Blood bag handling device, blood bag handling system and blood bag handling method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a blood bag handling device (1) comprising: a blood bag conveying unit (2) configured to convey blood bags, which are filled with separated blood components and comprise a single blood bag tube which is sealed or connected to a blood donation needle, in a predetermined order, a blood component bag conveying unit (4, 62, 64) configured to convey single blood component bags connected to a single blood component bag main tube and / or multiple blood component bags connected via a Y-connector to the single blood component bag main tube in accordance with the predetermined order of the blood bags, and a sterile docking unit (6) configured to sterilely dock the single blood bag tubes with the corresponding single blood component bag main tubes.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Blood bag handling device, blood bag handling system and blood bag handling method

[0003] The present invention relates to a blood bag handling device, a blood bag handling system and a blood bag handling method.

[0004] From EP 1 591 136 A1 there is known a whole blood collection and processing method in which a blood bag system having a varying number of component bags is formed prior to centrifugation in accordance with a further processing of the blood components which are achieved after the centrifugation process. However, the component bags have to be stored in a centrifuge inlet, which may complicate the filing and handling of the centrifuge inlet.

[0005] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to achieve an advance technique for handling blood bags. This object is solved by the subject matters according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] A blood bag handling device according to the present invention comprises: a blood bag conveying unit configured to convey blood bags, which are filled with separated blood components and comprise a single blood bag tube which is sealed or connected to a blood donation needle, in a predetermined order; a blood component bag conveying unit configured to convey single blood component bags connected to a single blood component bag main tube and / or multiple blood component bags connected via a Y- connector to the single blood component bag main tube in accordance with the predetermined order of the blood bags; and a sterile docking unit configured to sterilely dock the single blood bag tubes with the corresponding single blood component bag main tubes. Therefore, by using the blood bag handling device it is possible to create a blood bag system that is adapted to a further processing of the blood components stored in the blood bag and to avoid unnecessary plastic waste. According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag handling device may be integrated in a table. Hence, the blood bag handling device may be easily placed next to a blood separation centrifuge and the blood bags may be conveyed directly from the blood separation centrifuge to the sterile docking unit via the blood bag conveying unit. Preferably the table which height-adjustable in order to create an ergonomic workplace for an operator of the blood bag handling device.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention the table may stand on castors. This enables an owner of the blood bag handling device to move the blood bag handling device next to different blood separation centrifuge, which enables to enhance a throughput.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention the sterile docking unit may be arranged between the blood bag conveying unit and the blood component bag conveying unit. Therefore, the single blood bag tube and the single blood component main tube can be easily connected by using the sterile docking unit.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag conveying unit may be configured to receive centrifuge inlets in which at least one blood bag is stored. Therefore, the centrifuge inlets can be directly moved from the centrifuge to the blood bag conveying device and the blood bags which a still stored in the centrifuge inlet are secured against damage.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag conveying unit may be a conveyor belt. Therefore, the blood bags of the centrifuge inlet can be easily conveyed from the blood separation centrifuge towards the sterile docking unit even over a larger distance. The conveyor belt preferably has receiving portions configured to receive one centrifuge inlet or a centrifuge inlet group. In this way falling down of the centrifuge inlets is avoided.

[0011] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood component bag conveying unit may be configured to receive a container storing the at least one blood component bag. Hence, knotting or twisting of tubes connected with multiple blood component bags can be avoided. In particular, the container may be a foldable envelope shaped box. Hence, the flat component bags may be stored in a space saving way.

[0012] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood component bag conveying unit may comprise slits or grooves configured to receive the container such that the container is conveyed in an upright position. Hence, an operator can easily surveil the conveyed containers or boxes.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention the containers or boxes may be marked in accordance with the stored blood component bag. Hence, an operator can recognize the stored blood component bag at a first glance. For example, the container may be color coded.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood component bag conveying unit may be a magazine. The magazine may be configured to revolve such that a corresponding blood component bag configuration is conveyed towards the sterile docking unit. Alternatively, the magazine may be biased towards an upper table surface such that the operator of the blood bag handling device may easily grasp blood component bags The magazine may be configured to store and convey containers or boxes storing the blood component bag(s).

