Methods and devices for separation of blood components

An automated method to separate previously fractionated blood components, the method comprising:

• providing at least one fractionated blood sample from a sample vessel to a device comprising:
• a piercing post to receive a sample, wherein the sample vessel and the piercing post are in fluid communication, and,
• at least a first and second arm, each extending perpendicular to length of the piercing post/sample vessel complex in opposite directions, wherein each at least first and second arm has a bend at the distal end of the perpendicular segment, and a second portion of each arm which extends from the bend in a direction perpendicular to the first segment and parallel to the piercing post, such that the distal ends of the piercing post and the second portion of the arms are in opposite directions;
• capturing optical data from the at least one fractionated blood sample by a photodetector, wherein the photodetector is in communication with a processor;
• identifying a location or boundary between individual blood components in the at least one fractionated blood sample by a visual processing algorithm;
• and,
• providing active feedback control based on the location of or boundaries between the individual blood components as determined by the visual processing algorithm, by providing instructions to mechanical means to separate, move and store the components.