Active biological sample processing and thermal management devices

An apparatus for blood sample separation and shipping comprising:

• (a) an outer container:
• (b) a thermal insulation layer within the outer container and defining a receiving area;
• (c) a centrifuge assembly within the receiving area of the thermal insulation layer, wherein the thermal insulation layer is between the centrifuge assembly and the outer container, the centrifuge assembly comprising:
• (d) a motor compartment;
• (e) a rotor assembly comprising a rotor body, a fixed counterweight, an attachment hub, and exactly one sample tube retainer;
• (f) a centrifuge motor adapted to spin the rotor assembly around an axis of rotation;
• (g) an electronic controller operatively connected to the centrifuge motor;
• (h) a battery, wherein the battery provides power to the centrifuge motor and to the electronic controller;
• (i) a safety liner surrounding at least a portion of the rotor assembly within the receiving area of the thermal insulation layer;
• (j) a thermally insulating lid comprising a thermal seal;
• and
• (k) one or more thermal management-elements.