Single Container Blood Collection System with Segmented Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood collection systems are complex and expensive, often requiring entire systems to be discarded if a donor is not qualified, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A blood collection system with a single container that allows for separate processing of blood components, including a vascular access device, blood collection container with opposed ends for plasma and red cell outlets, and sterile connection unions for attaching processing subassemblies, enabling efficient separation and storage of blood components without satellite containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pre-assembled blood collection system with multiple satellite containers is used, then complete blood component separation and collection is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a primary collection container for blood intake and separate satellite containers for specific blood components. This segmentation allows the primary container to focus on collection while satellite containers handle specific processing functions, resolving the contradiction by organizing complexity into manageable, functional segments rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The satellite containers are pre-assembled and pre-sterilized with necessary filters, preservatives, and collection chambers before use. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly during blood collection, reducing operational complexity while maintaining complete blood component separation capability.
2Productivity
If a pre-assembled blood collection system with multiple satellite containers is used, then complete blood component separation and collection is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the primary collection function from component-specific processing functions, allowing each segment to be manufactured and sterilized independently. This segmentation enables cost optimization by producing simple primary containers at scale while using specialized satellite containers only when complete separation is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows selective use of satellite containers based on donation qualification. If a donor is not qualified, only the primary container needs to be discarded while satellite containers can be recovered and reused, significantly reducing waste and long-term system cost.
3Reliability
If the entire blood collection system is discarded when a donor is not qualified, then sterility and safety are maintained, but waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates disposable primary containers from reusable satellite containers. This segmentation allows the primary container to be discarded when contamination is suspected while the expensive satellite containers with filters and preservatives can be recovered, sterilized, and reused, maintaining sterility protocols while reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables selective discarding of only the primary collection container when a donor is not qualified, while the satellite containers containing expensive components like filters and preservatives are recovered for reuse. This directly addresses the contradiction by maintaining sterility through controlled disposal while minimizing substance loss through recovery of valuable components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies blood collection and processing, reduces waste by allowing individual component handling, and enhances efficiency through automation and reduced equipment costs.
Implementation Method 1
the entire assembly is subject to centrifugation. During centrifugation, the blood in the primary collection container separates by reason of the different density of the blood components, into more dense concentrated red blood cells at one end of the container and lighter plasma toward the other end of the container
Data Source
AI summary
A blood or blood component collection and processing system, apparatus and method are disclosed. One embodiment includes a vascular access device and a blood collection container having a blood inlet and first and second blood component outlets. The outlets are located at opposite ends of the container, and a blood flow conduit extends between the vascular access device and collection container. The collection container is free of attachment to other blood collection containers when in an initial collection configuration at the time of collection.