WO2015025912A1

WO2015025912A1 - Device for separating blood components

Info

Publication number: WO2015025912A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/071853
Authority: WO
Inventors: 田鍬紘信; 北嶋小百合; 中村修二; 佐渡克行; 金田健太
Original assignee: 株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス; 株式会社Jimro
Priority date: 2013-08-22
Filing date: 2014-08-21
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Also published as: JPWO2015025912A1; JP6154904B2

Abstract

A blood reservoir tank (20) for retaining blood comprises a first reservoir section (21), a second reservoir section (22), and a third reservoir section (23) that is provided between the first reservoir section (21) and the second reservoir section (22) and by which the first reservoir section (21) and the second reservoir section (22) communicate. A first blocking member (31) and a second blocking member (32) are provided in the blood reservoir tank (20). The first blocking member (31) is configured so as to be able to block communication between the first reservoir section (21) and the third reservoir section (23). The second blocking member (32) is configured so as to be able to block communication between the second reservoir section (22) and the third reservoir section (23).

Description

Blood component separation device

The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating blood components used for centrifuging blood into blood components.

In recent years, instead of whole blood transfusion, component transfusion in which only necessary components in the blood are transfused to a patient, and further, plasma collection for producing a plasma preparation has been performed. For this reason, blood that has been placed in a plastic blood bag is conventionally centrifuged using the difference in specific gravity of each component such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, and the necessary blood components are separated. It is done in the field of business.

As shown in FIG. 27, a conventional blood bag 800 used for separating blood components includes a substantially rectangular bag body 801 made of plastic, a port 802 communicating with the bag body 801, and

liquid feeding tubes

811, 812 and 813. It has. A child bag (not shown) for storing separated blood components (plasma component, leukocyte component) is connected to the ends of the

liquid feeding tubes

812 and 813, respectively.

Separation of blood components using the blood bag 800 is performed as follows. First, the collected blood is stored in the bag body 801 via the liquid feeding tube 811. At this time, the port 802 and the

liquid feeding tubes

812 and 813 are closed. Next, the blood in the bag body 801 is centrifuged to separate the red blood cell layer A, the plasma layer B, and the white blood cell layer C containing platelets, as shown in FIG. Next, the liquid supply tube 812 is opened, the bag body 801 is pressurized, and the plasma layer B is transferred via the liquid supply tube 812 to a child bag (not shown) connected to the end of the liquid supply tube 812. . Next, the liquid supply tube 813 is opened, the bag body 801 is pressurized, and the leukocyte layer C is connected to another child bag (not shown) connected to the end of the liquid supply tube 813 via the liquid supply tube 813. Transport. Thus, the separation of each blood component is completed.

The leukocyte component in the blood is less than the other components. Therefore, in the conventional blood bag 800 shown in FIG. 27, the white blood cell layer C is separated as a very thin layer between the red blood cell layer A and the plasma layer B. In the above method, the red blood cell component is not mixed with the white blood cell component, or the white blood cell component is not left in the red blood cell layer A, and only the white blood cell component is not transferred to the child bag via the liquid feeding tube 813. Not easy. Further, when the leukocyte layer C is moved in the bag main body 801 to be transferred to the child bag, leukocyte components adhere to the inner surface of the bag main body 801, so that it is difficult to collect all leukocyte components.

Therefore, a blood component separating blood bag capable of solving these problems has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1), which will be described with reference to FIG.

28, the blood component separating blood bag 900 includes a bag body 901 for storing blood and a liquid feeding tube 902 for transferring the collected blood to the bag body 901. The bag body 901 includes a first bag part 911 and a second bag part 912 at both ends, and a third bag part 913 between them. The third bag portion 913 is narrower than the first bag portion 911 and the second bag portion 912. The first bag portion 911, the second bag portion 912, and the third bag portion 913 are provided with a first port 921, a second port 922, and a third port 923, respectively, for taking out the contents.

Separation of blood components using the blood bag 900 is performed as follows. First, blood is stored in the bag body 901 through the liquid feeding tube 902. Next, the blood in the bag body 901 is centrifuged. The blood is separated into a red blood cell layer A in the first bag portion 911, a plasma layer B in the second bag portion 912, and a white blood cell layer C in the third bag portion 913. Next, the boundary portion between the first bag portion 911 and the third bag portion 913 and the boundary portion between the third bag portion 913 and the second bag portion 912 are sealed. The sealing is performed by, for example, a heat sealing method or a high frequency sealing method. Next, the bag body 901 is cut into first, second, and

third bag portions

911, 912, and 913 at the seal portion. The red blood cell layer A, the plasma layer B, and the white blood cell layer C in the first, second, and

third bag portions

911, 912, and 913 are connected via the first port 921, the second port 922, and the third port 923. Take out each one.

As described above, the blood bag 900 is configured so that the bag body 901 can be sealed and separated for each component after centrifugation. Therefore, it is possible to separate blood into pure blood components without mixing other blood components, and in particular, it is possible to improve the recovery rate of leukocyte components.

Japanese Patent No. 4431929

Since the above-described conventional blood bag 900 (see FIG. 28) is a bag-like material in which a flexible sheet is bonded, it does not have shape retention in a state where blood is stored. Therefore, even if the blood can be separated into components by centrifugation, the components are mixed with each other when the blood bag 900 is deformed by an external force or the like before sealing the boundary portion between adjacent bag portions. Inconveniences such as being easily generated.

On the other hand, if the container for storing blood has a shape-retaining property that does not substantially deform, after the centrifugation, the boundary portion is sealed in the same manner as the blood bag 900 (see FIG. 28) to remove the container. Dividing into three parts is difficult.

An object of the present invention is to provide a blood component separation device that can efficiently collect leukocyte components by dividing the interior into three parts after centrifugation.

The blood component separation device of the present invention includes a blood reservoir for storing blood, and is used for centrifuging blood stored in the blood reservoir. The blood reservoir is provided between the first reservoir, the second reservoir, the first reservoir and the second reservoir, and communicates with the first reservoir and the second reservoir. A third reservoir. The blood component separation device includes a first blocking member and a second blocking member in the blood reservoir. The first blocking member is configured to block communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit. The second blocking member is configured to block communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit.

In the blood component separation device of the present invention, the first blocking member that blocks communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir, and the second block that blocks communication between the second reservoir and the third reservoir. A member is provided in the blood reservoir. Therefore, unlike the conventional blood bag, communication between adjacent reservoirs can be blocked without deforming or crushing the blood reservoir at the boundary between adjacent reservoirs. This reduces the possibility that the blood components stored in the adjacent reservoirs will be mixed with each other when the communication between the adjacent reservoirs is blocked after centrifugation, thus improving the recovery efficiency of the white blood cell components. Is advantageous. In addition, since the inner diameter of the third reservoir can be set relatively large, it is advantageous for further improving the recovery efficiency of leukocyte components.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a blood component separation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the support member is separated from the blood reservoir. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir is blocked by the first blocking member. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, with the stopper removed from the state of FIG. FIG. 6 shows the implementation of the present invention in which the first blocking member blocks the communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir and the second blocking member blocks the communication between the second reservoir and the third reservoir. It is sectional drawing of the apparatus for blood component separation concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the flow of fluid when collecting the white blood cell component in the third reservoir in the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the flow of fluid when the inside of the third reservoir is washed with physiological saline in the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an apparatus for separating blood components according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first reservoir of the blood component separation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13: is an expanded sectional view of the 2nd interruption | blocking member of the apparatus for blood component separation concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention, and its peripheral part. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the blood component separation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir is blocked by the first blocking member. FIG. 15 shows the implementation of the present invention in which the communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit is blocked by the first blocking member and the communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit is blocked by the second blocking member. It is sectional drawing of the apparatus for blood component separation concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an apparatus for separating blood components according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second blocking member and its peripheral portion of the blood component separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the blood component separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention in which the first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit. FIG. 20 shows the implementation of the present invention in which the communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit is blocked by the first blocking member and the communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit is blocked by the second blocking member. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a blood component separation device according to form 3. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the blood component separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention in the state of FIG. FIG. 22 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the flow of fluid when the leukocyte component in the third reservoir is collected in the blood component separation device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23A is a cross-sectional view of a blood component separation device according to another embodiment of the present invention including two balloon-shaped blocking members communicating with each other. FIG. 23B shows blood according to another embodiment of the present invention in which communication between the third reservoir, the first reservoir 21, and the second reservoir 22 is blocked by the two balloon-shaped blocking members shown in FIG. 23A. It is sectional drawing of the apparatus for component separation. FIG. 24A is a cross-sectional view of a blood component separation device according to still another embodiment of the present invention, which includes two balloon-shaped blocking members that are independent of each other. FIG. 24B relates to still another embodiment of the present invention in which the communication between the third reservoir, the first reservoir 21, and the second reservoir 22 is blocked by the two balloon-shaped blocking members shown in FIG. 24A. It is sectional drawing of the apparatus for blood component separation. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a second blocking member having a structure similar to a lens shutter provided in a blood component separation device according to still another embodiment of the present invention and the vicinity thereof. 26A and 26B are perspective views of the second blocking member shown in FIG. 25, FIG. 26A shows its closed state, and FIG. 26B shows its open state. FIG. 27 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional blood bag used for separating blood components. FIG. 28 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing a conventional improved blood bag used for separating blood components.

In the blood component separation device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the first blocking member moves in the first reservoir and blocks communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir. Moreover, it is preferable that a said 2nd interruption | blocking member interrupts | blocks the communication with a said 2nd storage part and a said 3rd storage part by moving within the said 2nd storage part. According to this preferable embodiment, it is not necessary to substantially deform the first blocking member and the second blocking member themselves in order to block communication. Therefore, the liquid tightness when the communication between the adjacent reservoirs is blocked is improved. This is further advantageous for efficiently collecting leukocyte components.

In the above, it is preferable that the device includes a first rod that holds the first blocking member and is led out of the blood reservoir. In this case, it is preferable that the first blocking member can be moved by moving the first rod. According to this preferable form, the 1st interruption | blocking member can be easily moved from the blood storage tank outside, and the communication with a 1st storage part and a 3rd storage part can be interrupted | blocked.

In a state where the first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit. It is preferable that the 1st flow path which connects the inside of a 3rd storage part and the said blood storage tank outside is provided. According to such a preferred embodiment, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir can be collected via the first flow path.

In a state where the first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit. It is preferable that the 2nd flow path which connects the inside of a 3rd storage part and the said blood storage tank outside is further provided. According to such a preferred embodiment, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir can be collected smoothly while suppressing the pressure fluctuation in the third reservoir.

It is preferable that at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path is provided in the first rod. According to such a preferred embodiment, the number of parts constituting the device can be reduced and the configuration of the device can be simplified as compared with the case where the first flow path and the second flow path are provided outside the first rod. it can.

The first rod may have a double tube structure in which an inner tube is inserted into an outer tube. In this case, it is preferable that the first flow path is formed in the inner pipe, and the second flow path is formed between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. According to such a preferred embodiment, the first flow path and the second flow path independent from each other can be provided in the common first rod with a simple configuration.

It is preferable that the first blocking member can be disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion. According to such a preferred embodiment, the first blocking member can be stably held during centrifugation.

It is preferable that the device includes a second rod that holds the second blocking member and is led out of the blood reservoir. In this case, it is preferable that the second blocking member can be moved by moving the second rod. According to this preferable form, the 2nd interruption | blocking member can be easily moved from the blood storage tank outside, and the communication with a 2nd storage part and a 3rd storage part can be interrupted | blocked.

