Preparation of human leukocytes for SEM observation: a modified technique.

Variations in the mode of preparation, type of fixation and leukocyte collection can plan an important part in the determination of the surface structure of a given population, and can result in modifications of the microprojections, and their number, evident on the cell surface. We present preparatory modes that circumvent these difficulties, and the results obtained clearly show that the techniques are profitable, appear essential for the preservation of cell population and integrity, and allow accurate scanning electron microscopy observations without resort to time consuming procedures. Indeed, the entire process can be completed in one day.