Differential centrifugation of leucocytes and platelets applied to 111In-leucocyte labelling

Platelet contamination of 111In-leucocytes can be minimized by centrifugation of leucocyte-rich plasma before labelling. The differential recovery of leucocytes and platelets from centrifugation depends on various biological and physical factors. Experimental measurements have been made of the effect of some of these factors. The ratio of leucocyte-to-platelet recovery was increased by using more than one centrifugation, and by using a low relative centrifugal force (RCF). To extend the study, a method of calculating cell recovery from centrifugation was developed, based on the experimental results. Calculations indicated that this ratio was at a maximum at around 85g RCF, and was least affected by changes in the suspension medium viscosity. At 85g, leucocyte recovery was incomplete, but calculations indicated that there was a preferential recovery of granulocytes which was subsequently verified by experiment.