We evaluated the reliability of a flow cytometry technique for counting mononuclear cells (MNCs) in cytapheresis products. Eighty freshly-prepared samples of peripheral stem cells were studied using a dual immunolabeling technique with antibodies to CD13/CD14, and were also labeled with anti-CD34. Results of this immunophenotype determination were compared to those of the conventional method for counting MNCs under the microscope. Dual CD13/CD14 labeling was found to be a simple and reliable method for counting MNCs in the presence of immature and stimulated cells. When used in combination with CD34 labeling, the dual immunolabeling method helped improve the evaluation of the quality of peripheral stem cell grafts.
Antigens, CD34 Biomarkers