Mononuclear cell (MNC) collection by continuous-flow centrifugation (CFC).

Mononuclear cell separation and collection by continuous-flow centrifugation relates to centrifugal acceleration, total blood processed, peripheral blood concentration, and probable mobilization from extravascular sites during the procedure. At low-G forces, 70-80% of mononuclear cells are cleared. As G forces are increased, 95-100% of mononuclear cells can be cleared, but excessive platelet depletion occurs. An average of three billion cells were harvested from 2-3 liters of blood, rising to nine billion when 6 liters were processed. The total blood processed is defined by citrate infusion rates and ionized calcium changes. Large quantities of mononuclear cells were collected from normal donors without any significant depletion. If the objective of harvesting mononuclear cells is depletion, intensive schedules may be needed.