Effect of sample storage temperature and time on NK cells and B-lymphocytes detected by flow cytometry

 Objective   To study the effect of storage temperature and time on the detection of NK cells and B-lymphocytes.  Methods   NK cells and B-lymphocytes in peripheral blood were detected by 6-color flow cytometry.The effect of storage temperature and time on the detection of NK cells and B-lymphocytes was observed.  Results   No change was found in the number of NK cells and B-lymphocytes in whole blood samples stored at 18℃.The number of NK cells and B-lymphocytes decreased after stored at low or high temperature.The whole blood samples that were fixed with paraformaldehyde and stained with fluorescent antibody could be stored for 7 days.  Conclusion   Flow cytometry can detect NK cells and B-lymphocytes.The samples can be stored at 18℃ for 96 h when it is not able to treat them in time.The treated samples can be stored at 4℃ for 7 days.