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.