Re: Stem Cell Isolation Columns

Timothy J Farley (tfarley@computer.net)
Thu, 16 Oct 1997 21:59:46 -0400

> I am trying to gather information from those who are using the Baxter or
> Cellpro columns for isolation of Stem Cells.
>
> We are going to start some projects involving either of these coupled
> with Flow Sorting to isolate stem cells.
>
> Any information you can provide as to the recovery/purity etc would be
> helpful. I would rather not spend valuable time and money in months of
> testing these products.
>
> Thanks
>
> Jim Houston
> Flow Cytometry Specialist
> Cell and Gene Therapy
> St. Jude Children's Res. Hosp.
>

Jim,
Both systems work pretty well. We have more experience with Baxter
system. Some things to keep in mind.
Recovery is usually around 60-70% of starting pool.
Purity can be pretty variable. Seen reports with CellPro system of
10-90%. Few reports with Baxter note 70-95%. Final purity may also be
related to method of mobilization. We have noted in patients mobilized
with chemo+G-CSF, median purity is 99% (92-99.8%). Those few mobilized
only with G-CSF achieve purities of 75-88%. This phenomena has been
reported in a 1996 paper that was in J. Hematotherapy. Can't recall lead
author right now.
Recovery is somewhat dependant on the starting purity of the CD34+ cells.
We have noted that if CD34% purity is below 0.5%, final recovery gets into
the 30-50% range.
This experience is based on clinical scale devices. Research sized
reagent kits may give different results. Drop me a note if you have any
specific questions.