Fluid transfer devices and methods of use

Abstract

A device and method of use are disclosed to facilitate fluid transfers during sterile closed system processing procedures. The device is configured to create connections for the transfer of fluid between various components, along a closed sterile fluid passageway and, eventually, either to a fluid container or to a patient. As a result, the device and method of use of the present invention reduce the risk of contamination to the fluids, such as reagents, medicaments and cellular products, and increase user or technician safety during processing procedures.

what is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fluid transfer device comprising: 
 a cap-shaped device including a first port and a second port;    a filtration vent extending from said first port, wherein said filtration vent filters air passing through said filtration vent; and    a tubing segment assembly extending from said second port and forming a passageway for fluid transfers.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said passageway is a closed fluid pathway.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said cap-shaped device is configured for attachment to a rigid container.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3  wherein said container is a centrifugation container.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said cap-shaped device is configured for attachment to a conical tube.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein said attachment is permanent.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 5  wherein said attachment is removable.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 5  wherein said conical tube is a centrifugation tube.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a second tubing segment extending from said second port within an interior portion of said cap-shaped device.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said cap-shaped device is prefabricated onto a container and provided as an integral device.  
     
     
         11 . A method of transferring fluids into or out of a container comprising: 
 removing a cap from a container while under a laminar flow hood;    installing a cap-shaped device onto said container;    transferring said container to a general laboratory environment; and    connecting a closed system set to a tubing segment assembly of said cap-shaped device, whereby a fluid may be transferred into or out of said container in a closed system fluid pathway.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 inverting said container, whereby fluid flows in a closed system fluid pathway from said container to said closed system set via gravity.  
 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 transferring a fluid from said closed system set into said container.  
 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising: 
 centrifuging said fluid within said container; and  
 removing a portion of said fluid from said container.  
 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising: 
 connecting a closed system set to a tubing segment assembly of said cap-shaped device, whereby a fluid may be transferred into or out of said container in a closed system fluid pathway.  
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising: 
 pumping a fluid from said container through a second tubing segment of said cap-shaped device, through said tubing segment assembly and into said closed system set.  
 
     
     
         17 . A method of transferring fluids into or out of a container comprising: 
 adding a fluid to a container via a cap-shaped device of said container in a general laboratory environment, wherein a fluid pathway of said container and cap-shaped device is a closed system fluid pathway;    centrifuging said fluid within said container; and    removing a portion of said fluid from said container while maintaining said closed system fluid pathway.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising: 
 connecting a closed system set to a tubing segment assembly of said cap-shaped device, whereby a fluid may be transferred into or out of said container in a closed system fluid pathway.  
 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising: 
 connecting a receiving container to said closed system set;  
 positioning said receiving container a sufficient distance below said container; and  
 aspirating said fluid from said container to said receiving container.  
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising: 
 tipping said container to remove any residual fluid from said container.