Apparatus for blood component separation

1. A device for loading into the rotor of a centrifuge a set of bags for the separation of a composite fluid into at least two fluid components, the set of bags comprising

a separation bag connected by a tube to at least one collection bag for a fluid component, the separation bag having

an annular separation chamber delimited by an outer and an inner circumferences; and

a support member connected to the inner circumference of the annular chamber and at least partially closing the space defined within the inner circumference of the annular chamber,

the rotor comprising

a turntable for supporting the separation bag; and

a central compartment for containing at least one collection bag, the loading device comprising a loading container having an annular rim extending outwardly, the container being shaped so as to fit within the compartment of the rotor whereas the annular rim rests on the turntable of the rotor.

2. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the rim of the loading container has an outer circumference that does not exceed the inner circumference of the separation chamber.

3. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the rim of the loading container comprises at least two protruding elements for cooperating with two corresponding apertures of the support member of the separation bag so as to help position and secure the separation bag to the loading container.

4. A device according to claim 1 , wherein the rim of the loading container comprises at least one aperture corresponding to at least a head of a valve member mounted on the rotor at the periphery of the central compartment of the rotor and protruding above the turntable of the rotor.

5. A device according to claim 4 , wherein the valve head has a seat for receiving a portion of tube, and wherein a portion of the tube connecting the at least one collection bag to the separation bag is secured to the rim over the aperture so as to be pre-positioned with respect to a tube seat of a valve member.