Whole Blood Columns in combination with StraightFrom

 Whole Blood MicroBeads allow cell separation directly from whole blood, without density-gradient centrifugation and erythrocyte lysis. Optimal flow rates of whole blood samples during cell separation are achieved by a specially developed two-layer column matrix.

The matrix of Whole Blood Columns consists of ferromagnetic spheres and a small layer of non-magnetic spheres. The matrix is covered with a cell-friendly coating. When placed in the magnetic field of a MACS

 Separator, the spheres amplify the magnetic field by 10,000-fold, thus inducing a high gradient within the column. This is crucial for isolation of cells that are only minimally labeled with MACS

 MicroBeads, leaving enough epitopes free for concurrent antibody staining. The space between the spheres is several times larger than primary and most cultured cells. This allows the cells to freely flow through the column. Magnetically labeled cells are held in suspension within the column and do not actually “bind” the column matrix. This suspension minimizes stress on the cells and allows for efficient sterile washing by avoiding cell aggregation.