Chromosome preparations of human whole blood lymphocytes: an improved technique.

A new modification of currently utilized methods of processing cell cultures of whole peripheral blood for obtaining chromosome preparations necessary for differential staining (Q, G and C) is proposed. After the usual hypotonic treatment of cultures, a 3%-5% aquaeous solution of glacial acetic acid is added to the cell suspension prior to fixation in order to completely destroy and wash out red cells, as well as for selective fixation of lymphocytes.