A new method for separating lymphocytes and granulocytes from human peripheral blood using programmed gradient sedimentation in an isokinetic gradient.

Isopycnic sedimentation and programmed rate-zonal sedimentation in an isokinetic gradient of Ficoll (polysucrose) in tissue culture medium were used for the purification of individual kinds of cells from human peripheral blood. Following centrifugation in the isokinetic gradient, lymphocytes were 99.9±0.1 per cent and granulocytes 90.1±3.8 per cent of nucleated cells in their respective fractions. While monocytes were concentrated in one zone of the gradient, they were not as highly purified as monocytes prepared using established methods. Purification of lymphocytes and granulocytes using the isokinetic gradient offers one of the most effective and rapid means for obtaining purified sterile lymphocytes and granulocytes for or biochemical studies.