Cryopreservation and short-term storage of human lymphocytes for surface marker analysis Comparison of three methods

Abstract

Three methods were compared for the cryopreservation and short-term storage of human lymphocytes for cell surface marker analysis with monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. These methods were (1) controlled-rate freezing followed by storage in liquid nitrogen (CR), (2) direct placement into liquid nitrogen (LN), and (3) direct placement at −70°C (−70). Our findings show that the LN and −70 methods of cryopreserving lymphocytes are as effective as the CR method for the purpose of determining T cell and large granular lymphocyte subsets within 1 month after freezing.