'Agglutination and flocculation' of stem cells collected by apheresis due to cryofibrinogen

Collection of peripheral stem cells by apheresis is a well-described process. Here, investigations concerning ‘agglutination and flocculation’ of stem cells collected from two patients are described. In both cases, cryoproteins were observed and cryofibrinogen was identified using high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis. In one case, peripheral stem cells were collected after a second course of mobilization, and the cells were immediately washed at 37°C before being frozen, allowing their use, despite the presence of cryofibrinogen. In the other case, ‘agglutination’ was reversed by warming the bag, and plasma was removed before freezing.