The morphology and viability of blood components processed by high-gradient magnetic separation

The effect of high-gradient magnetic separation on blood components has been investigated. For erythrocytes there is no significant change in the morphology, size distribution and in the in-vivo survival times at the confidence level P = 0.05. For neutrophils stimulated nitro-blue tetrazolium reduction is maintained after HGMS. No change in chemotaxis and yeast cell phagocytosis was observed. Platelet distribution curves show no detectable changes before and after filtration. It is concluded that blood separated by HGMS is suitable for diagnostic analysis and may be considered for return to the patient.