In order to prevent the second blocking member from moving in the blood reservoir and blocking communication between the second reservoir and the third reservoir during centrifugation, the device is configured to prevent the second blocking member from being blocked. It is preferable to further include a movement restricting mechanism for restricting the movement. According to such a preferable embodiment, the second blocking member can be stably held during centrifugation.

It is preferable that the movement restriction mechanism includes a removable stopper provided outside the blood storage tank. According to this preferable form, a stopper can be removed after centrifugation and a 2nd interruption | blocking member can be moved. Accordingly, the movement is restricted during centrifugation, and the second blocking member that can move after centrifugation can be realized with a simple configuration.

Alternatively, the movement restriction mechanism may include a stopper provided outside the blood storage tank and connected to the second rod. According to such a preferable configuration, it is possible to prevent the stopper from being lost. Even if the second rod is shortened, the second blocking member can be moved by operating the stopper.

In the blood component separation device according to the present invention, the first blocking member blocks communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir, and the second blocking member disconnects the second reservoir and the first reservoir. It is preferable to further include a pressure release mechanism for releasing the pressure in the third storage part when communication with the three storage part is blocked. According to such a preferable configuration, when the pressure in the third reservoir rises, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir leaks out to the outside through the first channel or the second channel, or the second blocking member Thus, it is possible to reduce the possibility that it is difficult to block communication between the third storage unit and the second storage unit.

It is preferable that the pressure release mechanism includes a through-hole provided in the second blocking member so as to communicate the second storage portion and the third storage portion. According to such a preferable configuration, the pressure release mechanism can be configured with a simple configuration.

In the above, the pressure release mechanism may further include a one-way valve provided in the through hole. In this case, the one-way valve allows a flow from the third reservoir to the second reservoir through the through hole, and passes from the second reservoir to the third through the through hole. It is preferable to prohibit the flow to the reservoir. According to such a preferable configuration, the pressure release mechanism can be configured with a simple configuration.

Alternatively, the pressure release mechanism may further include a tube having one end connected to the through hole. In this case, it is preferable that the other end of the tube is opened at a position above the blood surface in the blood reservoir. According to such a preferable configuration, a pressure release mechanism with improved operational reliability can be realized.

The first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit, and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit. When the white blood cell component in the third reservoir is sucked and collected, it is preferable that the pressure release mechanism constitute a flow path for allowing outside air to flow into the third reservoir. According to such a preferable configuration, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir can be smoothly collected while suppressing the pressure fluctuation in the third reservoir. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a flow path for allowing outside air to flow into the third reservoir separately from the pressure release mechanism, the number of parts constituting the blood component separation device can be reduced, and the structure can be simplified. Can be

The above-described blood component separation device of the present invention may further include a bellows structure provided in the blood reservoir and a bellows adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of expansion and contraction of the bellows structure. In this case, it is preferable that the volume of the blood reservoir can be adjusted by changing the expansion / contraction amount of the bellows structure using the bellows adjustment mechanism. According to such a preferable configuration, the volume of the blood reservoir can be adjusted by adjusting the expansion / contraction amount of the bellows structure according to the blood volume and hematocrit value of the blood to be centrifuged. Thereby, the position of the buffy coat after the centrifugation can always be made coincident with the third storage part regardless of the blood volume or hematocrit value of the blood to be centrifuged. As a result, the recovery rate of leukocyte components can be improved. Since the bellows structure is simple in structure, it is advantageous for reliability, durability, and cost reduction.

It is preferable that the bellows structure is provided in the first storage part in which red blood cell components are stored after centrifugation. According to such a preferable configuration, the position of the buffy coat after centrifugation can be easily matched with the third reservoir.

It is preferable that the blood reservoir is integrally formed as one part including the bellows structure. This reduces the possibility that blood pressurized by the centrifugal force during centrifugation will leak out of the blood reservoir. Moreover, since a blood reservoir can be manufactured easily, cost can be reduced.

The bellows adjustment mechanism may include a male screw and a female screw. In this case, it is preferable that the expansion / contraction amount of the bellows structure can be adjusted by adjusting the screwing depth between the male screw and the female screw. According to such a preferable configuration, the configuration of the bellows adjustment mechanism is simplified, which is advantageous in terms of reliability, durability, and cost reduction. Further, fine adjustment of the compression amount of the bellows structure and further fine adjustment of the volume of the blood reservoir are easy.

The blood component separation device of the present invention further includes a support member that prevents the third reservoir from being deformed during centrifugation, and a bottom cap that contacts at least a part of the bottom of the first reservoir. You may have. In this case, it is preferable that one of the support member and the bottom cap is provided with the male screw and the other is provided with the female screw. Accordingly, the bellows adjustment mechanism can be configured while suppressing an increase in the number of parts and a complicated structure.

The bottom cap or the support member may be provided with a scale serving as an index when adjusting the amount of expansion and contraction of the bellows structure. Thereby, the adjustment operation | work of the volume of the blood storage tank according to the blood can be performed easily and rapidly.

The first blocking member and the second blocking member may include an inflatable balloon. Alternatively, the first blocking member and the second blocking member may include a plurality of blades that can be opened and closed. According to this form, the structure for interrupting | blocking the communication between adjacent storage parts can be simplified.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail while showing preferred embodiments thereof. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. For convenience of explanation, the drawings referred to in the following description show only the main members necessary for explaining the present invention in a simplified manner among the members constituting the embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention can include any member not shown in the following drawings. Further, in the following drawings, the actual dimensions of members and the dimensional ratios of the members are not faithfully represented.

(Embodiment 1)
[Configuration of blood component separation device]
The configuration of the blood component separation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of a blood component separation device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “device 1”) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device 1 showing a state in which the pair of

support halves

91a and 91b are separated from the blood storage tank 20. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device 1 along the vertical direction. In FIG. 3, an alternate long and short dash line 1 a is the central axis of the device 1. For convenience of the following description, a direction parallel to the central axis 1a is referred to as “vertical direction”, and a direction parallel to a plane orthogonal to the central axis 1a is referred to as “horizontal direction”.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, the apparatus 1 includes a blood storage tank 20 for storing blood. The device 1 is used for centrifuging blood stored in the blood storage tank 20 into each blood component.

The blood reservoir 20 includes a first reservoir 21, a second reservoir 22, and a third reservoir 23 provided between the first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22. The third reservoir 23 communicates with the first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22 respectively. Therefore, the first storage unit 21 and the second storage unit 22 communicate with each other via the third storage unit 23. During centrifugation, each blood component can freely move from the first reservoir 21 through the third reservoir 23 to the second reservoir 22 or vice versa. The apparatus 1 is normally used with the central axis 1a in the vertical direction and the first reservoir 21 facing down.

Blood is injected into the blood storage tank 20 through an injection port 24 provided on the upper surface of the second storage unit 22. The device 1 that stores blood in the blood reservoir 20 is mounted on a centrifuge so that centrifugal force acts in the direction of arrow F in FIGS. After centrifugation, the red blood cell component is stored in the first storage unit 21, the plasma component is stored in the second storage unit 22, and the buffy coat (white blood cell layer) containing the white blood cell component and platelets is stored in the third storage unit 23. Thus, each volume of the 1st, 2nd, and

3rd storage parts

21, 22, and 23 is set up.

The first, second, and

third reservoirs

21, 22, and 23 each have a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape and are arranged coaxially. The first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22 have substantially the same inner diameter and substantially the same outer diameter.

The inner peripheral surface of the third storage part 23 is a smooth cylindrical surface having a substantially constant inner diameter in the direction of the central axis 1a. Since the 3rd storage part 23 which connects the 1st storage part 21 and the 2nd storage part 22 has such an internal peripheral surface, the blood component which moves the inside of the 3rd storage part 23 at the time of centrifugation is the 3rd storage part. It is hard to stay in 23. That is, during centrifugation, a blood cell component having a relatively large specific gravity such as red blood cells can easily move from the second reservoir 22 to the first reservoir 21 through the third reservoir 23, and plasma or the like. It is easy for a component having a relatively small specific gravity to move from the first reservoir 21 to the second reservoir 22 through the third reservoir 23. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface of the third reservoir 23 being a cylindrical surface having a constant inner diameter is advantageous for improving the recovery rate of the white blood cell component.

The inner diameter of the third reservoir 23 is smaller than the inner diameters of the first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22. Since the proportion of the white blood cell component in the blood is relatively small, the thickness (vertical dimension) of the white blood cell component layer (buffy coat) after centrifugation is relatively reduced by reducing the inner diameter of the third reservoir 23. Can be bigger. This is advantageous for efficiently collecting leukocyte components.

However, if the inner diameter of the third reservoir 23 is too small, blood cell components such as erythrocytes having a relatively large specific gravity pass through the third reservoir 23 to the first reservoir 21 during the centrifugation. It becomes difficult to move, and it becomes difficult for components having a relatively low specific gravity such as plasma to move from the first reservoir 21 to the second reservoir 22 through the third reservoir 23, As a result, it becomes difficult to form a leukocyte component layer in the third reservoir 23 after centrifugation. Therefore, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the third reservoir 23 (the minimum value of the inner diameter of the third reservoir 23 when the inner diameter of the third reservoir 23 is not constant in the vertical direction) is 20 mm or more.

The inner surface (bottom surface) of the lower side wall (the wall on the third storage unit 23 side) 22a of the second storage unit 22 is inclined so as to descend (approach the third storage unit 23) as it approaches the central axis 1a. (In other words, it has a conical surface shape or a tapered surface shape). The inclination of the inner surface of the lower wall 22a means that blood cell components having a relatively high specific gravity such as red blood cells in the second reservoir 22 pass through the third reservoir 23 to the first reservoir 21 during centrifugation. Make it easy to move.

Similarly, the inner surface (upper surface) of the upper side wall (the wall on the third storage unit 23 side) 21a of the first storage unit 21 is inclined so as to rise (approach the third storage unit 23) as it approaches the central axis 1a. It is preferable to have a funnel shape (that is, a conical surface shape or a tapered surface shape). The fact that the inner surface of the upper wall 21a is inclined means that components having a relatively low specific gravity such as plasma in the first reservoir 21 pass through the third reservoir 23 and move to the second reservoir 22 during centrifugation. Make it easy to do.

In the cross section along the plane including the central axis 1a, the inclination angle with respect to the plane along the horizontal direction of the inner surface of the lower wall 22a of the second reservoir 22 and the horizontal direction of the inner surface of the upper wall 21a of the first reservoir 21 The inclination angle with respect to the surface along the axis is not particularly limited, but is preferably 10 to 45 degrees, more preferably 15 to 30 degrees, and can be set to 20 degrees as an example. When the inclination angle is larger than this numerical range, the volumes of the first and

second storage units

21 and 22 become small. If the inclination angle is smaller than this numerical range, red blood cells, white blood cells, etc. remain in the second reservoir 22 after centrifugation, or white blood cells, plasma components remain in the first reservoir 21, etc. The recovery rate decreases. The inner surface of the lower wall 22a of the second reservoir 22 and the inner surface of the upper wall 21a of the first reservoir 21 do not have to be exact conical surfaces. For example, the inclination angle of the inner surface of the lower wall 22a and the inner surface of the upper wall 21a May be an inclined surface that varies depending on the distance along the horizontal direction from the central axis 1a.

