Whole blood leukocytes isolation with microfabricated filter for cell analysis

The flow cytometric analysis of leukocytes in whole blood usually requires isolation of leukocytes from other components of whole blood. Density gradient centrifugation and red blood cell lysis are the most commonly used methods to separate leukocytes but come with significant limitations. We report the results of the evaluation of a microfabricated filtration device for blood preparation that separates erythrocytes from leukocytes based on their size and mechanical properties. The microfabricated filter evaluated here requires a rapid and simple procedure and results in high leukocytes recovery without introducing bias among the leukocyte subpopulations. The filter removes erythrocytes, platelets, plasma proteins, and unbound staining reagent. This gentle filtration process produces very clean stained leukocytes for cytometric analysis without any apparent damage to leukocytes.