Leukocyte and Platelet Collection from Normal Donors with the Continuous Flow Blood Cell Separator

Abstract

Continuous‐flow centrifugation of blood from normal donors with the NCI‐IBM Continuous Flow Blood Cell Separator can be used safely and effectively to collect large quantities of normal granulocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. Comparison with single‐unit leukapheresis demonstrated a threefold greater collection of granulocytes and a fivefold greater collection of lymphocytes per hour of leukapheresis with continuous flow centrifugation. Granulocyte collections can be enhanced by giving the donors etiocholanolone or cortisone prior to leukapheresis. Plateletpheresis can be combined efficiently with granulocyte collction during continuous‐flow centrifugation, but it offers no particular advantage over platelet collection by standard plasmapheresis technics.