A Two-Stage Heat Sterilizable Connector for Use in Processing Frozen Blood.

摘要

The work demonstrates the efficacy of a sterilizable connector in assuring sterility when entering a blood bag system to add or remove agents required in processing blood for freezing. The connector has male and female sections which can be joined in a first stage of union without breaking the sterile seals between the systems being united. While in this stage,the connector is heat sterilized to remove any contamination on the mating surfaces. After sterilization,the male and female sections are completely joined in a second stage of union and the sealing septa broken in the process. Blood compatibility and toxicity tests indicate that all connector materials are suitable for this application. Sterility tests with B Subtilis spare discs show that dry heat of 525 F for three minutes is more than adequate for complete kill. This time is satisfactory for integrating the system into present blood banking operations.