A SIMPLE AND RAPID METHOD FOR REMOVAL OF SPECIFIC CELL-POPULATIONS FROM WHOLE-BLOOD

A method is presented in which specific cells can be rapidly separated from whole blood by the use of antibody labelled dense particles util izing gravity as a means of separation. This method specifically remov es the targeted cells with minimal non-specific cell loss. The method is simple to perform and rapid, requiring less then 10 min for cell/pa rticle binding and separation. The method is robust so that exact rati os of particles to cells are not needed. This method could be used in any separation scheme to remove specific cell populations without sign ificant modification.