METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INACTIVATING CONTAMINANTS IN BIOLOGICAL FLUID

摘要

Apparatus and methods for treating a biological fluid with light and for inactivating contaminants in biological fluid. The biological fluid is contacted with a light source (24) providing a high intensity light to the biological fluid. The biological flu id may include a quantity of a photochemical agent that, when activated by light, is operab le to cause inactivation of at least some of the contaminants. The apparatus includes a light box (10), including a retractable shutter assembly (26) that encloses the light source (24). The shutter assembly (26) includes a cylindrical tube (41) that, when raised, shields th e light source (24). In addition, cylindrical tube (28), attached to platform (36) of base assemb ly (22), encloses the light source (24) and the shutter assembly (26).