A columnar knob 25 protrudes upward at the center of the upper surface of the second reservoir 22. The knob 25 can be used as a handle when the device 1 is grasped and moved by hand. A ventilation filter 26 is provided on the side surface of the knob 25. The ventilation filter 26 is a filter having a property that gas is allowed to pass therethrough but liquid is not allowed to pass therethrough, and bacteria and the like are not allowed to pass therethrough. The blood reservoir 20 communicates with the outside through the ventilation filter 26. When blood is injected into the empty blood storage tank 20 through the injection port 24, the air originally present in the blood storage tank 20 is discharged out of the blood storage tank 20 through the ventilation filter 26. As a result, an excessive increase in the pressure in the blood reservoir 20 is reduced, and a desired amount of blood is injected into the blood reservoir 20 without reducing the blood injection rate into the blood reservoir 20. It becomes possible. In the present embodiment, the ventilation filter 26 is provided on the side surface of the knob 25, but the ventilation filter 26 may be provided at a position other than the knob 25. However, once the ventilation filter 26 comes into contact with blood and gets wet, the air permeability of the ventilation filter 26 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the ventilation filter 26 at a location where the possibility of touching the blood is low in the second reservoir 22.

In this embodiment, the knob 25 has a substantially cylindrical shape, but may have any other shape. For example, it may have an inverted “U” shape so that a finger can be inserted. Further, the inside of the knob 25 may not be hollow.

The material of the blood reservoir 20 including the first, second, and

third reservoirs

21, 22, and 23 is mechanical to such an extent that the shape does not change (that is, has shape retainability) in a state where blood is stored. It is preferable to have strength, and further, it is preferable to have relatively high rigidity so that deformation can be suppressed to be small even by centrifugal force acting on blood during centrifugation. Moreover, it is preferable to have transparency so that the blood stored in the inside can be visually recognized from the outside. Such a material is not particularly limited. For example, polycarbonate, polyethylene, PP (polypropylene), polyester, polymethylpentene, methacryl, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), PET resin (polyethylene terephthalate). ) And PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

The manufacturing method of the blood reservoir 20 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the blood reservoir 20 is created by combining a plurality of separately molded members in a liquid-tight manner in the direction of the central axis 1a. If necessary, an O-ring can be interposed at the joint between adjacent members. However, it is also possible to create the blood reservoir 20 by other methods. For example, all or most of the blood reservoir 20 can be integrally formed by an inflation method or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, a disc-shaped first blocking member 31 is provided in the first storage portion 21. A first O-ring 51 is mounted on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the first blocking member 31. The first blocking member 31 is held at the lower end of the hollow cylindrical first rod 41. The first rod 41 extends upward along the central axis 1a and penetrates the upper surface of the second reservoir 22 (knob 25). The cylindrical outer peripheral wall of the first rod 41 is formed with a first hole 41a that communicates the inside and the outside of the first rod 41 and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of second holes 41b. The first hole 41a is provided in the vicinity of the first blocking member 31 and slightly above it. When the first blocking member 31 is disposed at a position where the communication between the first storage portion 21 and the third storage portion 23 is blocked (see FIGS. 6 and 7 described later), the second hole 41b is the third storage portion 23. It is provided so that it may be located in the upper end vicinity.

A flexible tube 43 having a hollow cylindrical shape is inserted into the first rod 41. The lower end of the tube 43 is led out of the first rod 41 through a first hole 41 a formed in the first rod 41. The tube 43 led out from the first rod 41 is curved downward, and the opening at the lower end thereof is located in the vicinity of the upper surface of the first blocking member 31.

The upper end of the tube 43 is led out from the opening at the upper end of the first rod 41. Although not shown, a connector (female connector) that can be connected to the mouth (male luer) of the syringe is provided at the upper end of the tube 43.

The outer diameter of the tube 43 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first rod 41. Therefore, a slight gap is formed between the first rod 41 and the tube 43 in the first rod 41.

A disk-shaped second blocking member 32 is provided in the second reservoir 22. A second O-ring 52 is attached to the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the second blocking member 32. The second blocking member 32 is held at the lower ends of the two second rods 42. The second rod 42 is disposed at a symmetric position with respect to the first rod 41, extends upward in parallel with the first rod 41, and penetrates the upper surface of the second reservoir 22 (knob 25). The upper end of the 2nd rod 42 is being fixed to the operation piece 45 distribute | arranged above the upper surface of the 2nd storage part 22 (knob 25).

The first rod 41 passes through the second blocking member 32 and the operation piece 45. In order to provide a fluid-tight seal between the outer peripheral wall of the first rod 41 and the second blocking member 32, the third O-ring 53 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole through which the first rod 41 of the second blocking member 32 passes. It is installed.

The material of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 is preferably a hard material that can be regarded as a substantially rigid body so that the O-

rings

51, 52, and 53 can form a liquid-tight seal. . The material of the second blocking member 32 is preferably a material having a small specific gravity in order to avoid a large centrifugal force from acting during centrifugation, and has a specific gravity lower than the specific gravity of plasma (about 1.027). It is preferable. From such a viewpoint, as the material of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32, for example, a resin material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA) can be used. . In addition, in order to suppress adhesion of red blood cells to the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32, an inclined surface such as a conical surface is provided on the upper surface of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32, or coating is performed. Is preferable.

On the other hand, as the O-

rings

51, 52, and 53, a general-purpose O-ring capable of forming a liquid-tight seal can be used. The material is not particularly limited, but a material having rubber elasticity (also called an elastomer) such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, silicone rubber and the like, and thermoplastic elastomers such as styrene elastomer, olefin elastomer and polyurethane elastomer. ) Can be used.

By operating the first rod 41 protruding out of the blood storage tank 20, the first blocking member 31 and the first rod 41 can be moved up and down integrally. Further, by operating the operation piece 45 attached to the upper end of the second rod 42, the second blocking member 32, the second rod 42, and the operation piece 45 can be integrally moved up and down. The up-and-down movement of the integrated object including the first blocking member 31 and the up-and-down movement of the integrated object including the second blocking member 32 can be performed independently of each other.

A stopper 47 is inserted between the upper surface of the second reservoir 22 (knob 25) and the operation piece 45. The stopper 47 is formed with three notches 47n extending in the vertical direction (see FIG. 5 described later). The first rod 41 and the two second rods 42 are inserted into the three notches 47n. The stopper 47 regulates the downward movement of the integrated object composed of the second blocking member 32, the second rod 42, and the operation piece 45. The stopper 47 can be freely inserted and removed between the upper surface of the second reservoir 22 and the operation piece 45 by moving in the horizontal direction along the notch 47n.

In FIG. 3, the lower surface of the first blocking member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion 21. Further, the second blocking member 32 floats in the second reservoir 22 without contacting the inner peripheral surface of the second reservoir 22. The positions of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 in FIG. 3 are referred to as “initial positions” in the present invention.

A support member 90 is attached to the blood reservoir 20. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the support member 90 is configured by

support halves

91 a and 91 b each having a semi-cylindrical shape. The support halves 91a and 91b are mounted on the blood reservoir 20 between the first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22 so as to face the third reservoir 23. The support half 91a and the support half 91b are coupled to each other using a fastening member (not shown) such as a screw. The first support portion 90 a at the lower end of the support halves 91 a and 91 b contacts the first storage portion 21, and the second support portion 90 b at the upper end contacts the second storage portion 22. As shown in FIG. 1, when the support member 90 is attached to the blood storage tank 20, the outer peripheral surface of the support member 90 is substantially the same cylinder as the outer peripheral surfaces of the first storage unit 21 and the second storage unit 22. Form a surface.

The support member 90 prevents the blood reservoir 20 (particularly the third reservoir 23) from being bent or buckled due to centrifugal force acting on the blood in the blood reservoir 20 during centrifugation. Therefore, it is preferable that the support member 90 has a high mechanical strength that can be regarded as a substantially rigid body. Further, the support member 90 is transparent so that the blood in the third reservoir 23 can be seen through the support member 90 in a state where the support member 90 is mounted on the blood storage tank 20 (see FIG. 1). It is preferable to have. From such a viewpoint, examples of the material of the support member 90 include resin materials such as polycarbonate, polypropylene, hard polyvinyl chloride, polyoxymethylene, and polyetheretherketone.

[Blood component separation method]
A method of centrifuging collected blood into each blood component using the apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.

First, the device 1 in which the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 are in the initial positions shown in FIG. 3 is prepared. Blood is injected into the blood reservoir 20 of the device 1 through the injection port 24. As the blood flows into the blood reservoir 20, the air in the blood reservoir 20 flows out of the blood reservoir 20 through the ventilation filter 26.

The blood to be centrifuged (bone marrow fluid) can be collected by a well-known method. For example, a syringe previously wetted with heparin is punctured into dozens of bone marrows, and a predetermined amount (eg, about 100 ml to 400 ml) of bone marrow fluid is collected.

After injecting blood into the blood reservoir 20, the injection port 24 is closed.

Next, the device 1 filled with blood is centrifuged and centrifuged. The centrifugal force acts in the direction of arrow F in FIGS. 1 and 3 in parallel with the central axis 1a. The lower surface of the first blocking member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion 21. Further, a stopper 47 is inserted between the upper surface of the second storage part 22 and the operation piece 45. Therefore, even if the centrifugal force F acts upon centrifugation, the vertical position of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 does not change from the initial position.

After centrifugation, remove the device 1 from the centrifuge. After confirming that the buffy coat is gathered in the third reservoir 23, first, the upper end of the first rod 41 is grasped and the first rod 41 is pulled upward. At this time, in order to prevent the second blocking member 32 from being lifted together with the rising first rod 41, the operation piece 45 is suppressed downward with a hand different from the hand that has gripped the first rod 41 as necessary. May be. By pulling up the first rod 41, the first blocking member 31 attached to the lower end of the first rod 41 moves upward in the first reservoir 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the first O-ring 51 attached to the first blocking member 31 is fitted into the lower opening of the third reservoir 23. Thus, the opening on the first reservoir 21 side of the third reservoir 23 is closed by the first blocking member 31. As a result, the communication between the first storage unit 21 and the third storage unit 23 is liquid-tightly blocked by the first blocking member 31.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the stopper 47 is removed between the upper surface of the second reservoir 22 and the operation piece 45. Subsequently, the operation piece 45 is pushed downward. At this time, the upper end of the first rod 41 is pulled upward with a hand different from the hand that pushes down the operating piece 45 as necessary so that the first blocking member 31 does not descend together with the operating piece 45 that is lowered. May be. By pushing down the operation piece 45, the second blocking member 32 attached to the lower end of the second rod 42 moves downward in the second reservoir 22. As shown in FIG. 6, the second O-ring 52 attached to the second blocking member 32 is fitted into the upper opening of the third storage portion 23. Thus, the opening on the second reservoir 22 side of the third reservoir 23 is closed with the second blocking member 32. As a result, the communication between the second storage part 22 and the third storage part 23 is liquid-tightly blocked by the second blocking member 32.

Thus, the first storage unit 21 storing the red blood cell component, the third storage unit 23 storing the white blood cell component, and the second storage unit 22 storing the plasma component are separated from each other in a liquid-tight manner. . The lower end of the tube 43 led out from the first hole 41 a of the first rod 41 and the second hole 41 b of the first rod 41 are open in the third reservoir 23.

Next, connect the empty syringe mouth (male luer) to the connector (not shown) at the upper end of the tube 43, and pull the plunger of the syringe. As a result, the leukocyte component in the third reservoir 23 is sucked and collected into the syringe via the flow path (first flow path) 61 in the tube 43 as indicated by an arrow 65 in FIG. As the leukocyte component moves from the third reservoir 23 to the syringe, external air is provided in the gap between the first rod 41 and the tube 43 and in the first rod 41 as indicated by an arrow 66. Then, it flows into the third reservoir 23 through a flow path (second flow path) 62 that connects the second holes 41b in order. Accordingly, the inside of the third reservoir 23 does not become excessively negative pressure, and the white blood cell component can be easily recovered.

