Separation and collection of leukocytes.

Abstract

Summary Existing methods for separation and collection of leukocytes permit collection of only limited quantities of leukocytes. An instrument has been designed to process large volumes of blood on a continuous flow basis. The instrument collects venous blood, separates leukocytes in a centrifuge, and reinjects the red cells, plasma, and platelets. The separation process is 30–60% efficient in vitro at flow rates up to 50 ml/min. In vivo tests demonstrated safety, sterility, lack of hemolysis, and adequate anti-coagulation. However, leukocyte recovery in vivo is low (under 20%). If this poor in vivo recovery can be overcome, the instrument should prove useful for collection of large quantities of leukocytes.