Abstract The invention contemplates extending the useful storage period for biological substances, such as whole blood, beyond the period presently available with the existing technique of mere storage at 4* C. Such extension is achieved by subjecting the biological substance to a ''''precompression'''' pressure elevated above ambient atmospheric, commencing at a time which is substantially prior to expiration of the presently accepted useful storage period of 21 days (following extraction from a living body). Useful storageperiod extension is achieved (a) following a transient application of the elevated pressure, or (b) by maintaining the elevated pressure for a prolonged period. Aside from the precompression, storage techniques may be conventional.
Inventors
👤 Ralph E Schwartz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number—
JurisdictionUS
Data Sourcegoogle_patents
Last Synchronized2026-10-23 23:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61L; A61L2/00; A61L2/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, which includes the further step of maintaining said predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, in which said precompression is performed while maintaining the temperature of the substance in the range of temperatures near that for which the substance exhibits maximum density.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 2, in which said predetermined period of time ranges, from near-zero, to more than 21 days.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 2, in which the substance is maintained for at least said period of time within a range of temperature near that for which the substance exhibits maximum density.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 2, in which, after said period of time, the substance is maintained for a further period of time within a range of temperatures near that for which the substance exhibits maximum density.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1, in which, after achieving said predetermined pressure, the substance is decompressed at a rate of pressure decrease that is sufficiently low to avoid deleterious transients within the structure of the substance.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said step is performed substantially prior to expiration of 21 days following extraction of the blood from a living body.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said step is performed relatively soon after extraction of the blood from a living body.