Furthermore, the third reservoir 23 and the inside of the tube 43 may be washed with physiological saline, and the leukocyte component remaining inside these may be further recovered. This can be done as follows. The syringe from which the white blood cell component has been collected is removed from the connector at the upper end of the tube 43, and instead of this, a syringe filled with physiological saline is connected to the connector. Then, physiological saline is injected from the syringe into the third reservoir 23 via the first flow path 61 in the tube 43 as indicated by an arrow 67 in FIG. At this time, the air that already exists in the third reservoir 23 passes through the second hole 41 b provided in the first rod 41 and the gap between the first rod 41 and the tube 43 as indicated by an arrow 68. It flows out of the 3rd storage part 23 through the 2nd flow path 62 connected in order. The physiological saline injected into the third reservoir 23 can also be recovered by a suction operation of a syringe attached to the upper end of the tube 43, as in the recovery of the white blood cell component described above. The collected physiological saline contains a white blood cell component. The collected physiological saline may be centrifuged to perform a known process such as removal of heparin or concentration of leukocyte components.

[Action]
As described above, in the device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first blocking member 31 is provided in the first storage part 21, and the second blocking member 32 is provided in the second storage part 22. After the centrifugal separation, the first blocking member 31 can be moved to block the boundary portion between the first storage unit 21 and the third storage unit 23 with the first blocking member 31, and the second blocking member 32 can be moved. Thus, the boundary portion between the second storage portion 22 and the third storage portion 23 can be closed with the second blocking member 32. Therefore, even if the blood storage tank 20 is made of a hard material and has a shape retaining property that does not substantially deform, the blood storage tank 20 is obtained after centrifuging blood into three components of a red blood cell component, a plasma component, and a white blood cell component. The inside can be divided into three parts in a liquid-tight manner. Therefore, leukocyte components can be efficiently collected.

Moreover, in order to block the boundary part between the first storage part 21 and the third storage part 23 and the boundary part between the second storage part 22 and the third storage part 23, the blood storage tank 20 is deformed or pushed at the boundary part. There is no need to crush. Therefore, it is possible to set the inner diameter of the third storage portion 23 to be relatively large. This facilitates the passage of each component through the third reservoir 23 during centrifugation, so that blood is easily centrifuged into three components. This is advantageous for efficiently collecting leukocyte components. Further, the large inner diameter of the third reservoir 23 is advantageous for improving the strength of the blood reservoir 20.

The first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 are moved in the blood storage tank 20 in order to block both ends of the third storage unit 23. In this method, since it is not necessary to substantially deform the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 themselves, the first blocking member and the second blocking member are inflated to close both ends of the third storage portion, which will be described later. Compared to the form (see FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B), the liquid tightness when both ends of the third reservoir 23 are closed is improved. This is advantageous for efficiently collecting leukocyte components.

In order to close the upper and lower openings of the third reservoir 23 with the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32, the first rod 41 and the second rod 42 led out upward from the blood reservoir 20 are operated. . Thereby, the 1st cutoff member 31 and the 2nd cutoff member 32 can be easily moved from the blood storage tank 20 outside. Furthermore, operation of the 1st rod 41 and the 2nd rod 42 is performed by moving the 1st rod 41 and the 2nd rod 42 to the longitudinal direction. This reduces the possibility that the first rod 41 and the second rod 42 are bent and deformed when the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 are moved. Therefore, the end of the first reservoir 41 and the second rod 42 can be operated from outside the blood reservoir 20 to reliably close the end of the third reservoir 23 in a liquid-tight manner.

The tube 43 is inserted into the first rod 41 that holds the first blocking member 31 to form a double tube structure, the first flow path 61 is formed in the tube 43 that is the inner tube, and the tube 43 (inner tube) A second flow path 62 is formed between the first rod 41, which is an outer tube. Since the two

flow paths

61 and 62 for communicating the third reservoir 23 sealed at both ends with the outside of the blood reservoir 20 are formed, the third reservoir is suppressed while suppressing the pressure fluctuation in the third reservoir 23. The leukocyte component in the unit 23 can be collected smoothly. In addition, since the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 are formed in the first rod 41 that holds the first blocking member 31, the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 are outside the first rod 41. As compared with the case of forming, the number of parts constituting the device 1 can be reduced, and the configuration of the device 1 can be simplified.

The blood reservoir 20 is made of a material having shape retention. Therefore, after centrifugation, there is a low possibility that the blood reservoir 20 is deformed by external force or the like and the red blood cell component, plasma component, and white blood cell component are mixed with each other. Further, the liquid tightness is improved when both ends of the third reservoir 23 are closed by the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 to seal the third reservoir 23. As a result, leukocyte components can be efficiently collected. In addition, the fact that the blood reservoir 20 has shape retention is advantageous for improving the handleability of the blood reservoir 20.

(Embodiment 2)
A blood component separation device 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as “device 2”) according to the second embodiment of the present invention differs from the device 1 of the first embodiment mainly in the following two points. First, the device 2 includes a volume adjustment mechanism for adjusting the volume of the blood reservoir 20. Secondly, the device 2 includes a pressure release mechanism for preventing the inside of the third reservoir 23 from becoming a positive pressure when the openings at both ends of the third reservoir 23 are closed. Below, the apparatus 2 of this Embodiment 2 is demonstrated centering around difference with the apparatus 1 of Embodiment 1. FIG.

[Configuration of blood component separation device]
A configuration of the apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings shown below, among the members constituting the device 2 of the second embodiment, the same or corresponding members as those of the device 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof are given. Is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device 2. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the device 2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional perspective view along the vertical direction surface of the device 2. In FIG. 11, the alternate long and short dash line 1 a is the central axis of the device 2.

As in the first embodiment, the blood reservoir 20 includes a first reservoir 21, a second reservoir 22, and a third reservoir 23 provided between the first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22. With. The third storage unit 23 communicates with the first storage unit 21 and the second storage unit 22. The blood reservoir 20 has an opening 27 facing upward at the upper end thereof. The opening 27 has a hollow cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the central axis 1 a, and has an outer diameter and an inner diameter smaller than those of the second storage portion 22.

The 1st storage part 21 has a hollow substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. A bellows structure 28 that can be extended and / or compressed in the vertical direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first storage portion 21. The bellows structure 28 is formed by periodically bending the outer peripheral wall of the first reservoir 21 in a zigzag shape. By expanding and contracting the bellows structure 28 in the vertical direction, the volume of the first reservoir 21 and the volume of the blood reservoir 20 can be increased or decreased. The outer diameter of the first reservoir 21 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second reservoir 22.

In the present embodiment, the entire blood storage tank 20 is integrally formed as one part. Compared to the blood reservoir 20 of the first embodiment in which a plurality of separately created parts are joined, the blood reservoir 20 has no seam, so that the blood pressurized by the centrifugal force during centrifugation is outside the blood reservoir 20. The possibility of leaking out is reduced. Moreover, manufacture of the blood storage tank 20 becomes easy and cost can be reduced. There is no restriction | limiting in the manufacturing method of such a blood storage tank 20, For example, the blow molding method using a resin material can be employ | adopted. The resin material that can be used is not limited from the viewpoint of imparting flexibility that allows the bellows structure 28 to expand and contract. For example, hard vinyl chloride, LDPE (low density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), Resin materials such as EVA (ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer resin) can be used.

Of course, the blood reservoir 20 can also be manufactured by combining a plurality of separately created members in a liquid-tight manner. If necessary, an O-ring can be interposed at the joint between adjacent members. In this case, the bellows structure 28 (or the first reservoir 21 including the bellows structure 28) is preferably made using the above-described relatively soft material. Other portions of the blood reservoir 20 are made of relatively hard materials such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polyester, polymethylpentene, methacryl, ABS resin (acrylonitrile / butadiene / styrene copolymer), PET resin (polyethylene terephthalate). ) And a resin material such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride).

As in the first embodiment, the support member 90 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the blood reservoir 20. The support member 90 includes

support halves

91a and 91b. However, the shape of the support member 90 is slightly different from that of the first embodiment. The support member 90 of the second embodiment has an inner peripheral surface that is substantially along the outer peripheral surface of the blood reservoir 20 and covers the blood reservoir 20 from the opening 27 at the upper end of the blood reservoir 20 to the bellows structure 28. The support half 91a and the support half 91b are integrated by attaching a top cap 250 and a bottom cap 80 on the top and bottom thereof (details will be described later).

The support member 90 has a constriction along the constriction of the third storage portion 23, and eight ribs 90c extend radially from the constriction. The rib 90c connects the first support part 90a and the second support part 90b, and prevents the support member 90 from being bent or buckled by a centrifugal force during centrifugation. The first support part 90 a abuts on the upper side wall 21 a of the first storage part 21, and the second support part 90 b abuts on the lower side wall 22 a of the second storage part 22.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first storage unit 21. The support member 90 includes a skirt portion 92 at the lower end thereof. The skirt portion 92 has a cylindrical shape and surrounds the bellows structure 28 of the first storage portion 21. A male screw 93 and a groove 94 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the skirt portion 92. The groove 94 is an annular groove that is arranged adjacent to the lower side of the male screw 93 and is continuous in the circumferential direction. An O-ring 97 is fitted in the groove 94. An annular rib 95 continuous in the circumferential direction protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the skirt portion 92 toward the central axis 1a. The rib 95 is fitted in the uppermost concave portion of the concave and convex portions formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bellows structure 28.

The support member 90 is attached to the blood reservoir 20, and then the O-ring 97 is attached to the groove 94 of the support member 90. Thereafter, the bottom cap 80 is attached to the blood reservoir 20 from below. The bottom cap 80 has a bottomed cylindrical shape (see FIG. 10). A female screw 83 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion of the bottom cap 80. The female screw 83 is screwed with the male screw 93 of the support member 90.

The first support portion 90 a of the support member 90 is in contact with the upper side wall 21 a of the first storage portion 21. Further, the rib 95 of the skirt portion 92 of the support member 90 is fitted into the uppermost concave portion of the bellows structure 28. As a result, the upper side wall 21a of the first reservoir 21 is gripped in the vertical direction by the support member 90. The bottom portion 80b of the bottom cap 80 covers and contacts the bottom portion 21b of the first storage portion 21. Therefore, as the bottom cap 80 is rotated with respect to the support member 90 and the male screw 93 is screwed into the female screw 83, the bellows structure 28 of the first storage portion 21 is supported by the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80. Compression deformation in the vertical direction. When the bellows structure 28 is compressed and deformed, the volume of the first reservoir 21 is reduced and the volume of the blood reservoir 20 is reduced. Thus, by adjusting the screwing depth of the male screw 93 with respect to the female screw 83, the amount of compressive deformation of the bellows structure 28 can be adjusted, and consequently the volume of the blood reservoir 20 can be adjusted. The male screw 93 of the support member 90 and the female screw 83 of the bottom cap 80 constitute a bellows adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of expansion and contraction of the bellows structure 28. The bottom cap 80 or the support member 90 may be provided with a scale indicating the rotational position of the bottom cap 80 or the screwing depth between the male screw 93 and the female screw 83.

The O-ring 97 held in the groove 94 of the skirt 92 contacts the female screw 83 of the bottom cap 80 and is compressed in the radial direction by the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80. The O-ring 97 increases the frictional force between the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80, and prevents the relative position between the male screw 93 and the female screw 83 from being changed by centrifugal force or vibration during centrifugation. To do. As a result, the amount of compressive deformation of the bellows structure 28 is kept constant, and the volume of the blood reservoir 20 is prevented from changing unintentionally.

The bottom cap 80, like the support member 90, preferably has high mechanical strength and transparency that can be regarded as a substantially rigid body. From this point of view, the same material as the support member 90 described in the first embodiment can be used as the material of the bottom cap 80.

