Abstract: Gel formulations including a polydimethylsiloxane-polyethyleneoxide copolymer gelled with dibenzylidine sorbitol in the presence of water or alcohol. The gel formulations are useful for facilitating the separation of blood serum or plasma from the cellular portion of blood or as a thermoreversible shear sensitive substance.

Abstract: A blood collection assembly includes an evacuated container having an open end with a puncturable stopper therein. A receptacle in the container contains an additive and has an open end covered by a puncturable, non-resealable material.In a method for preparing a blood sample for analysis, the stopper and receptacle covering are punctured by a cannula, the cannula is partially retracted into the receptacle so that blood drawn through the cannula contacts the additive and washes it directly into the container through a hole in the covering made by the cannula.

Abstract: In a method for lubricating articles, a liquid composition including a gelling agent dissolved in a lubricant is applied to the surface of an article and caused to gel on the article. Gelling may be induced by applying the liquid composition to an article at a temperature below the gelling temperature of the composition, or the article coated with the liquid composition may be cooled to induce gelling.