Blood component separation method and apparatus

2- An apparatus for use with a conventional centrifuge and a blood processing bag set, comprising, in combination:

• a first pocket having an unenclosed top portion, said first pocket dimensioned to receive a blood processing bag;
• means to support the blood processing bag in said first pocket, said support means located adjacent said unenclosed top portion of said first pocket;
• a movable bottom portion below said first pocket, said movable bottom portion having an open position and a closed position;
• a hinged portion located along a long axis of said first pocket, said hinged portion opening to allow access to said first pocket when said movable bottom portion is in said open position;
• and
• a second pocket, wherein access to said second pocket is only possible when said movable bottom portion is in said open position.

5- A method for separating components from whole blood, the steps including:

• preparing a blood processing bag set having a processing bag, at least one auxiliary bag, a sampling site adjacent said processing bag, and a sampling site adjacent each said auxiliary bag;
• introducing whole blood into said processing bag;
• sampling the whole blood for later analysis;
• centrifuging the whole blood, wherein components are separated in said processing bag;
• directing each component into said at least one auxiliary bag of said blood processing bag set;
• removing a sample of each component for later analysis;
• and
• storing each said component for later use.

6- A bag set, comprising, in combination:

• a first bag having an inlet and an outlet;
• plural auxiliary bags, each said auxiliary bag having at least one port for admitting or expelling contents of said auxiliary bags;
• conduit means leading from said first bag to each said auxiliary bag;
• valve means on said conduit means, said valve means adjustable to allow selective access between said first bag and said plural auxiliary bags.