Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for preparing plasma enriched with Interleukin Receptor 1 antagonist (“IL-1Ra”) using glass beads or polyacrylamide microbeads and recovering the plasma enriched in IL-1Ra with a filter.

Abstract: A system and method for producing high levels of autologous IL-1RA cytokine, includes a blood collection vessel, a cover, a portion of separation gel, an anticoagulant portion, a plasma collection syringe comprising a sharp needle, a buffy coat collection syringe and an incubation tube with cover. The blood collection vessel is adapted such that when containing whole blood and being centrifuged, after treatment yields separation fractions comprising, a first fraction of RBCs sediment, a second fraction of said gel, a third fraction comprising WBCs, platelets and a fourth fraction of plasma solution.

Abstract: A system for obtaining plasma enriched in platelets is disclosed which is closed to the atmosphere. The system includes: a collection tube containing an anticoagulant portion and a separation gel; a first collection syringe adapted to collect a portion of fluid relatively depleted in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation; and a second collection syringe adapted to collect plasma enriched in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation, said second collection syringe further comprising a filter unit adapted to filter cells included in said plasma enriched in platelets.

Abstract: A closure for sealing a sample tube and a method for establishing vacuum conditions within the tube while the closure is loosely positioned on the tube are provided. The closure comprises: (a) an inner stopper portion for insertion into the tube; and (b) an outer skirt portion for enclosing the tube, the skirt portion including at least two radially inwardly directed extensions for loosely positioning the closure on the tube, the extensions defining at least two passageways therebetween for exchanging gases between the interior of the tube and the surrounding atmosphere when the extensions are positioned on the tube. Preferably, the inner stopper portion and the outer skirt portion are integrally made.