The material of the O-ring 97 is not particularly limited, but is a material having rubber elasticity such as rubber such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber and silicone rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer such as styrene elastomer, olefin elastomer and polyurethane elastomer ( (Also called elastomers) can be used. Further, instead of using the O-ring 97, the material may be embedded in the support member 90 or the bottom cap 80 by two-color molding to increase the frictional force between the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80.

When the bottom cap 80 has transparency, the O-ring 97 attached to the skirt portion 92 can be seen through the bottom cap 80. Therefore, a plurality of scales 98 for aligning the O-ring 97 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the bottom cap 80 (see FIG. 11). Each scale 98 may be accompanied by a blood hematocrit value (not shown). The vertical position of each scale 98 with the hematocrit value added is set so that the buffy coat matches the third reservoir 23 when the blood having the hematocrit value is centrifuged. Prior to centrifugation, the hematocrit value of blood is obtained, and the bottom cap 80 is rotated so that the O-ring 97 coincides with the scale 98 corresponding to the hematocrit value to adjust the amount of compressive deformation of the bellows structure 28. Thereby, the adjustment operation | work of the volume of the blood storage tank 20 according to the blood can be performed easily and rapidly. The compression deformation amount of the bellows structure 28 may be adjusted by seeing through the bottom cap 80 the positions on the support member 90 (particularly the skirt portion 92) other than the O-ring 97.

As shown in FIG. 11, a disc-shaped first blocking member 31 is provided in the first storage portion 21. A first O-ring 51 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the first blocking member 31. The first blocking member 31 is held at the lower end of the hollow cylindrical first rod 41. The first rod 41 extends upward to the outside of the blood reservoir 20 along the central axis 1a. The cylindrical outer peripheral wall of the first rod 41 is formed with a first hole 41a that communicates the inside and the outside of the first rod 41 and a plurality (two in this embodiment) of second holes 41b.

A flexible tube 43 having a hollow cylindrical shape is inserted into the first rod 41. The lower end of the tube 43 is led out of the first rod 41 through a first hole 41 a formed in the first rod 41. The lower end of the tube 43 is open near the upper surface of the first blocking member 31.

A disk-shaped second blocking member 32 is provided in the second reservoir 22. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second blocking member 32 and its peripheral portion. A second O-ring 52 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second blocking member 32. The second blocking member 32 is held at the lower end of the second rod (slider) 242. The second rod 242 has a hollow cylindrical shape and is disposed coaxially with the central axis 1a.

A through hole 32 h that penetrates the second blocking member 32 in the vertical direction is formed at a position off the center of the second blocking member 32. A one-way valve 235 is provided in the through hole 32h. The one-way valve 235 allows the liquid (blood) to flow upward through the through hole 32h, but prohibits the liquid (blood) from flowing downward through the through hole 32h. In the present embodiment, as the one-way valve 235, an umbrella valve made of a rubber-like elastic material (so-called elastomer) and having a substantially mushroom shape is used. However, the one-way valve 235 may be of any type as long as it has the above function. For example, a duckbill valve can be used.

The first rod 41 passes through the second blocking member 32 and the second rod 242. The third O-ring 53 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the through hole through which the first rod 41 of the second blocking member 32 passes. The third O-ring 53 provides a liquid-tight seal between the outer peripheral surface of the first rod 41 and the second blocking member 32. Further, a fourth O-ring 54 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the second rod 242 at a position near the upper end thereof. The fourth O-ring 54 seals between the outer peripheral surface of the first rod 41 and the second rod 242.

The second rod 242 is inserted into a guide cylinder 270 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The upper end of the guide tube 270 is held by a top plate 255 having a substantially disc shape. On the top plate 255, four ports 256a to 256d (

ports

256b and 256c are not visible in FIG. 13) are formed. The ports 256a to 256d are through holes that allow the inside and outside of the blood reservoir 20 to communicate with each other. The number of ports is not limited to four and may be more or less.

The second rod 242 includes an operation piece 245 extending upward from a portion having a hollow cylindrical shape. The operation piece 245 protrudes above the top plate 255. Similar to the operation piece 45 of the first embodiment, by operating the operation piece 245, the second rod 242 and the second blocking member 32 can be integrally moved up and down. These vertical movements can be performed independently of the vertical movement of the first blocking member 31 and the first rod 41.

In order to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the second rod 242 and the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 270, a fifth O-ring 55 and a sixth O-ring 56 are provided. The fifth O-ring 55 is mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 270 and in the vicinity of the lower end thereof. The sixth O-ring 56 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the second rod 242 and in the vicinity of the upper end thereof.

A sealed space 273 sealed with the fifth O-ring 55 and the sixth O-ring 56 is formed between the second rod 242 and the guide cylinder 270. The lower end of the air tube 272 is connected to the guide tube 270 at a position near the lower end of the sealed space 273. The upper end of the air pipe 272 is connected to a port 256 d formed on the top plate 255. Therefore, the sealed space 273 is communicated with the outside of the blood storage tank 20 through the air pipe 272 and the port 256d. Thereby, it becomes easy to move the second rod 242 in the vertical direction with respect to the guide tube 270 without changing the atmospheric pressure in the sealed space 273.

As the O-

rings

54, 55, and 56, general-purpose O-rings can be used similarly to the O-

rings

51, 52, and 53 described in the first embodiment. The same material as the O-

rings

51, 52, 53 can be used.

The outer peripheral surface of the second rod 242 is sterilized when the apparatus 2 is assembled. The O-

rings

55 and 56 maintain their sterilized state. Therefore, when the second rod 242 is pushed down to close the opening on the upper side of the third reservoir 23 with the second blocking member 32 (see FIG. 15 described later), the possibility that bacteria are mixed into the blood can be reduced.

A stopper 247 (see FIG. 10) having a substantially U-shape is detachably locked to the second rod 242 in the horizontal direction. When the second rod 242 is raised so that the second blocking member 32 floats in the second storage portion 22 (see FIGS. 11 and 13), the stopper 247 is inserted into the groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second rod 242. Can be locked. In a state where the stopper 247 is locked to the second rod 242, the lower surface of the stopper 247 comes into contact with the upper end of the guide tube 270 or the upper surface of the top plate 255, so the second rod 242 cannot be lowered. In the present invention, this state is referred to as a “locked state” by the stopper 247.

The support member 90 surrounds the cylindrical opening 27 of the blood reservoir 20. A male screw 96 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the support member 90 surrounding the opening 27. The female screw 252 of the top cap 250 is screwed into the male screw 96. An annular seal member 253 is interposed between the top cap 250 and the edge of the opening 27 of the blood reservoir 20. A top plate 255 is fitted into the central opening of the top cap 250. Thus, the opening 27 of the blood reservoir 20 is sealed. In the present embodiment, the male screw 96 is formed on the support member 90, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the male screw 96 may be formed in the blood reservoir 20. Similar to the knob 25 of the first embodiment, the top cap 250 can be used as a handle when the device 2 is gripped and moved.

The port 256a formed in the top plate 255 is provided with a ventilation filter 226 that functions in the same manner as the ventilation filter 26 of the first embodiment. The

ports

256b and 256c can be used as blood injection ports for injecting blood into the blood reservoir 20. For example, one end of a flexible tube may be connected to the blood injection port. In this case, a known female connector may be provided at the other end of the tube.

In FIG. 11, the lower surface of the first blocking member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion 21. Further, the second blocking member 32 floats in the second reservoir 22 without contacting the inner peripheral surface of the second reservoir 22. The positions in FIG. 11 of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 are referred to as “initial position”.

[Blood component separation method]
A method of centrifuging collected blood into each blood component using the apparatus 2 configured as described above will be described.

First, collect blood (bone marrow fluid) to be centrifuged.

Next, the blood volume and hematocrit value of the collected blood are measured. The amount of erythrocyte component and plasma volume are calculated from the blood volume and hematocrit value.

The empty device 2 in which the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 are in the initial positions shown in FIG. 11 is prepared. The bottom cap 80 is rotated to adjust the amount of compressive deformation of the bellows structure 28. The amount of compressive deformation is determined so that the buffy coat after centrifugation is formed in the third reservoir 23 of the blood reservoir 20 based on the amount of red blood cell components and the amount of plasma determined previously. When the bottom cap 80 is provided with a plurality of scales 98 corresponding to the hematocrit value of blood, the bottom cap is set so that the O-ring 97 coincides with the position of the scale 98 corresponding to the measured hematocrit value of blood. Rotate 80. In this case, the calculation of the amount of erythrocyte component and the amount of plasma described above is unnecessary.

Next, the collected blood is injected into the blood storage tank 20 through

blood injection ports

256 b and 256 c provided on the top plate 255. Thereafter, the

blood injection ports

256b and 256c are sealed in a liquid-tight manner.

Next, the device 2 filled with blood is centrifuged and centrifuged. The centrifugal force acts in the direction of arrow F in FIGS. 9 and 11 in parallel with the central axis 1a. The lower surface of the first blocking member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion 21. A stopper 247 is locked to the second rod 242. Therefore, even if the centrifugal force F acts upon centrifugation, the vertical position of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 does not change from the initial position.

After centrifugation, remove the device 2 from the centrifuge. It is confirmed that the buffy coat is formed in the third storage part 23. If necessary, the bottom cap 80 may be rotated to finely adjust the vertical position of the buffy coat.

Next, the upper end of the first rod 41 is grasped, and the first rod 41 is pulled upward. Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the first blocking member 31 is fitted into the lower opening of the third reservoir 23. The opening of the third reservoir 23 on the first reservoir 21 side is closed by the first blocking member 31. As a result, the communication between the first storage unit 21 and the third storage unit 23 is liquid-tightly blocked by the first blocking member 31. The second blocking member 32 remains at the initial position (see FIG. 11).

Next, the stopper 247 is removed from the second rod 242 (see FIG. 10). Subsequently, the operation piece 245 is pushed downward. As the second rod 242 descends, the volume of the sealed space 273 decreases. The air existing in the sealed space 273 is discharged out of the device 2 through the air pipe 272 and the port 256d. Therefore, the pressure in the sealed space 273 does not increase, and the operation of lowering the second rod 242 is easy.

The operation piece 245 is operated, and the second blocking member 32 is inserted into the upper opening of the third reservoir 23 as shown in FIG. The opening of the third reservoir 23 on the second reservoir 22 side is closed by the second blocking member 32. As a result, the communication between the second storage part 22 and the third storage part 23 is liquid-tightly blocked by the second blocking member 32. The first blocking member 31 is not displaced from the position of FIG.

Thereafter, in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 is sucked and collected through the flow path (first flow path) 61 in the tube 43. At the same time, the outside air passes through the flow path (second flow path) 62 that sequentially connects the gap between the first rod 41 and the tube 43 and the second hole 41b provided in the first rod 41. Into the third reservoir 23.

Furthermore, as in the first embodiment, physiological saline may be injected into the third reservoir 23 via the first flow path 61 in the tube 43. Thereafter, the physiological saline is collected through the first flow path 61 in the tube 43. As physiological saline flows into / out of the third reservoir 23 via the first flow path 61, air flows out / inflow of the third reservoir 23 via the second flow path 62. To do. Thereby, the leukocyte component remaining in the third reservoir 23 and the tube 43 can be collected together with the physiological saline.

[Action]
The second embodiment has the following actions in addition to the actions of the first embodiment.

The operation of the bellows structure 28 provided in the first reservoir 21 will be described.

