A newborn transfusion cell washing device generally comprising a
disposable, graduated test tube shaped container having a cap with an
inlet port, an injection/sampling port, a suction port, and a vent. The
container is capable of being inserted into a conventional clinical
centrifuge. The device requires a relatively small volume to operate, 25
ml or less per procedure, and can be performed easily by any hospital
blood bank technologist without any special skills. Washed RBCs can be
provided to the patient in a timely manner, without the need for "fresh
blood." Any in-dated RBCs can be washed to remove excessive potassium and
other toxins. The main RBC aliquot can be saved and repeatedly sampled
until the unit is expired or exhausted. This provides a cost savings to
the hospital and more importantly, minimizes the recipient's donor
exposure.