[0015] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood component bag conveying unit may be a conveyor belt. Therefore, the blood component bag(s) may be easily conveyed towards the sterile docking unit.

[0016] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag conveying unit and / or the blood component bag conveying unit may be recessed with respect to an upper table surface of the table. Hence, the blood bags or the centrifuge inlets and / or the blood component bags or the container / box can be securely conveyed towards the sterile docking unit. According to an aspect of the present invention the sterile docking unit may comprise a blood bag holding element configured to hold the blood bag and / or a blood component bag holding element configured to hold the at least one blood component bag. The holding unit may be shelfs, pins or hock. Hence, the bags can be hold securely during the docking process.

[0017] According to an aspect of the present invention a docking element of the sterile docking unit may be arranged on the upper table surface of the table. Hence, the docking element may be easily accessed in order to input the tube which are to be connected. An operation element of the sterile docking unit may be arranged below the upper table surface of the table. Hence, the operator has to move his hand below the upper table surface in order to perform the docking process. Hence, a risk of an injury when touching the docking element during operation is reduces. In addition, the operation element is only accessible via an operation opening formed in a side surface of the table. Hence, a risk of injury is further reduced.

[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention the operation element may be configured to be operated by simultaneously touching with two hands. In addition, the operation element has to be touched during the docking process. For example, the operation element may be formed by two buttons which are distanced from each other so that they can only be operated by two hands. In case the operation element is arranged below the upper table surface a risk of injury due to touching the docking element during operation is almost completely reduced.

[0019] According to an aspect of the present invention the sterile docking unit may be configured to sterilely dock the single blood bag tube and the single blood component bag main tube by using radio frequency heating. Hence, no waste material, such as wafers or wires, is required and the tubes can be reliably docked.

[0020] According to an aspect of the present invention the table is shaped on one side such that it is arrangeable in close proximity to a blood separation centrifuge. Hence the blood bags or the centrifuge inlets can be directly moved from the blood separation centrifuge towards the sterile docking unit. According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag conveying unit corresponds to the rotor of a blood separation centrifuge. Hence, the blood bags have to be only moved from the rotor towards the sterile docking unit.

[0021] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag handling device may further comprise a blood bag identification obtaining unit configured to obtain a respective identification information of the blood bags. Hence, the processed blood bags can be documented.

[0022] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag handling device may further comprise a printing unit configured to print one or more labels which show the identification information and are to be placed on the at least one blood component bag. The printer prints the number of labels which is required for the blood component bag(s). Hence, the component bags can be marked with the identification information.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood component bag conveying unit may be configured to convey the blood component bag(s) in accordance with the identification information obtained by the blood bag identification obtaining unit. Hence, it is secured that the blood bags are connected to the correct configuration of component bags, respectively.

[0024] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag handling device may further comprise a monitor showing the identification information as well as the type of the corresponding at least one blood component bag. Hence, the operator can additionally surveil the docking process such that the correct use of the blood component bag(s) is secured.

[0025] A blood bag handling system according to the present invention comprises: a blood separation centrifuge configured to separate whole blood collected in the blood bags into blood components; the blood bag handling device according to the above aspects; and a blood component expressor device configured to express the blood components stored in the blood bags after centrifugation into associated blood component bags. Hence, whole blood can be separated into the respective blood components. Afterwards, the blood bags can be connected to a respective configuration of blood component bag(s). Finally, the blood components can be transferred to a corresponding blood component bag. In this way, unnecessary plastic waste can be avoided in case a whole blood donation is declared not useable.

[0026] A blood bag handling method according to the present invention comprises: conveying blood bags, which are filled with separated blood components and comprise a single blood bag tube which is sealed or connected to a blood donation needle, in a predetermined order; conveying single blood component bags connected to a single blood component bag main tube or multiple blood component bags connected via a Y-con- nector to the single blood component bag main tube in accordance with the predetermined order of the blood bags; and sterile docking the single blood bag tubes with the corresponding single blood component bag main tubes. Therefore, by using the blood bag handling method it is possible to create a blood bag system that is adapted to a further processing of the blood components stored in the blood bag and to avoid unnecessary plastic waste.

