Abstract
A low‐molecular‐weight preparation of hydroxyethyl starch (LMW‐HES) may serve as a desirable substitute for the erythrocyte sedimenting agents presently employed to improve neutrophil yields in centrifugation and gravity leukapheresis. The cell‐separating and erythrocyte‐sedimenting properties of LMW‐HES, assessed in vitro by the recovery of various blood cells in plasma supernatant fluids, were similar to those of the higher‐molecular‐weight hydroxyethyl starch in current use and to dextran under a variety of conditions. These data predict success for LMW‐HES as a sedimenting agent in leukapheresis and recommend that it be evaluated in clinical trials.