摘要 |
Apparatus is disclosed for centrifugally separating blood into a first blood component, such as a plasma-rich component, and a second blood component, such as a plasma-poor component. This apparatus employs a self-balancing centrifuge intended to be used immediately adjacent to a blood donor. The blood pathway is completely disposable and includes a phlebotomy needle and blood compatible tubing connecting the phlebotomy needle to a flexible blood processing bag designed to be supported within a contoured processing chamber in the centrifuge rotor so that second blood component travels along a short internal bag dimension to achieve separation. A displacement chamber having a fluid operated diaphram is also positioned within the blood processing chamber of the centrifuge rotor. Separated first blood component can be expressed from the flexible blood bag by movement of the diaphram and collected in a receiver container as the centrifuge rotor spins. The centrifuge rotor can then be stopped to allow return of second blood component to the donor. |