Blood has different red blood cell components and plasma volume depending on its hematocrit value and blood volume. The hematocrit value is a numerical value indicating the proportion of the blood cell volume in the blood. The normal value is about 40 to 50% for adult men and about 35 to 45% for adult women. This hematocrit value may be lower or higher than the normal value for some reason. If the hematocrit value and the blood volume vary, the position of the buffy coat formed in the blood reservoir 20 after the blood is centrifuged changes.

The apparatus 2 of this embodiment includes a bellows structure 28 as a volume adjustment mechanism for adjusting the volume of the blood reservoir 20. The volume of the blood reservoir 20 is adjusted by measuring the blood volume and hematocrit value of the blood before centrifugation and adjusting the amount of compression of the bellows structure 28 accordingly. Thereby, even if the blood volume and the hematocrit value are different for each blood injected into the blood reservoir 20, the position of the buffy coat after centrifugation can always be matched with the third reservoir 23. As a result, the recovery rate of leukocyte components can be improved.

The amount of compression of the bellows structure 28 can be adjusted by adjusting the screwing depth between the male screw 93 and the female screw 83 constituting the bellows adjustment mechanism. Since each of the bellows structure 28 and the bellows adjustment mechanism has a very simple configuration, it is excellent in reliability, durability, and cost reduction. Further, the fine adjustment of the compression amount of the bellows structure 28 and the fine adjustment of the volume of the blood reservoir 20 are easy.

Since the blood reservoir 20 is made of a material having shape retentivity, even if the bottom cap 80 is rotated after centrifugation and the amount of compression of the bellows structure 28 is finely adjusted, the buffy coat does not adhere to the red blood cell layer or the plasma layer. The possibility of mixing is low.

Since the bellows structure 28 constitutes a part of the blood reservoir 20, the volume reduction of the blood reservoir 20 due to the provision of the bellows structure 28 is slight.

Since the bellows structure 28 is provided in the first reservoir 21 in which red blood cell components are stored after centrifugation, it is easy to position the buffy coat in the third reservoir 23 after centrifugation. This is advantageous for further improving the recovery rate of leukocyte components.

The operation of the through hole 32h and the one-way valve 235 provided in the second blocking member 32 will be described.

In the apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in which the second blocking member 32 is not provided with the through hole 32h and the one-way valve 235, the lower opening of the third storage unit 23 is closed (FIG. 4), and then the second blocking member. If 32 is to be inserted into the upper opening of the third reservoir 23, the pressure in the third reservoir 23 may increase. Therefore, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 can leak out of the device 1 through the first channel 61 and / or the second channel 62. If the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 are sealed, the leukocyte component can be prevented from leaking out of the apparatus 1. However, in this case, it becomes difficult to fit the second blocking member 32 into the upper opening of the third storage unit 23 due to the pressure increase in the third storage unit 23, or the first blocking member 31 is stored in the third storage unit 23. There is a possibility that an erroneous operation such as getting out of the lower opening of the portion 23 may occur. Such an erroneous operation reduces the recovery rate of the white blood cell component.

In contrast, in the second embodiment, the second blocking member 32 is provided with a through hole 32h and a one-way valve 235. For this reason, when the pressure in the third reservoir 23 rises, the one-way valve 235 opens, and the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 flows to the second reservoir 22 through the through hole 32h. The through hole 32h and the one-way valve 235 provided in the second blocking member 32 function as a pressure release mechanism that releases the pressure in the third reservoir so that the pressure in the third reservoir 23 does not rise abnormally. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the leukocyte component from leaking to the outside and the above-mentioned erroneous operation.

Even if the one-way valve 235 is not provided in the through hole 32h, it is possible to prevent an increase in pressure in the third reservoir 23. However, in this case, the third reservoir 23 and the second reservoir 22 communicate with each other through the through hole 32h even when it is not necessary to release the pressure in the third reservoir 23. Therefore, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 is sucked and collected in a state where the lower opening and the upper opening of the third reservoir 23 are respectively closed by the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 (see FIG. 15). Sometimes, the plasma component in the second reservoir 22 may flow into the third reservoir 23 through the through hole 32h. This reduces the recovery rate of leukocyte components. The one-way valve 235 prevents the plasma component from flowing into the third reservoir 23 from the second reservoir 22 when the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 is collected.

By providing the second blocking member 32 with the through-hole 32h and the one-way valve 235, the white blood cell component flows out from the third reservoir 23 to the second reservoir 22 simultaneously with releasing the pressure in the third reservoir 23. there's a possibility that. However, compared to the magnitude of the problem of leakage of leukocyte components to the outside of the blood reservoir 20 that may occur when the through-hole 32h and the one-way valve 235 are not provided, and a decrease in the recovery rate of leukocyte components due to the above-described erroneous operation. For example, the problem of the outflow of the white blood cell component due to the provision of the through hole 32h and the one-way valve 235 is negligibly small. Further, by adjusting the bellows structure 28 so that the position of the buffy coat is formed in the third reservoir 23 at a position slightly away from the second reservoir 22, the white blood cell component that flows out through the one-way valve 235 is reduced. It is possible to reduce the amount.

In the process of fitting the first blocking member 31 into the lower opening of the third storage part 23 (see FIG. 14), the pressure in the first storage part 21 may decrease. However, in the present embodiment, the first reservoir 21 is provided with a bellows structure 28. The bellows structure 28 can be appropriately modified so as to reduce its length in accordance with a decrease in the pressure in the first reservoir 21. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure in the 1st storage part 21 falls, and the problem that it becomes difficult to insert the 1st cutoff member 31 in the lower opening of the 3rd storage part 23 does not arise easily. .

The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the above. The description of the first embodiment is similarly applied to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
A blood component separation device 3 (hereinafter simply referred to as “device 3”) according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the device 2 of the second embodiment mainly in the following two points. First, in the device 3, the first rod 41 that holds the first blocking member 31 does not have a double tube structure. Secondly, the device 3 is different from the device 2 in the configuration of the pressure release mechanism for preventing the inside of the third reservoir 23 from becoming a positive pressure. Below, the apparatus 3 of this Embodiment 3 is demonstrated centering on difference with the apparatus 2 of Embodiment 2. FIG.

[Configuration of blood component separation device]
A configuration of the device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings shown below, among members constituting the device 3 of the third embodiment, the same members as or corresponding members to the

devices

1 and 2 of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals as the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description about them is omitted.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device 3. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the device 3 along the vertical surface. In FIG. 17, the alternate long and short dash line 1 a is the central axis of the device 3.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first blocking member 31 is held at the lower end of the hollow cylindrical first rod 41. The first rod 41 extends upward to the outside of the blood reservoir 20 along the central axis 1a. The first rod 41 of the third embodiment is not formed with the first hole 41a and the plurality of second holes 41b (see FIGS. 3 and 11) formed in the first and second embodiments. Further, the tube 43 (see FIGS. 3 and 11) inserted in the first and second embodiments does not exist in the first rod 41 of the third embodiment.

Two openings 31 a are formed on the upper surface of the first blocking member 31. The two openings 31 a communicate with each other via a substantially “U” -shaped channel 31 b formed in the first blocking member 31. The lower end of the first rod 41 is inserted into the first blocking member 31 and communicates with the substantially central portion of the flow path 31b. Therefore, the first rod 41 and the opening 31 a communicate with each other in the first blocking member 31.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the second blocking member 32 and its peripheral portion. The second blocking member 32 is held at the lower end of the second rod 242. The second blocking member 32 is formed with a through hole 32h penetrating in the vertical direction. The above is the same as in the second embodiment. However, the one-way valve 235 (see FIG. 13) provided in the second embodiment is not provided in the through hole 32h. In the present embodiment, the lower end of the flexible hollow first tube 371 is inserted into the through hole 32h from above. The upper end of the first tube 371 is inserted and held in a first holder 376 formed near the upper end of the guide tube 270.

The lower end of a flexible hollow second tube 372 is connected to the guide tube 270 of the third embodiment instead of the air pipe 272 (see FIG. 13) of the second embodiment. A sealed space 273 between the second rod 242 and the guide tube 270 communicates with the second tube 372. The upper end of the second tube 372 is inserted and held in a second holder 377 formed in the vicinity of the upper end of the guide tube 270.

18, a two-dot chain line L indicates a representative position of the blood surface when the apparatus 3 is used. The upper ends of the first tube 371 and the second tube 372 are open toward the horizontal direction in the blood reservoir 20 at a position higher than the blood surface L.

The top plate 255 has two

ports

256a and 256b. The

ports

256a and 256b are through holes that allow the inside and outside of the blood reservoir 20 to communicate with each other. The port 256a is provided with a ventilation filter 226 that functions in the same manner as the ventilation filter 26 of the first embodiment. The port 256 b is a blood injection port used for injecting blood into the blood reservoir 20. For example, one end of a flexible tube may be connected to the blood injection port 256b. In this case, a known female connector may be provided at the other end of the tube.

The second rod 242 includes an operation piece 245 extending upward from a portion having a hollow cylindrical shape. The operation piece 245 protrudes above the top plate 255. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, a stopper 347 is connected to the upper end of the operation piece 245 via a rotation shaft 347a along the horizontal direction. The stopper 347 can rotate around the rotation shaft 347a. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the stopper 347 is disposed outside the operation piece 245 (on the side far from the central axis 1 a) so as to overlap the operation piece 245. When the stopper 347 is in this position, the stopper end 347e, which is the tip of the stopper 347 (the end opposite to the rotation shaft 347a), abuts on the upper end of the guide tube 270 or the top surface of the top plate 255. Therefore, when the stopper 347 is in this position, the second rod 242 cannot be lowered. In the present invention, this state is referred to as a “locked state” by the stopper 347. In the third embodiment, the detachable stopper 247 of the second embodiment is not provided.

In FIG. 17, the lower surface of the first blocking member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion 21. Further, the second blocking member 32 floats in the second reservoir 22 without contacting the inner peripheral surface of the second reservoir 22. The positions of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 in FIG. 17 are referred to as “initial positions”.

The configuration of the support halves 91a and 91b is substantially the same as that of the second embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, an annular support ring 91c is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the support halves 91a and 91b so that the two

support halves

91a and 91b mounted in the blood reservoir 20 are not separated. (See FIGS. 16 and 17). The support ring 91c is advantageous in improving the workability of assembling the support halves 91a and 91b to the blood reservoir 20.

[Blood component separation method]
A method for centrifuging collected blood into each blood component using the apparatus 3 configured as described above will be described.

As in Embodiment 2, blood to be centrifuged (bone marrow fluid) is collected. Measure blood volume and hematocrit value of blood, and calculate the amount of red blood cell component and plasma volume.

The empty device 3 in which the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 are in the initial positions shown in FIG. 17 is prepared. The bottom cap 80 is rotated to adjust the amount of compressive deformation of the bellows structure 28 so that the buffy coat after centrifugation is formed in the third reservoir 23 of the blood reservoir 20. Similar to the second embodiment, the amount of compressive deformation may be adjusted using the scale 98.

Next, the collected blood is injected into the blood storage tank 20 through the blood injection port 256 b provided on the top plate 255. Thereafter, the blood injection port 256b is sealed in a liquid-tight manner. As shown in FIG. 18, the blood surface L is located below the openings at the upper ends of the first tube 371 and the second tube 372.

Next, the device 2 filled with blood is centrifuged and centrifuged. The centrifugal force acts in the direction of arrow F in FIGS. 16 and 17 in parallel with the central axis 1a. The lower surface of the first blocking member 31 is in contact with the bottom surface of the first storage portion 21. Further, the stopper 347 connected to the second rod 242 is in a locked state. Therefore, even if the centrifugal force F acts upon centrifugation, the vertical position of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 does not change from the initial position.

