Removal of bacteria from blood by charcoal hemoperfusion.

E. coli bacteria were successfully removed from contaminated RBC/plasma by using a special matrix of micro-encapsulated albumin activated charcoal (ACAC). Efficacy of removing the bacteria was directly related to the amount of time the contaminated blood was in contact with the charcoal. The data indicated that the bacteria adhered to the ACAC, but that the charcoal was not bactericidal.