| abstract |
A fluid collection system (10) includes an input unit (12) having a hollow needle (30) coupled through a section of flexible conduit (32) to an anticoagulant reservoir (34) which is in turn coupled via a second section of hollow conduit (36) to a first sterile connector (38). A collection container (16), which can be a dry, flexible, plastic bag (56), is coupled by a plastic conduit (58) to second and third sterile connectors (66, 68). The first and second connectors (38, 66) can be joined together and sealed to form a sterile system. A transfer container (18) includes a flexible plastic container (70) coupled via a hollow plastic conduit (72) to a fourth sterile connector (74). The fourth sterile connector (74) is joinable with the third sterile connector (68) to form a sterile two container system. Fluids collected in the primary container (16) can then be transferred to the secondary container (18). |