After centrifugation, remove the device 3 from the centrifuge. It is confirmed that the buffy coat is formed in the third storage part 23. If necessary, the bottom cap 80 may be rotated to finely adjust the vertical position of the buffy coat.

Next, the upper end of the first rod 41 is grasped, and the first rod 41 is pulled upward. Then, as shown in FIG. 19, the first blocking member 31 is fitted into the lower opening of the third reservoir 23. The opening of the third reservoir 23 on the first reservoir 21 side is closed by the first blocking member 31. As a result, the communication between the first storage unit 21 and the third storage unit 23 is liquid-tightly blocked by the first blocking member 31. The second blocking member 32 remains at the initial position (see FIG. 17).

Next, the stopper 347 is rotated from the state shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 to release the locked state. Subsequently, the operation piece 245 is pushed downward. As the second rod 242 descends, the volume of the sealed space 273 decreases. The air existing in the sealed space 273 flows into the second reservoir 22 through the second tube 372 and is further discharged to the outside of the device 3 through the ventilation filter 226 provided in the port 256a. . Therefore, the pressure in the sealed space 273 does not increase, and the operation of lowering the second rod 242 is easy.

The operation piece 245 is operated, and the second blocking member 32 is inserted into the upper opening of the third reservoir 23 as shown in FIG. The opening of the third reservoir 23 on the second reservoir 22 side is closed by the second blocking member 32. As a result, the communication between the second storage part 22 and the third storage part 23 is liquid-tightly blocked by the second blocking member 32. The first blocking member 31 is not displaced from the position of FIG. The first tube 371 is deformed as the second blocking member 32 is lowered.

Thus, the first storage unit 21 storing the red blood cell component, the third storage unit 23 storing the white blood cell component, and the second storage unit 22 storing the plasma component are separated from each other in a liquid-tight manner. .

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the device 3 in the state shown in FIG. 20 in which the second blocking member 32 blocks the upper opening of the third storage unit 23. The stopper 347 rotates around the rotation shaft 347 a and protrudes above the top plate 255. Most of the operation piece 245 is accommodated in the guide tube 270. Even if the length of the operation piece 245 is shortened by connecting the stopper 347 to the tip of the operation piece 245 so as to be rotatable as in the third embodiment, the second blocking member 32 causes the third storage portion 23 to be The operation of closing the upper opening can be easily performed by operating the stopper 347. Further, unlike the stopper 47 (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment and the stopper 247 (see FIG. 10) of the second embodiment, the stopper 347 is connected to the operation piece 245 of the second rod 242, and thus the stopper 347 is lost. There is no possibility of doing so.

Next, an empty syringe mouth (male luer) is connected to the upper end of the first rod 41 via a flexible tube or the like, and the plunger of the syringe is pulled. Thereby, as shown by an arrow 65 in FIG. 22, the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 is connected to the flow path 31b and the first rod 41 in order from the opening 31a on the upper surface of the first blocking member 31 ( It is sucked and collected into the syringe through the first flow path 261). As the leukocyte component moves from the third reservoir 23 to the syringe, the outside air is, as indicated by the arrow 66, the ventilation filter 226 (see FIG. 20) provided in the port 256a, the first tube 371, the second It flows into the 3rd storage part 23 through the flow path (2nd flow path 262) which connects the penetration hole 32h of the interruption | blocking member 32 in order. Accordingly, the inside of the third reservoir 23 does not become excessively negative pressure, and the white blood cell component can be easily recovered.

Furthermore, as in the first and second embodiments, physiological saline may be injected into the third reservoir 23 via the first flow path 261 in the first rod 41. Thereafter, the physiological saline is collected through the first flow path 261 in the first rod 41. As physiological saline flows into / out of the third reservoir 23 via the first flow path 261, air flows out / inflow of the third reservoir 23 via the second flow path 262. To do. Thereby, the leukocyte component remaining in the third reservoir 23, the first rod 41, and the flow path 31b can be collected together with the physiological saline.

[Action]
The third embodiment has the following operation in addition to the operation of the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the tube 43 present in the first and second embodiments does not exist in the first rod 41. This eliminates the need to insert the tube 43 into the first rod 41, which is advantageous for simplifying the assembly work of the device 3. Further, when the white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 is sucked and collected via the first rod 41, the cross-sectional area of the flow path (that is, the first flow path 261) in the first rod 41 through which the white blood cell component flows is enlarged. To do. This lowers the flow resistance, which is advantageous for facilitating the recovery of the leukocyte component.

The white blood cell component in the third reservoir 23 flows from the opening 31a on the upper surface of the first blocking member 31 to the first rod 41 through the flow path 31b. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a hole into which the white blood cell component flows in the outer peripheral surface of the first rod 41. In addition, the air flowing into the third reservoir 23 instead of the leukocyte component passes through the first tube 371 and the through hole 32h of the second blocking member 32 instead of the first rod 41 in the third reservoir 23. Flow into. Therefore, it is not necessary to form a plurality of second holes 41b in the first rod 41 as in the first and second embodiments. Thus, in this embodiment, since it is not necessary to form a hole in the outer peripheral surface of the first rod 41, the structure of the first rod 41 is simplified. In addition, since the mechanical strength of the first rod 41 is improved, it is possible to easily and reliably perform the operation of operating the first rod 41 and closing the lower opening of the third storage portion 23 with the first blocking member 31. it can.

However, a through hole may be formed at a position near the first blocking member 31 on the outer peripheral surface of the first rod 41, and the white blood cell component may be collected through the through hole. In this case, the opening 31a and the flow path 31b of the first blocking member 31 are not necessary.

The through hole 32h of the second blocking member 32 and the hollow first tube 371 connected thereto constitute a pressure release mechanism. When the inside of the third reservoir 23 becomes positive when the upper opening of the third reservoir 23 is closed with the second blocking member 32, the leukocyte component in the third reservoir 23 becomes the through-hole 32h and the first tube 371. Flows through the second reservoir 22. Thereby, it can prevent that the pressure in the 3rd storage part 23 rises abnormally.

The pressure release mechanism of the second embodiment is configured by a through hole 32h of the second blocking member 32 and a one-way valve 235 provided in the through hole 32h. In this configuration, depending on the degree of positive pressure in the third reservoir 23, the one-way valve 235 may not open, and therefore the pressure in the third reservoir 23 may not be released. In contrast, the pressure release mechanism of the present embodiment is configured by simply connecting the hollow first tube 371 to the through hole 32 h of the second blocking member 32. Since the pressure release mechanism does not have a valve, the pressure in the third reservoir 23 is reliably released regardless of the degree of positive pressure in the third reservoir 23. Therefore, the reliability of the operation of the pressure release mechanism is improved, and the leakage and erroneous operation of the white blood cell component described in the second embodiment can be prevented. This is advantageous for improving the recovery rate of leukocyte components.

The upper end of the first tube 371 is opened above the blood surface L in the blood reservoir 20. Therefore, the leukocyte component in the third reservoir 23 is sucked and collected in a state where the lower opening and the upper opening of the third reservoir 23 are respectively closed by the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 (see FIG. 22). Sometimes, the plasma component in the second reservoir 22 does not flow into the third reservoir 23 through the first tube 371. Further, since the ventilation filter 226 is provided in the port 256a, the leukocyte component that has flowed out from the third reservoir 23 through the first tube 371 does not leak out of the device 3.

The first holder 376 holds the first tube 371 so that the opening at the upper end of the first tube 371 faces the horizontal direction. Therefore, the possibility that the leukocyte component that has flowed out through the first tube 371 wets the ventilation filter 226 is low. Moreover, even if the first tube 371 is pulled downward due to the lowering of the second blocking member 32, the possibility that the first tube 371 drops from the first holder 376 is low.

As described with reference to FIG. 22, the pressure release mechanism according to the present embodiment allows the leukocyte component in the third reservoir 23 to be collected in the third reservoir 23 instead of the leukocyte component when the leukocyte component is collected through the first flow path 261. It also functions as a second flow path 262 for allowing outside air to flow in. Since the pressure release mechanism of the second embodiment cannot function as the second flow path, the second flow path needs to be secured separately from the pressure release mechanism in the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the pressure release mechanism and the second flow path can be configured by a common member, the number of parts configuring the device 3 can be reduced, and the configuration can be simplified. .

The third embodiment is the same as the first and second embodiments except for the above. The description of the first and second embodiments is similarly applied to the third embodiment.

(Various changes)
The above devices 1 to 3 are merely examples. The present invention is not limited to the above examples, and can be modified as appropriate. Such modifications are also included in the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the first blocking member 31 is mounted with the first O-ring 51 and the second blocking member 32 is mounted with the second O-ring 52 and the third O-ring 53 in order to form a liquid-tight seal. It was. However, the O-

rings

51, 52, and 53 can be omitted by configuring the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 themselves with a material having rubber elasticity (also called an elastomer). In this case, the material having rubber elasticity that can be used as the material of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 is not particularly limited, but rubber such as natural rubber, isoprene rubber, silicone rubber, or styrene elastomer Thermoplastic elastomers such as olefin elastomers and polyurethane elastomers can be used. By using a material having rubber elasticity as the material of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32, for example, the first blocking member 31 fixed to the end of the first rod 41 is stored in the third reservoir from the second reservoir 22 side. There is a possibility that the assemblability of the apparatus can be improved, for example, by passing the part 23 through the first storage part 21.

In

Embodiments

1 and 2, the first flow path 61 and the second flow path 62 are both formed in the first rod 41, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in Embodiment 1, the 2nd rod 42 is comprised with a hollow rod-shaped member, the lower end of the said 2nd rod 42 is inserted in the through-hole which penetrates the 2nd interruption | blocking member 32 to an up-down direction, and the said 2nd rod 42 The upper end may be opened upward through the operation piece 45. Thereby, the 2nd flow path which makes the 3rd storage part 23 and the blood storage tank 20 exterior which were sealed fluid-tightly communicate can be formed in the 2nd rod 42. FIG. In this case, only one flow path (first flow path) needs to be formed in the first rod 41. Therefore, the tube 43 becomes unnecessary. Further, it is not necessary to form the second hole 41b in the first rod 41.

The inner peripheral surface of the third storage part 23 does not have to be a cylindrical surface whose inner diameter is constant in the direction of the central axis 1a. For example, the inner diameter may change in the direction of the central axis 1a.

The method of blocking the communication between the third reservoir 23 and the first reservoir 21 and the second reservoir 22 moves the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 up and down in the blood reservoir as in the above example. It is not limited to the method of moving in the direction.

