid is suitable to be distributed so as to optimize pathogen reduction, it considers the most appropriate distribution of the fluid based on the relevant characteristics of the fluid and the number of containers that are incorporated into the fluid flow circuit <NUM> mounted to the frame <NUM> (because the number of containers determines the maximum number of volumes into which the fluid may be split). In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flow circuit <NUM> includes three containers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, such that the fluid may be split into either two or three volumes.

The controller <NUM> first determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into one pathogen reduction volume and one bacterial testing volume. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a pathogen reduction volume has a volume of <NUM> and a bacterial testing volume has a volume of <NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume between <NUM>-<NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into one pathogen reduction volume and one bacterial testing volume. If the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create one pathogen reduction volume having a volume of <NUM> and one bacterial testing volume having a volume of <NUM>. This may include all of the fluid being conveyed from the source container <NUM> into the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> or (perhaps more preferably) only an amount of fluid corresponding to one of the target volumes being transferred from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM> (with the remaining fluid being retained in the source container <NUM> as the other target volume). The latter approach may be preferred on account of it being completed more quickly than the former approach (as less fluid is conveyed out of the source container <NUM>), but both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

If the high volume platelet product has a volume greater than <NUM> (but less than <NUM>), one or both of the target volumes will include an additional amount of fluid. The controller <NUM> may either distribute all of the excess fluid between the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> (if the fluid flow circuit <NUM> is provided with at least two satellite containers), distribute all of the excess fluid to a single satellite container (while retaining an exact target volume in the source container <NUM>), or retain at least a portion of the excess fluid in the source container <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may distribute the excess fluid in any distribution without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to convey only the minimum amount of fluid from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining the remaining fluid in the source container <NUM>. Thus, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute a fluid-splitting procedure in which <NUM> of fluid are conveyed into one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM> (as a bacterial testing volume), with the remaining <NUM> remaining in the source container <NUM> (as a <NUM> pathogen reduction volume with <NUM> of excess fluid). In another embodiment, if a satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> has a maximum capacity, the controller <NUM> may be configured to fill the satellite container <NUM>, <NUM> to its capacity (or to a particular percentage of its capacity), with the remainder of the fluid being retained in the source container <NUM>.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that pathogen reduction is not optimized by distributing the fluid into one pathogen reduction volume and one bacterial testing volume (e.g., due to there being more than <NUM> of fluid to distribute in the embodiment of <FIG>), the controller <NUM> determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into two "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a "small volume" pathogen reduction volume has a volume of <NUM>-<NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains <NUM>-<NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume between <NUM> and <NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into two "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes. Depending on the exact volume of the fluid, the two "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes may have the same or different volumes. For example, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create two "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes each having a volume of <NUM>. This may include all of the fluid being conveyed from the source container <NUM> into the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> or (perhaps more preferably) only an amount of fluid corresponding to one of the target volumes being transferred from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM> (with the remaining fluid being retained in the source container <NUM> as the other target volume). As explained above, the latter approach may be preferred on account of it being completed more quickly than the former approach, due to less fluid being conveyed out of the source container <NUM>, though both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

On the other hand, if the high volume platelet product has a volume greater than <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may distribute the fluid into equal or unequal volumes. As when splitting the fluid into two equal "small volume" amounts, the controller <NUM> may either distribute the fluid between two satellite containers (if available) or may convey a selected amount into one satellite container <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining an appropriate amount of fluid in the source container <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> determines to distribute the fluid into unequal volumes, it may employ any distribution without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to convey only the minimum amount of fluid from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining the remaining fluid in the source container <NUM>. Thus, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute a fluid-splitting procedure in which <NUM> of fluid are conveyed into one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, with the remaining <NUM> remaining in the source container <NUM>. In another embodiment, if the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> have a maximum capacity, the controller <NUM> may be configured to fill one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM> to its capacity (or to a particular percentage of its capacity), with the remainder of the fluid being retained in the source container <NUM>.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that pathogen reduction is not optimized by distributing the fluid into two "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes, the controller <NUM> determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into two "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a "large volume" pathogen reduction volume has a volume of <NUM>-<NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains <NUM>-<NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume between <NUM> and <NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into two "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes. Depending on the exact volume of the fluid, the two "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes may have the same or different volumes. For example, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create two "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes each having a volume of <NUM>. This may include all of the fluid being conveyed from the source container <NUM> into the two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> or (perhaps more preferably) only an amount of fluid corresponding to one of the target volumes being transferred from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM> (with the remaining fluid being retained in the source container <NUM> as the other target volume). As explained above, the latter approach may be preferred on account of it being completed more quickly than the former approach, due to less fluid being conveyed out of the source container <NUM>, though both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

