PBMC Processing for Drug Development, Immunology, and Cell Therapy
Accelevir is a CLIA-certified laboratory offering expert PBMC processing services, including isolation, subset enrichment, cryopreservation, and downstream bioanalysis. We support biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic partners with precision workflows and end-to-end service.
Why Choose Accelevir:
- Full PBMC lifecycle services: isolation to analysis
- CLIA-certified and GCLP-aligned workflows
- Automated and manual isolation methods
- Subset enrichment, viability assessment, and storage
- Integrated services in virology, immunology, and gene therapy
What Are PBMCs?
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) are immune cells with a single round nucleus:
- Lymphocytes: T cells (CD3+), B cells (CD19+), NK cells (CD56+)
- Monocytes (CD14+)
- Dendritic cells
These cells are critical for:
- Immunophenotyping
- Immune response tracking
- Cell therapy manufacturing
- Biomarker discovery
PBMCs originate from:
- Whole blood
- Buffy coat
- Leukopaks
- LRS cones
- Cord blood and bone marrow (by request)
Applications of PBMCs in Biotech & Pharma
- Immuno-oncology and CAR T-cell monitoring
- Gene therapy trials: AAV/LV immune profiling
- Vaccine development: Cytokine and ELISpot testing
- Rare disease and transplant immunology
- Toxicology and autoimmunity studies
PBMC Isolation Methods
Density Gradient Centrifugation (Ficoll-Paque™, Lymphoprep™)
- Standard DGM method
- Cost-effective with consistent recovery
SepMate™, Accuspin™, LeucoSep Tubes
- Frit barrier improves speed and consistency
- 15–20 min isolation time
Cell Preparation Tubes (CPT)
- Gel-based, prefilled anticoagulant tubes
- Onsite centrifugation support
Immunomagnetic Cell Separation (EasySep™, MACS)
- High-purity isolation
- Depletion of RBCs, granulocytes, platelets
- Suitable for automation via RoboSep™
Complete PBMC Processing Workflow
- Sample Receipt & ID Check
- Isolation via DGM or magnetic methods
- RBC/granulocyte/platelet depletion
- Washing & pelleting
- Viability and cell count (trypan blue or AO/PI)
- Cryopreservation (if required)
- Subset enrichment or downstream transfer
Equipment and Infrastructure
- Class II BSCs
- Swinging bucket centrifuges
- RoboSep™ cell isolation
- Bio-Rad and ThermoFisher digital PCR platforms
- Liquid nitrogen cryostorage
Viability & Quality Metrics
- 90% post-thaw viability (standard)
- Granulocyte/RBC contamination thresholds
- Flow cytometry confirmation of subset integrity
Cell Counting Tools
- Manual hemocytometer (trypan blue)
- AO/PI automated counters for throughput
Cryopreservation & Thawing
- CryoStor® CS10 or FBS/DMSO media
- −1°C/min freezing with −80°C transition to LN₂
- Rapid 37°C thaw and osmotic shock mitigation
Immune Cell Subset Enrichment
Magnetic Bead Isolation
- Positive or negative selection for CD3/CD4/CD8/CD14/CD19/CD56/CD34
- Compatible with downstream genomics or flow cytometry
Adherence-Based Monocyte Isolation
- Flask coating and EDTA-based detachment protocols
Comparative PBMC Methods
| Method | Time | Viability | Contamination | Scale |
| Ficoll | 45–60m | High | Moderate | Medium |
| SepMate™ | ~15m | High | Low | Medium |
| CPT Tubes | ~30m | High | Variable | High (field) |
| EasySep™ | ~20m | High | Lowest | Low–Medium |
| RoboSep™ | ~25m | High | Lowest | High |
Common Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
- Sample Collection: EDTA/Heparin compatibility
- Processing Delays: Prefer <4 hours; freeze <8 hours
- Temperature: Maintain 18–25°C; monitor centrifuge
- Cryo Errors: Endotoxin-free DMSO, correct ramp rate
PBMC Product Options
- Fresh or frozen lots (with donor specs)
- Longitudinal cryobanked samples
- Isolation from leukopaks, buffy coats, LRS cones
- HLA, CMV, BMI, age, and IRB-compliant donor screening
Quality Assurance Program
Internal QA
- Time benchmarks: Processing <4hr; freezing <8hr
- Technician reporting and SOP adherence
External QA
- Monthly proficiency tests
- Sponsor protocol alignment
Assay Quality Control
- Recovery post-thaw
- Batch-to-batch comparisons
Flexible Support Models
- Central lab & global 24hr TAT
- Sponsor-specific SOPs
- “Train the Trainer” and traveling lab techs
- Integration with broader study assays (e.g., dPCR, flow cytometry)
Related Services (Internal Links)
- Flow Cytometry Services
- Molecular & Genomic Assays
- Custom Assay Development
- Immunogenicity Testing
- Gene Therapy Analytics
- Start a Project
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you support leukopak and LRS cone processing?
Yes, including high-yield isolations and cryopreservation.
Can I customize PBMC enrichment protocols?
Yes, we offer magnetic and adherence-based custom workflows.
Do you provide donor-matched frozen lots?
Yes, with full demographic and HLA/CMV screening.
Are your services CLIA-certified?
Yes, our lab is CLIA-certified and aligned with GCLP standards.
What’s your typical viability post-thaw?
Greater than 90% in validated workflows.
Request a Quote or Start Your PBMC Project
Let’s discuss your PBMC processing needs. Reach out for a tailored solution and rapid turnaround.