DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PATHOGEN INACTIVATION OF THERAPEUTIC FLUIDS WITH STERILIZING RADIATION

摘要

A device and method for inactivating pathogens in therapeutic fluids with sterilizing radiation in a continuous thin fluid flow arrangement that exhibits radiation dose uniformity for fluids having high optical densities. Radiation dose uniformity is achieved in part through a "carrying" mechanism that moves or carries the fluid, thereby eliminating a channel flow velocity profile where flow volumes near the channel walls run the risk of overexposure to th e radiation due to very large residence times within the channel. The device comprises a relatively flat belt chamber (22) connected to a fluid flow through an inlet (24) and an outlet (26) on the belt chamber (22). The belt chamber (22) has a top surface (28) and a bottom surface (30). A radiation permeable plate (32) is disposed adjacent the top surface (28) of the belt chamber (22) and is in contact with the belt chamber (22). A radiation source (42) is provided adjacent to the plate (32) adjacent to a side opposite the belt chamber (22). A belt (34) having a plurality of flexible vanes (36) is disposed adjacent the bottom surface (30) of the belt chamber (22) such that the vanes (36) make contact with the belt chamber (22). The belt is driven by a roller mechanism (38) in the direction of the fluid flow. As the fluid flows throughthe belt chamber (22), the flexible vanes (36) provide a squeegee-like mechanism to move the fluid through the belt chamber (22) in discrete packets (40) defined by a pair of vanes (36). As the packets of fluid move through the belt chamber, they are exposed to sterilizing radiation passing through the plate (32).