A three-step method for preparing cryopreserved samples of apheresis products for post-thaw analysis yields a high recovery of viable cells.

Background: Flow cytometry protocols for counting fresh CD34+ cell samples are not ideal for cryopreserved products due to cryoprotectant cytotoxicity. For cryopreserved samples, often large volumes of hypotonic solutions, which can cause cell death, are used to remove the cryoprotectant with a post-thaw wash. We recently developed a novel multistep dilution method with subsequent flow cytometry analysis to allow for accurate and reproducible results. The previous method involved washing steps which invalidate the ability to enumerate cell recovery, and success had to be gauged solely on viability. The new method allows for assessment of total cell recovery and viable cell recovery.

Study design and methods: Apheresis products were cryopreserved in 10% DMSO at a target WBC concentration of 300 × 10⁶/mL. Cryovials from these products were thawed at 37°C, and samples were diluted 1:2 by three additions of 1/3 sample volume using 1%-Human Albumin in Dextran 40 (10% Low Molecular Weight Dextran in 0.9% NaCl) separated by 5 min between each addition. A 1:10 dilution was performed to obtain the correct cell concentration for flow cytometric analysis resulting in a 1:20 dilution. End WBC concentrations were ~15 × 10⁶/mL with DMSO diluted to 0.5%.

Results: Fifty-two samples were tested with this new method. Total and viable cell recoveries were calculated based on pre-cryopreservation data. Median total cell recoveries for CD34 and CD3 were >85%, while median viable cell recoveries were >75%.

Discussion: Cryopreserved samples can be reliably prepared for flow cytometric testing using a step-wise dilution to preserve cell integrity and robust recoveries.