Viral infections - treatment with convalescent plasma/serum

A method comprising the steps of:

• (a) introducing whole blood or bone marrow from a donor into a container prefilled only with:
• (i) a thixotropic gel as a first layer from a distal end of the container, and
• (ii) calcium gluconate as a coagulation activator as a second layer disposed proximally above the thixotropic gel layer;
• (b) centrifuging the container once only at a force of about 1000 g to about 2000 g for about 15 to about 30 minutes;
• and
• (c) collecting the serum from a proximal end of the container immediately following centrifugation and without homogenizing or resuspending the contents of the container,
• wherein the centrifugation time in step (b) is reduced relative to the centrifugation time required for an equivalent container lacking a calcium-based coagulation activator.

A kit for use in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a viral infection and/or associated condition, the kit comprising:

• at least one first container prefilled only with a thixotropic gel as a first layer from a distal end of the first container and calcium gluconate as a coagulation activator as a second layer disposed proximally above the thixotropic gel layer, the first container being configured for preparation of a serum;
• and
• at least one second container prefilled with a thixotropic gel and an anticoagulant comprising sodium citrate, the second container being configured for preparation of a plasma,
• wherein the serum prepared from the first container and the plasma prepared from the second container are for administration in combination to a subject in need thereof.

A container prefilled only with:

• a cell selector gel as a first layer from a distal end of the container;
• and
• calcium gluconate as a second layer disposed at a proximal end of the container above the cell selector gel, wherein the calcium gluconate is at a concentration of about 1% to about 20%,
• wherein the container contains no anticoagulant.