[0027] A centrifuge inlet according to the present invention comprises: a blood bag receiving portion formed in a cup shape and configured to receive a blood bag filled with whole blood or blood components; and a blood component bag container receiving portion configured to receive and hold blood component bag(s) or a container including at least one blood component bag. Hence the blood bag as well as the blood component bag(s) can be conveyed by using the centrifuge inlet.

[0028] According to an aspect of the present invention the blood bag container receiving portion may be formed by a J-shaped portion extending at a bottom and on an outer contour of the blood bag receiving portion. Hence, the container may be formed as foldable and envelope shaped box which enables an easy handling of the component bag(s).

[0029] A centrifuge inlet group according to an aspect of the present invention comprises: two centrifuge inlets according to the previous aspects which are assembled such that the blood component bag container receiving portions are arranged on opposite ends of the centrifuge inlet group. Hence, two blood bags and two sets of blood component bag(s) can be conveyed at once.

[0030] The present invention is described blow with reference to the drawings. In the drawings:

[0031] Figs. 1 to 10 show a blood bag handling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and

[0032] Figs. 11 to 16 show the steps of a blood bag handling method as well as a second and a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figs. 1 to 10 show a blood bag handling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The blood bag handling device 1 comprises a blood bag conveying unit 2, a blood component bag conveying unit 4 and a sterile docking unit 6.

[0034] The blood bag conveying unit 2 is formed by a conveyor belt, which is configured to receive centrifuge inlets 8 in separate receiving portion, which may be formed by lips on the conveyor belt. In the centrifuge inlets 8 there are stored blood bags in which blood components are stored. The blood components are produced from whole blood through centrifugation. The blood components are for example plasma, buffy coat and erythrocytes. In order to facility a handling of the blood bags during donation or centrifugation the blood bags only comprise a single blood bag line which is connected to a blood donation needle. In the present embodiment, the blood donation needle can be removed and the single blood bag line can be sealed in order to avoid the stored blood components from flowing out of the single blood bag line. In order to further process the blood components stored in the blood bag after centrifugation, they have to be transported into separate blood component bags.

[0035] The blood component bag conveying unit 4 is configured to convey boxes 10, which are foldable and shaped as an envelope. In particular, the boxes 10 are conveyed in an upright position. This is achieved in that the blood component bag conveying unit 4 comprises slits or grooves in which the boxes 10 can be arranged. In the boxes 10 there are stored different types of blood component bags. The following types of blood component bags are storable in the boxes 10: Single, Triple Top / Bottom, Triple Top / Bottom with filter, Triple Top / Top, Triple Top / Top with filter, Quadruple Top / Bottom, Quadruple Top / Bottom with filter, Quadruple Top / Top, Quadruple Top / Top with filter, Quintuple Top / Bottom, Quintuple Top / Bottom with filter, Quintuple Top / Top, Quintuple Top / Top with filter, Double Top / Bottom, Double Top / Top. These blood component bags all comprise a single blood component bag main tube, which is to be connected to the single blood bag tube. Multiple blood component bags may be connected to via a Y- connector and respective lines to the single blood component bag main tube.

[0036] In order to dock the single blood component bag main tube and the single blood bag tube, the sterile docking unit 6 is used. In the prior art there are known multiple sterile docking units that use for example a heated wafer, a heater wire, radio frequency or inductive heating in order dock blood bag tubes. In the present invention a sterile docking unit according to the German Patent Application No. 10 2022 132 053 is used. The content there is herein included by reference and the applicant reserves the right to include features directed towards a sterile docking unit into the present application in order to further specify the sterile docking unit 6.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 1 to 10 the blood bag handling device 1 is integrated into a table 20, which is formed by an upper table surface 22 and a table base 24. The upper table surface 22 is used to arrange the different components of the blood bag handling device 1 and the table base 24 is formed such that a power supply and drive units for operating the blood bag handling device 1 can be stored. A date processing unit such as a computer is also storable in the table base. The table 20 preferably stands on castors 26 such that it is movable towards a location where blood bags storing blood component bags need to be connected to blood component bags. The upper table surface 24 can also form a protrusion surface 30, which protrudes with respect to the table base 24 such that a chair 32 can be placed next to the table 20. In this way an operator of the blood bag handling device 1 can operate in an ergonomic way. Preferably, the table 20 can be height-adjustable. Optionally, the blood bag conveying unit 2 and / or the blood component bag conveying unit 4 can be recessed with respect to the upper table surface 22 such that an unintentional knocking over of the centrifuge inlets 8 and / or the boxes 10 is avoided.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 6 in more detail, the sterile docking unit 6 comprises a docking element 12 and an operation element 14 formed by a first button 16 and a second button 18. Preferably, the docking element 12 is arranged above the upper table surface 22 such that it substantially aligns with the upper table surface 22. The upper table surface 22 surrounds the docking element 12 and the operation element 14 is only accessible underneath the upper table surface 22. For this reason, an operation opening 28 (see Fig. 1 ) can be formed in a side surface of the table 20, in particular in a side surface of the table base 24. In order to operate the sterile docking unit 6, an operator has to push the first and second button 16 simultaneously with his two hands. In this way, it is avoided that the operator may gripe into the docking element 12 during operation.

