Systems and methods for removing undesired matter from blood cells

Abstract

Systems and methods of collecting blood cells, substantially free of undesired matter, use a first container, that forms a part of a blood collection system, to initially collect a quantity of blood cells. A filtration system is then attached to the first container. The filtration system includes a second container, a first fluid path that leads to the second container through a filtration device, and a second fluid path that leads to the second container bypassing the filtration device. The blood cells are conveyed from the first container through the first fluid path and filtration device and into the second container to separate the undesired matter from the blood cells. The blood cells, now substantially free of the undesired matter, are then conveyed from the second container through the second fluid path, bypassing the filtration device, and back into the first container. The filtration system is then detached from the blood collection system.