Rapid purification of human peripheral blood monocytes by centrifugation through Ficoll-Hypaque and Sepracell-MN.

We have developed a rapid and simple method for isolating human peripheral blood monocytes in suspension. The procedure combines two separation media and involves isolation of the mononuclear cells by centrifugation through Ficoll-Hypaque followed by purification of the monocytes using Sepracell-MN, a colloidal silica-based medium. The final cell population contained approximately 90% monocytes with good functional ability. The contaminating cells were lymphocytes. Viability was always greater than or equal to 99% with 90% recovery of the monocytes from the mononuclear cells.