A simple and rapid method for removal of specific cell populations from whole blood

A method is presented in which specific cells can be rapidly separated from whole blood by the use of antibody labelled dense particles utilizing gravity as a means of separation. This method specifically removes the targeted cells with minimal non-specific cell loss. The method is simple to perform and rapid, requiring less then 10 min for cell/particle binding and separation. The method is robust so that exact ratios of particles to cells are not needed. This method could be used in any separation scheme to remove specific cell populations without significant modification.