On the other hand, if the high volume platelet product has a volume greater than <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may distribute the fluid into equal or unequal volumes. As when splitting the fluid into two equal "large volume" amounts, the controller <NUM> may either distribute the fluid between two satellite containers (if available) or may convey a selected amount into one satellite container <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining an appropriate amount of fluid in the source container <NUM>. If the controller <NUM> determines to distribute the fluid into unequal volumes, it may employ any distribution without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the controller <NUM> may be configured to convey only the minimum amount of fluid from the source container <NUM> to one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, while retaining the remaining fluid in the source container <NUM>. Thus, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, the controller <NUM> may execute a fluid-splitting procedure in which <NUM> of fluid are conveyed into one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM>, with the remaining <NUM> remaining in the source container <NUM>. In another embodiment, if the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM> have a maximum capacity, the controller <NUM> may be configured to fill one of the satellite containers <NUM>, <NUM> to its capacity (or to a particular percentage of its capacity), with the remainder of the fluid being retained in the source container <NUM>.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that pathogen reduction is not optimized by distributing the fluid into two "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes, the controller <NUM> determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into three "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a "small volume" pathogen reduction volume has a volume of <NUM>-<NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume between <NUM> and <NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into three "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes. Depending on the exact volume of the fluid, the three "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes may have the same or different volumes. For example, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create three "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes each having a volume of <NUM>. If the fluid flow circuit <NUM> includes only two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, portions of the fluid are transferred to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, while the remainder is retained in the source container <NUM>. However, if the fluid flow circuit includes at least three satellite containers, all of the fluid may instead be transferred from the source container to the satellite containers. As explained above, it may be preferred for a target volume to remain in the source container <NUM> due to such a fluid-splitting procedure being completed more quickly (on account of less fluid being conveyed out of the source container <NUM>), though both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that pathogen reduction is not optimized by distributing the fluid into three "small volume" pathogen reduction volumes, the controller <NUM> determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into three "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes. In the embodiment of <FIG> (in which a "large volume" pathogen reduction volume has a volume of <NUM>-<NUM>), the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume between <NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that it is most optimal to split the fluid into three "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes. Depending on the exact volume of the fluid, the three "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes may have the same or different volumes. For example, if the high volume platelet product has a volume of <NUM>, it will be distributed so as to create three "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes each having a volume of <NUM>. If the fluid flow circuit <NUM> includes only two satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, portions of the fluid are transferred to the satellite containers <NUM> and <NUM>, while the remainder is retained in the source container <NUM>. However, if the fluid flow circuit includes at least three satellite containers, all of the fluid may instead be transferred from the source container to the satellite containers. As explained above, it may be preferred for a target volume to remain in the source container <NUM> due to such a fluid-splitting procedure being completed more quickly (on account of less fluid being conveyed out of the source container <NUM>), though both approaches are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Finally, if the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that pathogen reduction is not optimized by distributing the fluid into three "large volume" pathogen reduction volumes, the controller <NUM> determines whether the fluid is suitable to be split into some other distribution that optimizes pathogen reduction. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> whether the fluid contains at least <NUM> × <NUM><NUM> platelets and a volume greater than <NUM>,<NUM>. If so, the controller <NUM> determines (at step <NUM>) that some other distribution is possible to optimize pathogen reduction. As indicated in <FIG>, depending on the exact volume and platelet count of the fluid, any of a number of possible distributions may be optimal. In general, the controller <NUM> considers the fluid characteristics (platelet count and volume, in the illustrated embodiment) of the different target volumes that are available (e.g., bacterial testing volume, "small volume" pathogen reduction volume, "large volume" pathogen reduction volume, and "dual storage" pathogen reduction volume) and the number of containers incorporated into the fluid flow circuit <NUM>, and determines how to best distribute the fluid based on those parameters. This may include splitting the fluid into equal or unequal volumes and may include the controller <NUM> being programmed with a preference for one target volume over the others or with a particular hierarchy of the available target volumes (e.g., based upon the objectives and preferences of the center) or with any other logic for determining how to distribute the fluid.

