Plasma collection system

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a method for collecting blood plasma in plastic bottles wherein the blood plasma can be stored for periods of time and can then be utilized in obtaining blood fractions therefrom. The method includes the concept of filling a previously sterilized and hermetically sealed bottle with blood plasma. The bottle, after filling, is sealed at the neck portion thereof by means of heat sealing. The portion of the bottle above the heat seal is severed. Thereafter, the filled bottle is frozen and transported to the site for use. The bottle containing the plasma is then thawed and conveyed to a plasma removing device. The plasma is removed by severing a portion of the bottom of the plastic bottle, thereby permitting the liquefied plasma to flow therefrom into a collection vat. The bottle in which the plasma is collected and stored has a unique configuration in that it is a blow-molded bottle having a cap thereon which is produced integrally with the bottle so that it is always in a sterile condition. In one embodiment, the cap is broken from the top of the bottle, thereby exposing a mouth having a threaded configuration thereabout so that a cap may be screwed thereon. The cap has means for venting and for introduction of a probe through which the plasma is conveyed into the bottle. In another embodiment, the top of the bottle terminates in a membrane suitable for piercing with a probe and a venting arrangement is included, whereby the plasma can be charged into the plastic bottle. Below the mouth, there is a flattened neck portion providing an area at which a heat sealing means can be applied to further compress into abutment the neck and to heat seal same in that condition. The upper portion of the mouth carrying member can be severed from the bottle.