Abstract: A vial and system are configured to simplify fluid input and extraction therefrom. The vial has a first end opposite a second end and with a collapsible sidewall. The sidewall can be collapsed, such as by imparting a differential pressure between an interior and exterior of the vial, for simplified fluid extraction and smooth extraction without disturbing boundaries between separated components. The vial typically has a bulb at a first end and a neck extending away from the bulb and toward the second end. An inlet spaced from the first end can be configured to attach to various different interfaces or processing elements for input and output of fluids. A support cup can be provided for use with the vial during centrifugation to allow the vial to withstand any centrifugation forces. Various fluid processing methodologies are supported by the collapsible vial, especially including methods of separation of components of blood.

Abstract: A method for preparing thrombin serum, the method comprising obtaining blood fluid sample, contacting a first aliquot of the blood fluid with a procoagulant agent to form prothrombinase enzyme complex bound to the surface of the procoagulant agent so as to obtain an activated procoagulant agent that may be stored. The activated procoagulant agent may then be contacted with a second aliquot of the blood fluid containing prothrombin so as to obtain thrombin serum, which may be extracted and contacted with fibrinogen to obtain fibrin.

Abstract: A centrifuge vessel is configured to have at least two chambers therein separated by a divider, and with a spillway around a lip at an end of the divider to join the chambers. After centrifugation differing density phases of an original sample remain on opposite sides of the divider. Separate extraction ports are provided for removal of differing density phases of the original sample from opposite sides of the divider. A method of use of the centrifuge vessel includes centrifugation and extraction at differing orientations of the vessel for convenient and reliable extraction of differing density fractions from the original sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of cells for implantation into a living body is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a vessel substantially impermeable to gaseous oxygen; and fluid within said vessel, the fluid having a maximal dissolved oxygen capacity substantially equivalent to normal saline yet having a hypoxic oxygen concentration between about 0% to about 5% of said maximal dissolved oxygen capacity. The bag oxygen concentration level remains low when the apparatus is stored at 22°-25° C. in normal atmospheric conditions for a period of at least 30 days. The present invention simplifies the process of achieving donor cell hypoxic preconditioning for cell implantation, and may be used to bathe said cells to be transplanted for a sufficient time to activate the hypoxic metabolic pathway.