Gravity sedimentation analysis of human blood leukocytes

A new method of sedimentation analysis of human blood leukocytes is described. Platelets, lymphocytes, monocytes, and polymorphonuclear cells isolated from normal human peripheral blood have been analyzed alone and in mixture by gravity sedimentation, employing a computerized scanning instrument. All four classes could be clearly resolved from each other exhibiting sedimentation velocities of 0.06 +/- 0.00, 1.04 +/- 0.11, 1.27 +/- 0.15 and 1.89 +/- 0.21 x 10(-4) cm/s, respectively, at 37 degrees C in a 2.5--6.25% Ficoll gradient in Medium 199. Less than 10(6) cells can be used for analysis. Possible applications of the method are discussed.