System and method for more complete removal of separated blood components from a separator

A blood processing device configured for use in combination with a fluid flow circuit including a separator fluidically connected to an additive solution container, the blood processing device comprising:

• a pump assembly;
• a blood separator mounting station and drive unit;
• and
• a controller programmed to implement a blood processing procedure including
• controlling the pump assembly during a separation phase to convey blood into a separator mounted to the blood separator mounting station and drive unit, controlling the blood separator mounting station and drive unit during the separation phase to separate the blood in the separator into plasma and red blood cells, and controlling the pump assembly during the separation phase to convey a first portion of the plasma out of the separator and convey a first portion of the red blood cells out of the separator,
• controlling the pump assembly during a follow-through phase to convey an additive solution into the separator so as to convey a second portion of the plasma out of the separator after said first portion of the plasma has been conveyed out of the separator and convey a second portion of the red blood cells out of the separator after said first portion of the red blood cells has been conveyed out of the separator,
• controlling the pump assembly during a fluid flush phase to convey the additive solution into the separator so as to convey a third portion of the red blood cells out of the separator after said second portion of the red blood cells has been conveyed out of the separator, and
• controlling the pump assembly during an air flush phase to convey air into the separator so as to convey a fourth portion of the red blood cells out of the separator after said third portion of the red blood cells has been conveyed out of the separator.