Blood processing assembly including a prepackaged fluid circuit module

Abstract

The monitor and fluid circuit assembly is used with a blood processing apparatus which is adapted for separating platelets from whole blood. The assembly is easily and simply attached to the apparatus and includes a holder, a plurality of flexible tubings held in and extending through the holder, monitor devices fixed within the holder and series coupled to various ones of the tubings and at least one tubing having a transparent wall section which is positioned adjacent an optical sensor of the apparatus. Several tubings extend in loops from the holder and are adapted for being received over and forming part of peristaltic pumps of the apparatus so that fluid can be pumped through the tubings. Other portions of some of the tubings extending from the holder are held in an umbilicus which is received through a rotatable holder in a centrifuge device of the apparatus. The plastic bag/receptacles are connected to the ends of these tubings and are adapted to be received in the centrifuge device for the centrifuging of fluids therein. Two tubings are adapted to be connected to hypodermic needles which are inserted in the arms of a donor of whole blood to be processed. The assembly of tubings and pressure monitors are made of inexpensive plastic so that the assembly can be discarded after it is used and a platelet separation bag has been detached from the assembly.