1. Apparatus for assessing the quality of platelets in a transparent container containing the platelets in a volume of fluid, comprising, a light source oriented relative to a transparent support such that light emitted from the light source is directed through the transparent support, said transparent support being adapted for supporting said container; a clamp adapted for applying pressure to a container on said transparent support, said clamp having a retaining position in which said clamp restricts a volume of fluid in said container in a partially bounded volume that has a flow path in and out of said partially bounded volume, and said clamp comprising first and second arms, each movable between a first position in which a bag may be placed on said transparent support in a desired position and the retaining position in which the first and second clamp arms pinch said bag between said clamp arms and said transparent support to thereby define the partially bounded volume; an optical detector positioned relative to the transparent support such that light emitted from the light source is directed to said optical detector; a flow inducer to apply pressure to said container in said partially bounded volume to thereby cause a turbulent flow of fluid in said partially bounded volume to flow through said flow path; and wherein said optical detector detects fluid flow patterns in said fluid as said fluid flows in a predictable manner through said flow path and within the partially bounded volume.