Effects of storage conditions on lymphocyte phenotypes from healthy and diseased persons.

Anticoagulant and room temperature storage of peripheral blood was evaluated in healthy and diseased persons (AIDS and CLL) for its effect upon lymphocyte phenotyping by flow cytometry. Whole blood was stored in either Li heparin, EDTA, or ACD for up to 96 hours. Aliquots at 5 time intervals were evaluated using CD3, CD2, CD4, CD8, and CD19 monoclonal antibodies. Blood from healthy donors stored in EDTA produced an apparent increase in T cells and decrease in B cells most evident by 96 hours storage. Blood from diseased persons stored in Li heparin up to 96 hours showed insufficient changes in phenotype to warrant a different clinical interpretation. We conclude that all three anticoagulants are adequate for short term (less than 24 hr) room temperature transport and storage of peripheral blood for flow cytometry. Li heparin or ACD are more appropriate if prolonged transport times are anticipated.