For example, as shown in FIG. 23A, the first blocking member 431 and the second blocking member 432 may be configured with balloons that are inflatable in the horizontal direction. The two

balloons

431 and 432 communicate with each other through a tube 433. The tube 433 is led out of the blood reservoir 20. When fluid is injected into the

balloons

431 and 432 through the tube 433, the

balloons

431 and 432 are inflated as shown in FIG. 23B, and the balloon 431 blocks communication between the first storage unit 21 and the third storage unit 23. The balloon 432 blocks communication between the second storage unit 22 and the third storage unit 23. The fluid for inflating the

balloons

431 and 432 is not particularly limited, but liquid such as physiological saline or air can be used. Depending on the vertical position of the buffy coat after centrifugation, the vertical position of the

balloons

431 and 432 may be adjusted by moving the tube 433 in the vertical direction. 23A and 23B,

reference numerals

461 and 462 denote the same as the

flow paths

61 and 62 described above when the leukocyte component is collected from the third reservoir 23 that is liquid-tightly sealed by the

balloons

431 and 432 after centrifugation. It is the 1st and 2nd flow path used.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 24A, two

balloons

431 and 432 functioning as a first blocking member and a second blocking member may be connected to separate

tubes

435 and 436 without being communicated with each other. Good. In this example, the two

balloons

431 and 432 can be inflated independently of each other. FIG. 24B inflates the

balloons

431 and 432, the balloon 431 blocks communication between the first reservoir 21 and the third reservoir 23, and the balloon 432 allows communication between the second reservoir 22 and the third reservoir 23. Shows the shut-off state. The device of FIGS. 24A and 24B is the same as the device of FIGS. 23A and 23B, except that the two

balloons

431 and 432 can be inflated independently of each other.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the second blocking member 532 having a structure similar to a lens shutter of the camera and the vicinity thereof. 26A and 26B are perspective views of the second blocking member 532, FIG. 26A shows its closed state, and FIG. 26B shows its open state. The second blocking member 532 includes a plurality of blades 541 made of a thin plate. Each of the plurality of blades 541 is pivotally supported by a support plate 542 having an opening at the center. The support plate 542 is fixed to the blood storage tank 20. A cam ring 543 having an annular shape is provided so as to sandwich the plurality of blades 541 with the support plate 542. The cam ring 543 is rotatable with respect to the support plate 542. The cam ring 543 includes a plurality of cam pins (not shown) that engage with cam grooves (not shown) that are slot-like openings provided in each of the plurality of blades 541. As shown in FIG. 25, a magnet ring 545 having an annular shape is provided at a position facing the cam ring 543 on the outer peripheral surface of the blood reservoir 20. The magnet ring 545 is rotatable with respect to the blood storage tank 20. The magnet ring 545 includes, for example, a plurality of magnets arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and magnetically attracts the cam ring 543. When the magnet ring 545 is rotated, the cam ring 543 is rotated following the rotation of the magnet ring 545, and the plurality of blades 541 are displaced to switch between the open state (FIG. 26A) and the closed state (FIG. 26B). . In FIG. 25, FIG. 26A, FIG. 26B, the 2nd interruption | blocking member 532 which was provided between the 2nd storage part 22 and the 3rd storage part 23, and interrupted | blocks communication between both was shown. Although illustration is omitted, a similar blocking member (first blocking member) is provided between the first storage unit 21 and the third storage unit 23 in order to block communication between them. FIG. 23A, FIG. 23B, FIG. 24A, and FIG. 24B show how to collect white blood cell components from the third reservoir 23 sealed with the first and second blocking members having a structure similar to the lens shutter after centrifugation. A flow path similar to the

flow paths

461 and 462 is provided in the third storage unit 23.

One of the first blocking member 31 and the second blocking member 32 (particularly the first blocking member 31) that moves in the vertical direction included in the devices 1 to 3 of the first to third embodiments is shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B. You may comprise the interruption | blocking member provided with the balloon which can expand | swell in a direction, or several wing | blade which can be opened and closed shown to FIG. 25, FIG.

By configuring the first blocking member and the second blocking member with an inflatable balloon as shown in FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24A, and 24B, or as shown in FIGS. 25, 26A, and 26B. By configuring the member and the second blocking member with a blocking member having a plurality of blades that can be opened and closed, a mechanism for moving the first blocking member and the second blocking member becomes unnecessary, so communication between adjacent reservoirs It is possible to simplify the configuration for shutting off.

The configuration of the support member 90 for maintaining the shape of the blood reservoir 20 is not limited to the above example, and is arbitrary. For example, the support member may be composed of three or more members divided into three or more instead of dividing the hollow cylindrical member into two as in the above example. The support member may be composed of a plurality of columnar members that are separated from each other in the circumferential direction (the direction surrounding the central axis 1a). When the blood storage tank 20 has such a strength that it is not deformed by the centrifugal force at the time of centrifugation, such as by integrally forming a support member on the components constituting the blood storage tank 20, what is the blood storage tank 20? A support member as a separate member may be omitted.

In the second and third embodiments, the bellows adjustment mechanism is configured to compress the bellows structure 28 in the vertical direction and adjust the compression amount. However, the bellows structure 28 is elongated in the vertical direction and the extension is performed. It may be configured to adjust the amount.

In the second and third embodiments, the male screw 93 and the female screw 83 constituting the bellows adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of expansion and contraction of the bellows structure 28 are formed on the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80, respectively. A female screw may be formed on the bottom cap 80, and a male screw may be formed on the bottom cap 80.

In the second and third embodiments, the bellows adjustment mechanism adjusts the compression amount of the bellows structure 28 according to the rotational position of the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80 and the screwing depth of the male screw 93 and the female screw 83. However, the adjustment may be performed by other methods. For example, the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80 are fitted with a plate-like member having a thickness corresponding to the compression width of the bellows interposed between the bottom portion 80 b of the bottom cap 80 and the bottom portion 21 b of the first storage portion 21. A method of combining them is conceivable. At this time, since the bottom 80b of the bottom cap 80 is raised by the plate-like member, the bellows structure 28 is compressed by a desired amount when the support member 90 and the bottom cap 80 are fitted without adjusting the screwing depth. Can be made.

A second bellows structure and a second bellows adjustment mechanism similar to the bellows structure 28 and the bellows adjustment mechanism of the second and third embodiments may be provided in the third reservoir 23. The thickness (vertical dimension) of the buffy coat after centrifugation may vary depending on the blood. Since the third reservoir 23 is provided with the second bellows structure and the second bellows adjustment mechanism, the vertical dimension of the third reservoir 23 can be changed according to the thickness of the buffy coat. The recovery rate can be further improved.

The male screw 93 may be provided on a member other than the support member 90, and the female screw 83 may be provided on a member other than the bottom cap 80. For example, at least one of the male screw 93 and the female screw 83 constituting the bellows adjustment mechanism may be provided in the blood reservoir 20. For example, the male screw 93 can be provided at a position above the bellows mechanism 28 of the blood reservoir 20. In this case, the support member 90 can be omitted when the blood reservoir 20 has a strength that does not cause deformation due to the centrifugal force during centrifugation. Alternatively, the male screw 93 can be provided at a position below the bellows mechanism 28 of the blood reservoir 20. In this case, the skirt portion 92 of the support member 90 is extended downward, and a female screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface thereof. The bottom cap 80 can be omitted. The extension amount of the bellows mechanism 28 can be adjusted by rotating the support member 90 relative to the blood reservoir 20.

The volume adjustment mechanism for adjusting the volume of the blood reservoir 20 is not limited to the bellows structure 28 shown in the second and third embodiments. For example, the volume adjustment mechanism can be configured by a diaphragm, a piston, a balloon, or the like. The volume adjustment mechanism can be provided in or in communication with the first reservoir 21 so that the volume of the first reservoir 21 can be changed, for example. The hematocrit value of blood can be obtained before centrifugation, and the volume of the blood reservoir 20 can be adjusted using a volume adjustment mechanism so that a buffy coat is formed in the third reservoir 23 after centrifugation.

The application field of the present invention is not particularly limited, and can be widely used in fields where blood needs to be centrifuged. Among them, the present invention can be preferably used in the fields of blood component separation, bone marrow transplantation mainly using leukocyte components, and regenerative medicine when performing component transfusion for transfusion of only necessary components in blood.

1, 2, 3 Blood component separation device 20 Blood reservoir 21 First reservoir 22 Second reservoir 23 Third reservoir 28 Bellows structure 31 First blocking member 32 Second blocking member 32h Through hole (pressure release mechanism)
41 First rod (outer tube)
42 Second rod 43 Tube (inner tube)
47, 247, 347 Stopper (movement restriction mechanism)
61,261 1st flow path 62 2nd flow path 80 Bottom cap 83 Female thread (bellows adjustment mechanism)
93 Male thread (bellows adjustment mechanism)
431 Balloon (first blocking member)
432 Balloon (second blocking member)
235 One-way valve (pressure release mechanism)
242 Second rod 245 Second rod operation piece 371 First tube (pressure release mechanism)
532 Second blocking member 541 Blade

Claims

A device for separating blood components, comprising a blood reservoir for storing blood, and used for centrifuging blood stored in the blood reservoir,
The blood reservoir is provided between the first reservoir, the second reservoir, the first reservoir and the second reservoir, and communicates with the first reservoir and the second reservoir. A third reservoir,
The blood component separation device includes a first blocking member and a second blocking member in the blood reservoir.
The first blocking member is configured to block communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit,
The device for separating blood components, wherein the second blocking member is configured to block communication between the second reservoir and the third reservoir.
The apparatus for separating blood components according to claim 1, wherein the first blocking member moves in the first reservoir and blocks communication between the first reservoir and the third reservoir.
A first rod that holds the first blocking member and is led out of the blood reservoir;
The blood component separation device according to claim 2, wherein the first blocking member can be moved by moving the first rod.
In a state where the first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit. The blood component separation device according to claim 3, wherein a first flow path is provided for communicating the inside of the third reservoir and the outside of the blood reservoir.
In a state where the first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit. The blood component separation device according to claim 4, further comprising a second flow path for communicating the inside of the third reservoir and the outside of the blood reservoir.
The blood component separation device according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path is provided in the first rod.
The first rod has a double tube structure in which an inner tube is inserted into an outer tube,
The blood component separation device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first channel is formed in the inner tube, and the second channel is formed between the inner tube and the outer tube.
The blood component separation device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first blocking member can be disposed in contact with the bottom surface of the first reservoir.
The blood component separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second blocking member moves in the second reservoir and blocks communication between the second reservoir and the third reservoir.
A second rod that holds the second blocking member and is led out of the blood reservoir;
The blood component separation device according to claim 9, wherein the second blocking member can be moved by moving the second rod.
The movement of the second blocking member is restricted so that the second blocking member does not move in the blood storage tank and block the communication between the second reservoir and the third reservoir during centrifugation. The blood component separation device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a movement restriction mechanism.
The blood component separation device according to claim 11, wherein the movement restriction mechanism includes a removable stopper provided outside the blood reservoir.
The blood component separation device according to claim 11, wherein the movement restriction mechanism includes a stopper provided outside the blood reservoir and connected to the second rod.
The first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage portion and the third storage portion, and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage portion and the third storage portion. The blood component separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a pressure release mechanism for releasing the pressure in the third reservoir.
The blood component separation device according to claim 14, wherein the pressure release mechanism includes a through hole provided in the second blocking member so as to communicate the second storage portion and the third storage portion.
The pressure release mechanism further includes a one-way valve provided in the through hole,
The one-way valve allows a flow from the third reservoir to the second reservoir through the through hole, and passes from the second reservoir to the third reservoir through the through hole. The blood component separation device according to claim 15, wherein the flow of water is prohibited.
The pressure release mechanism further includes a tube having one end connected to the through hole,
The blood component separation device according to claim 15, wherein the other end of the tube is opened at a position above the blood surface in the blood reservoir.
The first blocking member blocks communication between the first storage unit and the third storage unit, and the second blocking member blocks communication between the second storage unit and the third storage unit. 18. The blood according to claim 14, 15, or 17, wherein when the white blood cell component in the third reservoir is sucked and collected, the pressure release mechanism constitutes a flow path for allowing outside air to flow into the third reservoir. Equipment for component separation.
Furthermore, the bellows structure provided in the blood storage tank, and a bellows adjustment mechanism for adjusting the amount of expansion and contraction of the bellows structure,
The blood component separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the volume of the blood reservoir can be adjusted by changing the amount of expansion and contraction of the bellows structure using the bellows adjustment mechanism.
20. The blood component separation device according to claim 19, wherein the bellows structure is provided in the first storage part in which red blood cell components are stored after centrifugation.
The bellows adjustment mechanism includes a male screw and a female screw,
21. The blood component separation device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein an expansion / contraction amount of the bellows structure can be adjusted by adjusting a screwing depth between the male screw and the female screw.