[0039] In close proximity to the sterile docking unit 6 there may be arranged a blood component bag holding unit 34 and / or a blood bag holding unit (not shown) which are configured to hold the blood component bag(s) and the blood bag, respectively. The two holding units may be formed by shelfs, pins or hooks configured to hold the bags. The holding units may be for example mounted on the upper table surface 22.

[0040] The blood bag handling device 1 is controlled by means of a data processing unit, which is configured to operate drive units, which in turn drive the blood bag conveying unit 2 and the blood component bag conveying unit 4. As mentioned, the data processing unit may be a computer and may be stored in the table base 24. The data processing unit comprises a computer-readable storage medium and one or more processors. The storage medium stores instructions which cause the data processing unit to execute a blood bag handling method and to operate the blood bag handling device 1 accordingly are stored and the one or more processors are configured to executed the instructions and to read input signals or to generate output signals in order to operate the components of the blood bag handling device 1 . Preferably, the blood bag handling device 1 comprises a barcode scanner 36 as a blood bag identification information obtaining unit in order to obtain an identification information of the blood bags. The barcode scanner 36 may be connected to the data processing unit via cable or via wireless data transmission. Instead of the barcode scanner 36, a RFID scanner, a NFC scanner or a Bluetooth (registered trademark) device may be used to obtain the identification information. The identification information may include a serial number of the blood bag, donor data, a blood type, a donation time, a location of donation, a destination and / or a further processing procedure of the single components.

[0041] Optionally, the blood bag handling device 1 may also comprise a label printer 38, which is configured to print labels according to the identification information previously obtained. The label printer prints a number of labels that corresponds to the number of component bags to be used. Therefore, it is secured that the component bags comprise the identification information.

[0042] The blood bag handling device 1 may also comprise a monitor 40, on which the identification information as well as the required component bag configuration for a specific blood bag is shown. In this way an operator can surveilled the blood bag handling procedure.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2, there may be formed a shelf space 42 on the upper table surface 22 in order to store empty centrifuge inlets 44 after the blood bag has been connected to the respective blood component bags. The shelf space 42 may be formed behind the monitor 40 as well as behind the label printer 28 and next to the blood component bag conveying unit 4.

[0044] In case a charge of blood component has to be processed immediately for example due to an emergency or an imminent expiration date, the blood bag handling device 1 may comprise a side table 46 comprising an upper shelf 48 and a lower shelf 50. On the upper shelf 48 there may be stored special centrifuge inlets 54, which are configured to store a blood bag comprising whole blood or blood components as well as a box including component bags. The centrifuge inlet 54, thus, comprises a blood bag receiving portion formed in a cup shape and configured to receive a blood bag filled with whole blood or blood components, and a blood component bag container receiving portion configured to receive and hold the container, in particular the box, including at least one blood component bag. For example, the blood bag container receiving portion may be formed by a J- shaped portion extending at a bottom and on an outer contour of the blood bag receiving portion. In this way, the blood component bag container may be stored in an upright position. Further, multiple centrifuge inlets 54 may form a centrifuge inlet group. To form the centrifuge inlet in this way is possible, since it is only required to store the filled blood bag in the centrifuge inlet and to no longer store the component bags in the centrifuge inlet during centrifugation. In the present embodiment, two centrifuge inlets 54 are assembled such that the blood component bag container receiving portions are arranged on opposite ends of the centrifuge inlet group.

