A method for collecting plasma includes determining the weight and hematocrit of a donor, and inserting a venous-access device into the donor. The method then withdraws blood from the donor through a draw line connected to a blood component separation device, and introduces anticoagulant into the withdrawn blood. The blood component separation device separates the blood into a plasma component and a second blood component, and the plasma component is collected from the blood component separation device and into a plasma collection container. The method may then calculate (1) a percentage of anticoagulant in the collected plasma component, and (2) a volume of pure plasma collected within the plasma collection container. The volume of pure plasma may be based, at least in part, on the calculated percentage of anticoagulant. The method may continue until a target volume of pure plasma is collected within the plasma collection container.

An inflammatory marker is calculated using a nonlinear function including, as variables, a parameter associated with an erythrocyte aggregation and another parameter associated with an erythrocyte density. The parameter associated with the erythrocyte aggregation is calculated based on a syllectogram measured from a blood specimen. The parameter associated with the erythrocyte density is measured from the blood specimen.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, and/or blood loss from fluid collected during a surgical procedure. Methods of detecting blood in a sample, such as a fluid sample, and kits for performing the methods, are also provided. Methods for approximating a volume of blood in a fluid using a computer are also provided. The method may be performed using a computer device having a graphical user interface (GUI), a processor configured to receive information input by a user at the user interface (type of canister, red blood cell packing ratio of the canister, subject specific identifying information, blood hematocrit (Hct), etc.), and a means for the computing device to transmit to the user interface via an electronic network, a value of a volume of blood in a fluid and/or an approximate volume measure of blood loss. The processor determines a volume of blood in a fluid, and transmits the determined volume measure of blood to the user.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices may include the use of an RBC flocculant, for example polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit from the type of animal blood being evaluated, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal blood hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “n” value for the collection device. A collection device with a BIP is disclosed. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml -1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml - 2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “η” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Analytical assay reaction cartridges, kits containing same, and methods of production and use thereof are disclosed. These cartridges include a magnetic assembly that surrounds at least a portion of a sample read window on the cartridge. The cartridge also includes an analytical reagent positioned therewithin, wherein the analytical reagent comprises magnetic beads coated with at least one anti-red blood cell antibody.

A system for determining a level of hematocrit includes a test strip configured to receive a sample; a meter configured to receive the test strip; and further including circuitry and a microprocessor, the circuitry and microprocessor configured to apply electrical energy to the test strip and the sample and determine an electrical property of the sample, either the impedance phase angle or the impedance magnitude of the test strip and the sample and, based on the electrical property, calculate the level of hematocrit in the sample.

Disclosed are methods, materials and devices for approximation of blood volume in a fluid, such as in a biological fluid collected during a surgical procedure. The method and devices include the use of a RBC flocculant, such as polyDADMAC, and an approximate blood hematocrit for the type of animal, as well as a calculated RBC packing ratio corresponding to the collection device being used. Also provided is a Blood Indicator Panel (BIP), comprising a series of markings calculated from an observed red blood settlement volume, the average animal type hematocrit, and a calculated RBC packing ratio “η” value for the collection device. Pediatric (about 200 ml or 250 ml size container), adult human (about 1,000 ml-1,500 ml) and veterinary (about 500 ml-2,500 ml) collection containers are also disclosed, that include a RBC flocculant, for use in approximating blood volume in a fluid.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to devices, systems and methods that enable the quick and reliable detection of hemolysis in a sample such that a sample which exhibits an unacceptable level of hemolysis can be flagged or disregarded in an associated diagnostic test.

The invention, provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.