Blood component collection systems and methods using an integral sampling device

摘要

A squeezable, resilient pouch is used for collecting a blood sample. The walls of the pouch are moved together in response to the application of an external squeezing force. The squeezing force collapses the pouch and expels fluid from it. Upon removal of the squeezing force, the resilience of the pouch walls moves them apart. The resilient expansion of the pouch creates suction that draws a fluid sample into the pouch. The pouch can be attached to a blood collection and/or storage container by flexible tubing in a way that prevents communication with the atmosphere. By squeezing the pouch, the user obtain a sample of the blood without using special tools and with no danger of activating or damaging the blood component being sampled.