Optimal conditions for simultaneous purification of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leucocytes from human blood by the Hypaque-Ficoll method.

Data on the optimal conditions for the simultaneous purification of mononuclear (MN) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) leucocytes from human blood on Hypaque-Ficoll medium of one density is presented. The efficiency of separation of MN and PMN leucocytes by the Hypaque-Ficoll method was dependent on both the Ficoll concentration and the density of the medium. Best results were obtained with a medium consisting of a Ficoll concentration of 8.2% and a density of 1.114 g/ml. The separation procedure was much more efficient if carried out at room temperature than at 4 degrees C. Storing human blood markedly affected the efficiency of separation and best results were obtained using fresh blood. Data are also presented on the variability in the separation with respect to 40 adults and 80 children.