Use of the Cobe 2991™ Cell Processor for Bone Marrow Processing

In 1972, International Business Machines (IBM), Biomedical Systems Division, introduced the IBM 2991 Blood Cell Processor as a laboratory instrument for washing fresh, or previously frozen, thawed blood cells for transfusion. The COBE 2991 Cell Processor is a unique centrifugal system which incorporates a flexible membrane that allows the user to remove fluids from the sterile disposable, while it is spinning. The operation of the instrument may be in an automatic mode, through the use of a program board, or in the manual mode. Electronic pinch valves control the movement of fluids in and out of the bowl through sterile tubing. A fully integrated disposable set includes a preattached processing bag, sometimes referred to as a “donut” due to its shape, which fits into the centrifuge bowl. The procedures for bone marrow concentrate with either instrument are similar to white blood cell collection.