A new method of preparing monocyte suspensions from human whole blood.

A method of isolating monocytes from human whole blood is described. The technique is primarily based on simple centrifugation steps that follow Tylose-sedimentation as well as on the use of the new density gradient medium Nycodens. Counterflow centrifugation is not involved. The final monocyte suspension is free of platelets. The contaminating cells are predominantly lymphocytes. As a whole, the method is a modification of the Nycodens technique published by Boyum in 1983, which leads to a total elimination of platelet contamination in the final cell suspension.