If the controller <NUM> determines in step <NUM> that the fluid does not have characteristics falling within the specified ranges (e.g., due to the platelet count being too low for the volume), the controller <NUM> determines that the fluid cannot be distributed so as to optimize pathogen reduction (at step <NUM>). On the other hand, if the controller <NUM> has determined that pathogen reduction may be optimized (by splitting the fluid into one of the distributions presented in the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>), it may present an operator (e.g., in region <NUM> of the operator interface station <NUM>) with optimization of pathogen reduction as a possible distribution or, alternatively, proceed to automatically distribute the fluid so as to optimize pathogen reduction (if the controller <NUM> has been programmed with optimization of pathogen reduction as a top priority or preference).

While a number of possible target volumes are presented above, it should be understood that these target volumes are merely exemplary and that other target volumes may be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This may include requiring an additional amount of fluid (as a safety factor) to be included in each target volume. For example, it may be advantageous to require a bacterial testing volume to have a volume of at least <NUM> (i.e., <NUM> of extra fluid) to better ensure that enough fluid is provided to proceed with bacterial testing. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> is configured to allow an operator to select or specify the magnitude of the extra amount of fluid or the safety factor to be incorporated into each target volume, with the safety factor being the same for all of the different target volumes or different for at least two of the target volumes (e.g., with a "dual storage" pathogen reduction volume having a larger safety factor, on account of the fluid being split into two units after pathogen reduction).

The system <NUM> is shown and described above as a standalone device, but it should be understood that it may be incorporated into a larger assembly or otherwise paired with another fluid processing device. For example, in one embodiment, if the fluid to be split is a biological fluid, such as a blood component (which may be, without limitation, a high volume platelet product), the system may be paired with an apheresis system, such as the AMICUS® system manufactured by Fenwal, Inc. of Lake Zurich, Illinois, which is an affiliate of Fresenius Kabi AG of Bad Homburg, Germany. In such an implementation, blood is separated by the apheresis system into two or more components, with a high volume platelet product (or other fluid) being produced by the apheresis system. The high volume platelet product or other fluid is conveyed from the apheresis system directly into a source container <NUM> being supported by the source support <NUM>. With the high volume platelet product or other fluid in the source container <NUM>, a fluid-splitting procedure of the type described above may be executed. If practicable, this may be more time-efficient than separating the blood using an apheresis system, transporting a fluid produced by the apheresis system to the fluid-splitting system (which may be located at a different site than the apheresis system), and then splitting the fluid using the fluid-splitting system.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for splitting a fluid, comprising:
a source support (<NUM>) configured to support a source container (<NUM>) of a fluid flow circuit (<NUM>);
a satellite support (20a, 20b) configured to support a satellite container (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the fluid flow circuit (<NUM>) fluidly connected to the source container (<NUM>);
a weight scale (<NUM>) associated with each of the supports (<NUM>, 20a, 20b);
a clamp system; and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to
receive an input corresponding to a concentration or an amount of a constituent in a fluid to be split,
control each weight scale (<NUM>) to measure a combined weight of the container and the contents of the container supported by the support associated with the weight scale (<NUM>),
determine a plurality of possible distributions of the fluid to be split between the source container (<NUM>) and the satellite container (<NUM>, <NUM>) based at least in part on the concentration or amount of said constituent and the combined weight measured by each weight scale (<NUM>), and
control the clamp system to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow from the source container (<NUM>) to the satellite container (<NUM>, <NUM>) so as to distribute the fluid to be split between the source container (<NUM>) and the satellite container (<NUM>, <NUM>) according to one of said plurality of possible distributions, wherein at least one of said plurality of possible distributions is an uneven distribution of the fluid to be split.