Sterile blood component collection

Claim 1

Apparatus for collecting blood components comprising a sterile fluid flow line for receiving blood from a donor, a blood separator including a disposable separation channel connected to said flow line to receive and separate said blood, a blood component collection container connected to said separator via an outlet line, a first supply line connected at one end to supply solution to said sterile fluid flow line, the other end of said supply line being connected to a connector adapted to be connected to a source of said solution, and a first filter on said supply line that includes means for permitting passage of said solution and blocking passage of bacteria, said sterile fluid flow line, first supply line, separation channel, outlet line, and blood component collection chamber being permanently connected together to maintain a closed, bacteria-free system downstream of said filter, whereby said source of solution can be connected to said connector at the time of use without bacteria being transmitted into said sterile flow line, separator and collection container.