Procedures for the Isolation and Cryopreservation of PBMC
The Cross-Network Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) Processing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) provides instructions for processing PBMC at network (ACTG, HPTN, and HVTN) site-affiliated laboratories, and is intended to simplify and clarify PBMC processing, especially at shared sites. Use of the Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP is required for all laboratories cryopreserving PBMC for ACTG, HPTN, and HVTN.
Note: As of version 7.0, this SOP no longer applies to IMPAACT laboratories; a new PBMC processing SOP specifically for IMPAACT is in development and will be available on the ACTG-IMPAACT Laboratory Center Website
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Current Versions
Before using this SOP for the first time, thoroughly review all sections that apply to your network(s) to understand important notes and details. Once you are familiar with the procedures, you can use the quick guides located in the appendices of the Cross-Network PBMC Processing SOP.
Results Reporting
Use of a PBMC Processing Worksheet and the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) is required for all networks to track key processing details including the timing of processing, calculations and documentation of problems that arise during processing.
For HPTN and HVTN, the use of a protocol-specific PBMC Processing Worksheet in its entirety is required unless otherwise noted in the protocol Specimen Processing Laboratory Instructions (SPLI) or Laboratory Manual (LM). For ACTG protocols, all components indicated in the ACTG PBMC Processing Worksheet in Appendix B must be captured. In the rare case that a protocol-specific PBMC worksheet is not required, the generic worksheet provided in Appendix A of this SOP, and linked below, may be used.
ACTG PBMC Processing Worksheet v8.0 12June2026
Generic HPTN-HVTN PBMC Processing Worksheet v8.0 12June2026