Autologous transfusion filter system and method

An autologous blood transfusion system having at least two interconnected blood receptacles and an associated filter assembly, the first receptacle being evacuated and connected to a suction device for aspirating blood. The second receptacle takes blood from the first by overcoming the vacuum in the first with a greater vacuum in the second without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. The second receptacle may comprise a transfer bag for reinfusion into the patient or an infusion set may be connected to the second receptacle to permit simultaneous collection of the blood from the patient and infusion of the blood back into the patient. In either case, the second receptacle is selectively exposed to positive pressure to force blood through the filter assembly and expel the blood from the second receptacle into the transfer bag or patient. The method includes aspirating blood from the patient and collecting blood in the first receptacle. Blood is thereafter transferred to the second receptacle by increasing the vacuum in the second receptacle over the first receptacle without interrupting the ability of the suction device to simultaneously aspirate blood. Blood is then filtered by subjecting the blood within the second receptacle to positive fluid pressure which urges the blood through the filter assembly.