Protocol for one-step selective lysis of red blood cells and platelets with long-term preservation of white blood cells (human) at ambient temperature.

Current protocols for storage of white blood cells (WBCs) rely on constant refrigeration. The protocol described below explains the preparation of a fixative combination saline (FCS) formulation, which allows fixation of human WBCs and lysis of red blood cells and platelets (at ambient temperature, 4-35oC) in whole blood samples in one step. FCS can be used for storing and transporting blood at ambient temperatures for up to 4 months, without altering the nuclear morphology and genomic integrity of WBCs.