[0045] After the blood bag and the blood component bag of one centrifuge inlet 54 have been processed, the empty centrifuge inlets 56 can be placed on the lower shelf 50 of the side table 46.

[0046] A blood bag handling method as well as a second and third embodiment of the present invention will be described in the following with reference to Figs. 11 to 16.

[0047] Fig. 11 shows a blood bag handling system 58 according to the present invention. The blood bag handling system 58 comprises a blood separation centrifuge 60, the blood bag handling device 1 (shown by the blood bag conveying unit 2) and a blood blood component expressor device (not shown).

[0048] The blood separation centrifuge has a rotor, on which multiple centrifuge buckets configured to receive centrifuge inlets or centrifuge inlet groups are mounted. The blood bags and then the centrifuge inlets are arranged in a predetermined order on the rotor. After centrifugation, i.e. when the whole blood initially stored in the blood bag is separated into its different component, the centrifuge inlets 8 are placed on the blood bag conveying unit 2 in the predetermined order. It is to be noted that the blood bags may be arranged according to different attributes, e.g. time of donation, blood type, preservability. Since not all blood components for a specific blood donation need to be used, the blood bags arranged in the predetermined order are processed differently which in turn requires a different number and / or different types of component bags. In order to reduce the number of component bags it is beneficial to connect the blood bags with a certain configuration of blood component bags, respectively.

[0049] As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, the centrifuge inlets 8 storing the blood bags are conveyed from the blood separation centrifuge 60 towards the sterile docking unit 6 via the blood bag conveying unit 2 in the predetermined order. As shown, the blood bag conveying unit 2 is formed by a conveyor belt. On the other side of the sterile docking unit 6 the blood component bag conveying unit 62 is arranged and is configured to convey the at least one component bag according to the predetermined order of the blood bags. This may be either done by manually sorting the blood component bags or by configuring the blood component bag conveying unit such that it conveys a certain configuration of the blood component bag according to an input signal, which may correspond to the previously obtained identification information of the blood bag.

[0050] According to a second embodiment shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the blood component bag conveying device 62 comprises a magazine 64 in which the blood component bag(s) are stored in the corresponding order. As shown by the arrows near the blood component bag conveying unit 62, the blood component bag(s) may be biased towards the upper table surface by means of a spring such that an operator of the blood bag handling device 1 may easily grasp the top blood component bag(s). As in the previous embodiment, the blood component bag(s) may also be conveyed by using boxes such that a handling of the blood component bag(s) is facilitated. Afterwards, as shown in Fig. 14, the single blood bag tube and the single blood component bag main tube are connected by using the sterile docking unit 6. Figs. 15 and 16 show a blood bag handling device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, a blood component bag conveying unit 64 is also formed as a conveyor belt. As shown in Fig. 16, the blood bag handling device according to the third embodiment may also include the barcode scanner 36 and the label printer 38. Of course, the barcode scanner 36 and the label printer 38 may be used in combination with the blood bag handling device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0051] List of reference signs

[0052] 1 blood bag handling device

[0053] 2 blood bag conveying unit

[0054] 4 blood component bag conveying unit

[0055] 6 sterile docking unit

[0056] 8 centrifuge inlet

[0057] 10 box

[0058] 12 docking element

[0059] 14 operation element

[0060] 16 first button

[0061] 18 second button

[0062] 20 table

[0063] 22 upper table surface

[0064] 24 table base

[0065] 26 castor

[0066] 28 operation opening

[0067] 30 protrusion surface

[0068] 32 chair

[0069] 34 blood component bag holding element

[0070] 36 barcode scanner

[0071] 38 label printer

[0072] 40 monitor

[0073] 42 shelf space

[0074] 44 empty centrifuge inlet

[0075] 46 side table

[0076] 48 upper shelf

[0077] 50 lower shelf

[0078] 52 castor

[0079] 54 centrifuge inlet

[0080] 56 empty centrifuge inlet

[0081] 58 blood bag handling system blood separation centrifuge blood component bag conveying unit blood component bag conveying unit

