Method and apparatus for separating platelets from whole blood

摘要

Whole blood is separated into components in a separator (46) to produce platelet-rich plasma in a first operation in which a low amount of anticoagulant is added to the whole blood sufficient to prevent coagulation. Further anticoagulant is passed through the separator (46) after the whole blood flow has been stopped, so as to add further anticoagulant to the platelet-rich plasma to promote storage. This permits a higher platelet yield to be obtained in the separator.