Irradiation device and method for fluids especially for body fluids

摘要

A device suitable for use in the sterilization of a fluid such as a biological fluid or a fraction thereof, containing lymphocytes and/or micro-organisms, comprising a vessel having an inlet and an outlet and a passage which extends non-tortuously therebetween. A heat exchange device with a heat exchange surface is in substantially direct thermal contact with the interior of the passage. A temperature controller maintains the temperature of fluid in the passage below a temperature at which fluid components may form insoluble particles during irradiation. The passage has a wall which is substantially transparent to a lymphocyte and/or micro-organism inactivating radiation. The passage contains a static mixer device for thoroughly mixing the fluid so as to bring the whole of the fluid into an irradiation zone extending along and adjacent the passage walls and into contact with the heat exchange surface.