Claims

Claims1. A blood bag handling device (1 ) comprising: a blood bag conveying unit (2) configured to convey blood bags, which are filled with separated blood components and comprise a single blood bag tube which is sealed or connected to a blood donation needle, in a predetermined order, a blood component bag conveying unit (4, 62, 64) configured to convey single blood component bags connected to a single blood component bag main tube and / or multiple blood component bags connected via a Y-connector to the single blood component bag main tube in accordance with the predetermined order of the blood bags, and a sterile docking unit (6) configured to sterilely dock the single blood bag tubes with the corresponding single blood component bag main tubes.

2. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according claim 1 , wherein the blood bag handling device (1 ) is integrated in a table (20), which is preferably height-adjustable.

3. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the table (20) stands on castors (26).

4. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the sterile docking unit (6) is arranged between the blood bag conveying unit (2) and the blood component bag conveying unit (4).

5. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the blood bag conveying unit (2) is configured to receive centrifuge inlets (8) in which at least one blood bag is stored.

6. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 5, wherein the blood bag conveying unit (2) is a conveyor belt, which preferably has receiving portions, configured to receive one centrifuge inlet (8).

7. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the blood component bag conveying unit (4) is configured to receive a container, in particular a foldable envelope shaped box (10), storing the at least one blood component bag.

8. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein the blood component bag conveying unit (4) comprises slits or grooves configured to receive the container such that the container is conveyed in an upright position.

9. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the blood component bag conveying unit (62) is a magazine.

10. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 6, wherein the blood component bag conveying unit (64) is a conveyor belt.11 . The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 2 to 10, wherein the blood bag conveying unit (2) and / or the blood component bag conveying unit (4) is recessed with respect to an upper table surface (22) of the table (20).

12. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 to 11 , wherein the sterile docking unit (6) comprises a blood bag holding element configured to hold the blood bag and / or a blood component bag holding element (34) configured to hold the at least one blood component bag.

13. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 2 to 12, wherein a docking element (12) of the sterile docking unit (6) is arranged on the upper table surface (22) of the table (20) and an operation element (14, 16, 18) of the sterile docking unit (6) is arranged below the upper table surface (22) of the table (20) such that it is only accessible via an operation opening (28) formed in a side surface of the table (20).

14. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to claim 13, wherein the operation element (14, 16, 18) is configured to be operated by simultaneously touching with two hands.

15. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 14, wherein the sterile docking unit (6) is configured to sterilely dock the single blood bag tube and the single blood component bag main tube by using radio frequency heating.

16. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 2 to 15, wherein the table (20) is shaped on one side such that it is arrangeable in close proximity to a blood separation centrifuge (60).

17. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to claim 2 and 16, wherein the blood bag conveying unit (2) corresponds to the rotor of a blood separation centrifuge (60).

18. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 17, further comprising a blood bag identification obtaining unit (36) configured to obtain a respective identification information of the blood bags.

19. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to claim 18, further comprising a printing unit (38) configured to print one or more labels which show the identification information and are to be placed on the at least one blood component bag.

20. The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 18 or 19, wherein the blood component bag conveying unit (4) is configured to convey the blood component bag(s) in accordance with the identification information obtained by the blood bag identification obtaining unit (36).21 . The blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 18 to 20, further comprising a monitor (40) showing the identification information as well as the type of the corresponding at least one blood component bag.

22. A blood bag handling system (58) comprising: a blood separation centrifuge (60) configured to separate whole blood collected in the blood bags into blood components, the blood bag handling device (1 ) according to any of the claims 1 to 21 , and a blood component expressor device configured to express the blood components stored in the blood bags after centrifugation into associated blood component bags.

23. A blood bag handling method comprising: conveying blood bags, which are filled with separated blood components and comprise a single blood bag tube which is sealed or connected to a blood donation needle, in a predetermined order, conveying single blood component bags connected to a single blood component bag main tube or multiple blood component bags connected via a Y-connector to the single blood component bag main tube in accordance with the predetermined order of the blood bags, and sterile docking the single blood bag tubes with the corresponding single blood component bag main tubes.

Images